Searching

Russell approached the halted carriage, the sound of his horse's hooves slowing to a rhythmic clatter against the gravel. Once near, he dismounted in a single fluid motion and strode to the door. 

Russell knocked twice before he opened it and called out, "Is everything all right, Your Highness?"

What greeted him inside made him freeze mid-step. His eyes widened in shock as he took in the sight before him: a long silver sword embedded in the seat's backrest, its blade precariously close to Maverick's head. 

Abigail's polished leather boot rested firmly on the seat between Maverick's legs, her posture calm and composed.

Maverick, despite the situation, maintained an air of forced composure. Arms crossed and chin tilted, he gulped almost imperceptibly.

Russell's voice cracked as he stammered, "Princess Abigail… please… Please don't kill the captain. Prince Julius will…" He trailed off, visibly struggling to form coherent words.