Chapter 46

Inside the king's tent, the monarch paced back and forth, his worry-lined face illuminated only by the flickering torches. The queen sat on their ornate bed, her eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep, her brow furrowed with concern. Lord Ryker stood nearby, his arms crossed, his eyes fixed on the king as he paced.

Outside, the darkness was absolute, the only sound the distant murmur of soldiers discussing their plans for the next day's search. But for the king and queen, the passing hours only heightened their turmoil. Prince Kael had been gone for far too long, and the silence was deafening.

The king paused in his pacing, his eyes narrowing as a thought struck him. He turned to Lord Ryker, his gaze intense. "Earlier, Prince Kael mentioned that there was no trace of the assassins in the forest. What do you make of it, Lord Ryker? Do you think there's no way to know who could be responsible for this attack?"