Red Boots [7]

The Crown Prince had barely processed what Eiser was trying to tell him before he swung onto his horse, urgency clawing at his chest. There was no time for a carriage—every second counted. His mind raced, panic overriding reason. The Emperor had arranged some absurd event in his absence, and he had to put a stop to it.

The early summer sun burned overhead as he rode relentlessly toward the capital. Sweat slicked his clothes, but he didn't dare slow down. Hours passed, but he barely registered the fatigue creeping into his bones. He had to reach Lukewarp in time.

By some stroke of fortune—or perhaps misfortune—he arrived just as the grand tournament was reaching its climax. The capital was alive with splendor, the air buzzing with excitement. The final two young ladies stood poised, awaiting the announcement that would determine who would become the Crown Princess. A moment that should have been the pinnacle of their dreams.

He didn't care.