A sharp knock shattered the morning silence.
Kaelith's body tensed before he was fully awake, his grip tightening instinctively around Seraphine's waist.
The knocking came again—urgent.
Seraphine sighed, shifting against him. "It seems we are needed."
Kaelith exhaled heavily, dragging a hand through his hair before sitting up. "Who dares disturb me at this hour?"
"Your Highness," a voice called through the door—Aldric, his most trusted informant. "It's urgent. A messenger arrived at dawn. You need to see this."
Kaelith's jaw tightened. Trouble.
Seraphine sat up beside him, her earlier contentment vanishing. She recognized the tension in his shoulders, the quiet fury in his expression.
Whatever this was, it was serious.
Kaelith rose, slipping into his robe with practiced efficiency before striding to the door. He pulled it open, revealing Aldric's grim expression.
"What is it?" Kaelith demanded.
Aldric stepped inside, handing over a sealed parchment. "It was sent from the border, bearing an unfamiliar crest."
Kaelith broke the seal, scanning the message quickly. His expression darkened.
Seraphine watched him carefully. "What does it say?"
He met her gaze, something unreadable flashing in his eyes.
"War is coming."
To be continued…
---