Chapter 83 - Whispers in the Palace, A Queen's Counsel

The carriage wheels rattled over the cobblestone streets of the capital as we made our way toward the royal palace. Despite the comfortable interior, I couldn't stop fidgeting with the edge of my sleeve, my mind racing with worry.

"You're anxious," Alaric observed, his hand covering mine to still my nervous movements.

I nodded, glancing out the window at the elegant buildings passing by. "I can't help but wonder if Clara is still alive. It's been three days since she disappeared."

"We will find her," Alaric said, his voice firm with conviction. "King Theron needs to know everything we've discovered so far. His resources combined with mine will help us move faster."

The palace guards recognized Alaric immediately, bowing respectfully as our carriage passed through the ornate gates. Under different circumstances, I might have marveled at the magnificent gardens and fountains that adorned the royal grounds, but today they barely registered.