All the guests started to leave gradually either angrily or reluctantly.
There were a lot of questions in each of their minds but, who were they to go against the King of South Empire. The King of a country with the biggest and strongest army ever.
No country had ever gone against the South Empire and survived.
After the guests were gone, Oliver went to assemble all the guards and maids quickly in the ballroom. Then, he left to get the King and Queen.
The King was very angry and everyone knew that because of the deep frown on his face while the Queen walked gracefully like always and...was that a smile on her face?
The King took his seat on the throne as the Queen took hers.
Every male in the room took a bow while the females curtsied.
"Keep your respect to yourselves. Let's get to the real reason why we are here. When last did you all see my daughter"
Everyone looked at each other for everyone was confused by what was happening.
"I forgot you all are idiots. So, let's take this again simpler English. Princess Rose is missing and it appears that there are one of two things that might have happened to her. Either, one of you kidnapped her or, two, she ran away and I'd like you all to tell me where you last saw her" he said wearing a devilish smile
Everyone was still looking at one another as if the answer the King was looking for was on one of their faces.
"One of you all should SPEAK! DO NOT MAKE ME LOSE MY PATIENCE!"
Their attention was immediately turned back to the and King and, the weak ones among them had already started to tremble.
A guard raised his hand. His name was Michael and he was the youngest among all the other guards.
"My Lord, I have something to say," he said. The King then signaled for him to walk towards him.
When Michael got to the foot of the podium, he knelt on one knee and bent his head down to look at the floor as he was too intimidated by the king to look him in the eye.
"Speak" commanded the king.
"My Lord, I last saw Princess Rose walking towards the palace main gate a few minutes before the ball started"
"And, why didn't you say this before or, why didn't you stop her when you saw her going near the gates"
"I-I don't know My Lord."
"I see. Well, pack your things and leave my palace at once! I do not want to see you here by tomorrow"
"But, My Lord, my mother is ill and I'll need the money I get from working here to pay for her medicines"
"Did you think of that before you failed at your duties as a guard?"
After a minute of drop-dead silence, Michael still did not respond so, the King continued saying " Good. So, we can both agree that what I am doing is fair. Now, Oliver make sure I don't see him in my palace by tomorrow morning. Everyone else, you may leave. Oliver, stay back"
They all left including Michael who was depressed.
"Oliver, is there a guard on duty tonight?" asked the King.
"Of course My Lord"
"Who is he?"
"Fredrick"
"Go fetch him for me"