I continued watering the plants, my thoughts drifting to the dealer and the unsettling letter, when I suddenly heard the rhythmic clip-clop of approaching horses. I turned to see a group of royal soldiers riding toward me. My heart skipped a beat. Were they coming to capture me? Had the dealer's letter been a ploy to reveal my true identity as Vespera? Or had they discovered my involvement in Smith's death? Though I'd managed to evade capture for other killings, this felt different.
Panic surged, but I took a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. As the soldiers halted before me, I quickly assessed the situation. Five guards stood before me—perhaps I could fight them off if necessary. I needed to act composed and ready. I forced my face into a neutral expression and prepared for the worst.
One of the guards dismounted and approached, bowing slightly. I returned the bow and offered a polite smile, though my heart was still pounding.
"We've come to deliver this letter from the palace," he said, extending a scroll to me. "It's a special communication from His Majesty. Please read it and let us know your response and the day we can arrange for your departure."
His words were both surprising and relieving. It seemed they were not here to arrest me after all. Maybe this was part of the dealer's scheme. With a mixture of relief and curiosity, I took the scroll and began to unroll it.
ROYAL PALACE OF ELORIA
URGENT ROYAL SUMMONS
TO ALTHEA,
By the command of His Majesty, King Aldric, you are urgently summoned to the Royal Palace. A dire situation has arisen, and your immediate assistance is required to address a critical medical emergency involving a member of the royal family.
Your expertise is essential to remedy this urgent crisis. We request that you make your way to the palace as soon as possible. Please confirm your availability and the earliest time you can arrive.
Your prompt response to this royal summon is of the utmost importance.
With highest regard,
King Aldric