Guardsman Leo and Jenkins were ushered in, their faces drawn with worry.
"Explain what happened," Minister Ravenswood ordered, his tone firm.
Guardsman Leo swallowed hard. "We were on duty, Lord Ravenswood. We checked the queen's cell at midnight. She was there, safe.
"Then, during the shift change at dawn, we found her cell empty. The door was open, and Guardsman Marcus and Elimas were injured."
The king's expression darkened. "Who could have done this?"
Guardsman Jenkins hesitated. "We didn't see anyone suspicious, Your Majesty. But... we did find something strange."
Minister Ravenswood's eyes narrowed. "What is it?"
Guardsman Jenkins produced a small piece of parchment from his pocket. "This was on the floor near the queen's cell."
The king's eyes widened as he took the parchment. Unfolding it, he revealed a crude drawing of a crescent moon.
"A symbol," Minister Ravenswood muttered. "But what is this doing here? An evidence of the queen's treason"
The king's thoughts whirled. Had his plan been discovered? Was this a warning?
Suddenly, the door burst open, and a royal messenger entered.
"Your Majesty," the messenger announced, "a crowd gathers outside the palace. They demand answers about the queen's disappearance."
The king's grip on the parchment tightened. His secrets were unraveling.
The king, his face stern, strode back into the grand council chamber, his ministers trailing behind. The air was thick with tension.
"General Thaddeus," the king commanded, his voice firm. "I want you to assemble 50 of our finest soldiers. Search every inch of Eridoria, leave no stone unturned. Find Queen Lili and bring her back to me."
General Thaddeus bowed. "At once, Your Majesty."
Minister Thompson's eyes widened. "Who could have done this?" he whispered to Minister Ravenswood.
"This is treason!" Minister Ravenswood exclaimed, his voice rising.
Noise filled the room as the ministers began to murmur among themselves.
The king slammed his fist on the table. "Silence!" he thundered. "This matter will not be discussed until the investigation is concluded. We will uncover the truth."
He stood up, his eunuchs scrambling to follow. "I will not tolerate speculation or gossip. We will see to the root of this matter."
The ministers' murmurs subsided, replaced by nervous glances. They began to file out of the chamber, their faces somber.
Meanwhile, Queen Lili's carriage rattled along the dusty road, crossing into the unfamiliar territory of the neighboring kingdom. The queen peered out the window, her heart racing.
Doctor Elara sat beside her, a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "We're almost there, Your Majesty."
After hours of travel, they spotted a small inn nestled among the trees. The queen's bodyguards, dressed in plain clothing, dismounted and approached the innkeeper.
"We'll take the entire inn for the night," one of them announced, handing over a pouch of gold coins.
The innkeeper's eyes widened as he accepted the payment. "Everyone, vacate the premises!" he shouted.
As the inn's patrons scurried out, Queen Lili's carriage pulled into the courtyard. The bodyguards helped the queen and Doctor Elara descend.
Inside, the inn's largest room was prepared for the queen. A fire crackled, and a simple but satisfying meal was laid before her.
Lili's eyes met Doctor Elara's. "We did it," she whispered.
Doctor Elara smiled. "We're not safe yet, Your Majesty. But we're closer."
*************************************
After four days of rest and Royal Physician Elara's expert care, Queen Lili finally recovered from her ordeal. But she knew their journey was far from over.
"We can't stay here," Queen Lili said, pacing the inn's private chamber. "It's not safe."
Doctor Elara nodded. "Agreed, Your Majesty. But where will we go?"
Queen Lili's gaze fell upon the innkeeper, who stood respectfully by the door. "Sir, can you provide us with commoner's clothing? We must blend in."
The innkeeper bowed. "Of course, Your Majesty. I'll fetch some suitable attire."
Within the hour, the queen, Doctor Elara, and their bodyguards donned simple, practical clothing. They exchanged their fine silks and velvets for woolen tunics and leather breeches.
"Burn every item with the marks and symbols of Eridoria," Queen Lili instructed, her voice firm.
In the inn's courtyard, a fire crackled to life. One by one, the bodyguards tossed their royal garments into the flames. Emblems of the Eridorian crown disappeared into the smoke.
Queen Lili watched, a mix of sadness and determination etched on her face. "We leave our past behind. From this day forward, we are ordinary travelers."
Doctor Elara placed a reassuring hand on the queen's shoulder. "You're safe now, My Lady Lili. We'll find a new home, a new life."
The queen's eyes sparkled with resolve. "Not just a new life, Elara. A new purpose."
With their royal identities shed, they set off into the unknown, free from the burdens of crown and duty.
At Eridoria, General Thaddeus and his soldiers returned empty-handed, their exhaustive search yielding no sign of Queen Lili.
"Your Majesty," General Thaddeus reported, "we've scoured every inch of the kingdom. The queen's trail has vanished."
King Erian's face darkened, but he knew the royal selection couldn't be delayed further.
"Very well," the king said. "Suspend the search indefinitely. We'll focus on securing the future of Eridoria."
The royal selection, a centuries-old tradition, commenced. Maidens from noble families gathered at the palace, vying for the king's hand.
Among them was Xaren, daughter of the esteemed Burroughs family. Her raven-haired beauty and sharp intellect made her a formidable contender.
Xaren stood before the selection committee, comprised of esteemed nobles and advisors.
"Tell us, Xaren," Kaelin Darkhaven, the eldest of the Sanian clan, asked, "what qualities make you suitable for the throne?"
Xaren's voice rang clear. "My education in politics, diplomacy, and governance, coupled with my family's legacy, prepare me to support the king and strengthen Eridoria."
The committee nodded, impressed.
Next, the maidens demonstrated their skills in music, poetry, and needlework. Xaren's talents shone, particularly in her exquisite embroidery.
As the selection progressed, Xaren's confidence grew. She engaged in intellectual debates, showcasing her knowledge of state affairs and international relations.
The final test: a private audience with King Erian.
Xaren curtsied before the king. "Your Majesty."
"Xaren," the king said, "your credentials are impressive. What do you believe is the key to a prosperous Eridoria?"
Xaren's eyes locked onto the king's. "Unity, Your Majesty. Strengthening alliances with neighboring kingdoms and fostering harmony among our people."
King Erian's expression remained inscrutable, but Xaren's words resonated.
The selection concluded, and the king retreated to deliberate.