The grand hall in Eldria's castle was silent. King Aldred stood at the head of the long table, his face red with anger.
"What do you mean she's missing?" he shouted, slamming his hand on the table. His voice echoed in the room, and everyone froze.
The captain of the royal guards knelt before him. "Your Majesty, Princess Seraphina disappeared during the festival. We are searching for her now."
The King glared at him. "She has disobeyed me! My daughter must learn that her actions have consequences."
Queen Elysia, seated nearby, tried to calm him. "Aldred, she's still young. She'll come back. Don't act so harshly."
The King waved her off. "You don't understand. What if she's with… him?"
Everyone in the room knew who the King meant: Eryan, the boy Seraphina had once been friends with. The King had banned her from seeing him years ago, but the memory still made his blood boil.
"Find her!" the King ordered. "Search every village, every home. If anyone is helping her, they will be punished!"
The guards quickly left the hall, their armor clanking as they ran to carry out his orders.
---
Far away, in a quiet forest, Seraphina and Eryan were walking quickly along a narrow path. The sounds of the festival were far behind them.
Seraphina held onto Eryan's arm, her voice shaky. "My father will never forgive me for this."
Eryan looked at her, his expression firm. "Then we won't let him find you. I'll protect you, Sera. I promise."
Her eyes filled with tears, but she nodded. She trusted him, even though fear filled her heart.
Suddenly, they heard voices in the distance. Soldiers.
"They're already looking for you," Eryan whispered.
Seraphina pulled her hood over her head. "We need to move faster."
---
Back in the castle, King Aldred stood by the window, staring into the dark night. His fists were tight, and his mind was racing.
"She will come back," he said to himself. "Even if I have to bring her back myself."