"Assassins," the queen whispered, her voice laced with both sorrow and fury. "They infiltrated the palace grounds. The king is inside, leading the effort to contain them."
Before anyone could react, Duchess Mors shrieked in panic. "Richard!"
Her son had fallen to his knees, his body trembling as fresh blood trickled from the corner of his mouth.
"Why is there more blood?" she cried, rushing to his side.
Richard's breathing was ragged, but his gaze burned with determination. "Where… is the princess?" he managed to utter, his voice hoarse but resolute.
Before anyone could respond, the king's thunderous voice echoed from within the palace walls. "Protect the princess!"
"Princess!"
The single word electrified Richard. Despite his weakened state, he pushed himself to his feet, the pain in his chest forgotten.
His instincts drove him forward, his body moving faster than anyone could react.
