Chapter 2:The King's Warning

"Everyone, listen carefully."

My father's commanding voice echoed through the grand hall, silencing every whisper.

"Last night, an intruder broke into the royal palace and entered my private archive. This was no ordinary thief. Whoever that man was, he knew exactly where to go and what he was searching for. That alone tells me he did not act without knowledge."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in as his sharp gaze swept across the faces before him.

"From this moment onward, no one is permitted to leave the palace without my direct permission. Every servant, maid, guard, and royal official will be questioned at first light. Until the traitor is found, no one is above suspicion."

A wave of uneasiness spread through the hall.

Without another word, Father climbed the staircase.

As I turned, I saw my mother, Queen Elena, hurrying downstairs. She met Father halfway, and together they returned to their chambers. It was obvious he intended to tell her everything.

I quietly returned to my own room.

Sleep refused to come.

The stranger's every movement replayed endlessly in my mind. He had planned every step with remarkable precision. He knew exactly where to enter, where to search, and how to escape.

Who was he?

Slowly, I walked toward the window and stared into the storm outside. A cold breeze slipped through the opening, sending chills across my skin.

Without hesitation, I shut the window firmly and locked it before climbing into bed.

---

At sunrise, the palace came alive once again.

Everyone had been ordered to gather in the Great Hall for questioning. From my chamber, I could already hear anxious whispers echoing through the corridors.

After getting dressed, I made my way to the Royal Assembly Hall.

One by one, the servants, guards, and maids stepped forward to answer Father's questions.

"Your Majesty," one frightened maid said, trembling as she bowed, "I was in my quarters preparing to sleep when the incident happened. I neither saw nor heard anyone suspicious. I beg you to believe me."

After she finished, another person stepped forward.

Then another.

And another.

Hours passed.

More than fifty people had already been questioned, yet no one claimed to have seen the intruder.

Exhaustion settled over the room.

Even if the traitor were standing before us, would they truly confess?I doubted it.

Just as I was about to excuse myself for a walk through the palace gardens, Father slowly rose from his throne.The hall fell silent.

"There is something every one of you must understand," he began.

"The man who entered this palace last night was no common criminal. He was highly trained, disciplined, and skilled beyond that of an ordinary soldier. Such a man does not act on impulse, nor does he risk his life without purpose."

He paused, his expression hardening.

Father continued,

He looked directly at every guard in the room.

"From this day forward, strengthen the palace's defenses. Double the guards at every gate. Search every corridor, every chamber, and every hidden passage. No stranger is to enter these grounds unnoticed."

Then his voice grew colder.

Father slowly rose from his throne, and the hall immediately fell silent.

Just then, one of the royal guards hurried forward and whispered something into Father's ear.

His expression darkened for a brief moment before he nodded.

"Very well," he said.

He turned his attention back to everyone gathered in the hall.

"You are all dismissed. Return to your respective duties and quarters, but remain vigilant. If you see or hear anything unusual, report it immediately."

Everyone bowed respectfully before quietly dispersing, each person carrying a different expression—fear, confusion, or suspicion.

As everyone began returning to their respective duties, I quietly made my way back to my chamber.

I had barely settled down when I heard a familiar voice call from outside my door.

"Princess Lisa."

I turned immediately.

It was my mother, Queen Elena.

The moment I saw her face, I knew something was wrong. She looked unusually pale, and fear lingered in her eyes—a look I had never seen on her before.

She walked over to me and gently held my hands.

"Lisa," she said softly, "I need you to promise me something."

I nodded.

"There is a dangerous man moving from kingdom to kingdom. Last night, he came to ours. I don't know what he is truly after, but I need you to promise me that, no matter what happens, you will keep yourself safe."

For a moment, I simply stared at her. I had never seen my mother so frightened.

"I promise, Mother," I replied, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze.

A faint smile appeared on her face before she gently embraced me.

"We should head to the dining room," she said. "Your father is waiting."

Together, we made our way to the royal dining hall.

As always, only the royal family dined there.

My father, King Neol, sat at the head of the long table, while my little brother, Ethan, was already waiting impatiently for the meal to begin.

Mother and I took our seats, and before long, dinner was served.

The long dining table was already prepared. A delicious feast of roasted meats, warm pastries, colorful vegetables, fresh fruits, and sparkling glasses of wine filled the table. The rich aroma drifted through the room, but despite the inviting meal, my heart still felt too heavy to enjoy any of it.

The dining hall was unusually quiet.

I slowly lifted my eyes and glanced at my younger brother, Ethan.

My twelve-year-old brother sat innocently in his chair, happily cutting pieces of meat onto his plate, completely unaware of the storm gathering over the kingdom. His bright smile made my heart ache. He was still just a child. How could someone so young possibly understand the terrifying truth that threatened to destroy everything we loved?We didn't say anything to Ethan.