“HOW LONG HAS HE BEEN STANDING THERE?” Laya whispered. “I am not sure, but at least an hour,” Henry answered. They were outside of Daniel’s office looking through the little opening of the ajar door. The duke was standing immobile, looking out of the window. He was lost in his thoughts like he had been every day since the duchess left the castle.  “Lord Flock,” the butler got their attention, he was holding Ben in his arms. “The doctor said that the puppy has fully recovered, but I have no orders as to what to do with it now.” Henry eyed the dog for a moment, and something sparked in his eyes. “I have an idea,” he said before taking him from the butler’s hands. He caressed the cute puppy a few times. “Can you help him, Ben,” he whispered into his ear before opening the office door a little wider and gently pushing the dog into the room.  The butler joined Henry and Laya, the three of them watched with anticipation as

“HIS MAJESTY WILL SEE YOU NOW,” the guard announced. Daniel nodded at Henry before stepping toward the open doors. Laya and his knights were on alert close by. They already had their orders, in case things got out of hand. “My goodness, Duke Van Konigl, it has been too long,” the king said as soon as Daniel entered. “It has, Your Majesty.” Daniel bowed. “Thank you for accepting to meet me, even in such a short notice.” “Nonsense, I always enjoy your company. Please, have a seat.” Daniel complied.  He was surprised that the king was alone in the room, apart from the footman serving the tea. He was sure the rooms surrounding them were filled with royal knights though.  “Thank you,” Daniel uttered when he placed a cup of Earl Grey in front of him. “I’m sorry to hear about what happened with your adopted son.” The duke clenched his jaw at the mention of Geoffrey, especially the word ‘adopted’. Even if the

“STILL NOTHING?” Daniel asked as he entered the library. He was finally able to step away from Geoffrey after he fell asleep. He made sure there were knights guarding him, both inside and outside the room. “They are definitely using a blockage spell,” Laya answered. “I can’t locate either of them.”  Daniel sighed. “Geoffrey has been asking for his mother, is there any other way we can use to locate them?” “I’m afraid that if they don’t want to be found, the only way would be to break that blockage spell.” Laya shrugged. “Can you?”  “I am not a God.” Laya sighed. “I can try, but I have very little to work with here, Daniel.” “Please, just do your best.” Daniel knew that he was asking too much of his old friend. She even postponed her return to the Tower for his sake, knowing that she would be scolded when she finally went back. But he really needed to find his wife, to tell her about Geoffrey and warn her about

KING TITUS STOOD ON THE RAISED PLATFORM, ready to address the guests. Queen Monika and Princess Aurora were standing behind him. They looked as merry as he did. There were many people standing around. The men who were participating in the Hunt stood on the left, the spectators to the right. “It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to this year’s Winter Hunt,” Titus announced. “We are honored to have many guests from neighboring countries, this year. I hope that you enjoy this tradition of ours that we have maintained for hundreds of years.” “I’m surprised he remembers this tradition and not the one where the king must be a pureblood,” Henry whispered to Daniel. “I also hope that this will be the first step to developing relations with our neighbors, for the prosperity of all,” the king continued. “May the Gods protect you and send preys your way. Let the Winter Hunt begin.” Titus raised a wine glass in the air before the guest mirrored his ac

“COMMANDER,” King Titus barked. “Yes, Your Majesty.” The commander turned to the royal knights who were encircling the king and queen. “Bring Their Majesties to safety immediately,” he ordered.  The knights complied and escorted them away. Another swarm of knights rushed in to block the way behind the monarchs. “So predictable,” Daniel whispered with a smile. “No one shall pass,” the royal knights’ commander announced. “Royal Knights,” Daniel called. “I do not wish to clash with you, a blood bath is not necessary here. We are all children of the First Queen Magtig and I do not wish to harm my brothers.” Daniel looked around at the hard faces staring at him. “King Titus has let us all down. He has abandoned the values that make us who we are. Sadly, he does not have Malorenia’s best interest in mind anymore. He is too worried about making sure the Crown Prince, who is not a pureblood, inherits the throne. He cannot see reas