Abrielle stepped through the castle's grand doors, the echoes of the Rose Duel still ringing in her mind. Her fingers clenched the embroidered fabric of her sleeves as she walked, her mood dark and unreadable.
She could barely stay to the end after Cedric's short demonstration but she had to keep the little face she had left. She was unable to shake the unease that had settled deep in her chest. The cheers, the applause, it all felt distant now.
Just as she was about to take another step toward the staircase leading to her chambers, a hurried voice called out behind her. The messenger arrived.
"Your Highness!" The messenger called out as soon as he got off his horse. The princess stopped advancing in.
She turned sharply, her deep blue gaze settling on a messenger clad in royal insignia. His breathing was uneven as if he had rushed through the castle halls to find her. In his gloved hand, a sealed envelope bore the unmistakable golden crest of the king.
