Lysander

The Kingdom of Aethel was falling to pieces

The war against the Northern Kingdom had them surrounded. Without allies, without trade, without hope. The King of Aethel convened his council.
Valdris is our only option , the King said. It is the largest kingdom on the border. If they support us, the North will retreat.

But Valdris never gets involved in other people's wars , a general replied . They don't owe us anything.

"I know, " said the King . "That's why we can't go around begging for alms as kings. If they reject us as royalty, the humiliation would be the end of Aethel."

By custom, no member of the royal family could go and ask for help. That would be admitting that the kingdom couldn't manage on its own. That's why they would send a messenger.

And in his shadow, his son would go.

"I've heard rumors on the merchants' road ," Lysander, the crown prince, had told his father the night before, while trying on a suit of armor for a common guard. "They say the King of Valdris hasn't been seen in public for months. They say he's dying. If it's true, Valdris is weak from within. I have to see it for myself."

He disguised himself as just another guard of the messenger Mael. Old helmet, mud-caked cloak, no royal insignia. No one would notice him.

The journey lasted three days. And at every inn, in every village near Valdris, the rumor grew louder.

"The King of Valdris is not waking up." "They say he no longer rules." "They say his daughter is in charge now. "

Lysander tightened the reins. Then it was true.

When they arrived at the gates of Valdris, they confirmed it. The castle was silent. The flags were at half-mast. The guards weren't celebrating, just standing watch with tired faces.

They were made to wait in the great throne room. Lysander stayed at the back, his head bowed, as every good guard should.

The doors opened.

No king entered. No council of elders entered.
A young girl entered, wearing a golden dress and a thin crown that was not that of a king but of an heir.