Lysander

The Kingdom of Aethel was falling to pieces

The war against the Northern Kingdom had them surrounded. No allies, no trade, no hope. The King of Aethel gathered his council.
Valdris is our only option the King spoke 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 owe us nothing.

I know the King said That is why we cannot go as kings begging for alms. If they reject us as royalty, the humiliation would be the end of Aethel.

By custom, no member of the royalty could go to ask for help. It would be admitting that the kingdom cannot stand alone. Therefore, they would send a messenger.

And in his shadow, his son would go.

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

He camouflaged himself as just another guard for the messenger Mael. Old helmet, mud-stained cloak, no royal insignias. No one would notice him.

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

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

Lysander tightened the reins. So it was true.

When they arrived at the gates of Valdris, it was confirmed. The castle was silent. The flags were at half-mast. The guards didn't celebrate; they only watched with tired faces.

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

The doors opened.

A king did not enter. A council of elders did not enter.
A young girl entered, wearing a golden dress and the slender crown that was not that of a king, but of an heir