Western Rizhan Province

Daedric froze, feeling as though someone had doused him in ice-cold water. 'Dahlia left... with Sullivan?' His mind reeled at the thought. She was supposed to stay in the palace, wasn't she? And why hadn't anyone told him?

His gaze snapped to Jameson, eyes blazing with fury. "Why didn't you wake me earlier?" Daedric demanded, his voice sharp and unforgiving.

"I-I'm s-sorry, Your Highness," Jameson stammered, struggling for words as Daedric's knuckles dug painfully into his chest. The Crown Prince held him there for a tense moment, then released him abruptly, allowing the valet to fall back, gasping for air.

"No one knew, Your Highness," Jameson sputtered, still catching his breath. "Except for the King. The orders came directly from him."