Travelling to north
The carriage left Van Doren Castle just before noon, heading north towards the royal family's domain. The steady rhythm of the four black horses' hooves echoed through the forest, creating a comforting cadence. With Barnby guiding the carriage, Hadeon and Mallory settled into their seats inside, the dense canopy of trees casting patchy shadows.
Noticing the letter in Hadeon's hand, Mallory asked curiously, "Is that the letter that was sent to you?"
"It's from the same place, but it isn't addressed to me. It's to the dead man who can't speak anymore," Hadeon replied, twirling the letter in his hand with a subtle smirk. "To the switcher."
"You think the king was the one who sent out the order to kill my mother first and then me?" Mallory's eyebrows shot up, a mix of shock and contemplation crossing her face as she imagined the dismay this revelation would bring to the people.