The griffin raider

It was from Richbane, Elizleta's brother. The letter bore the news of Aragon's actions and how he killed the members of the House of Beimear.

The news hit Elizleta like a physical blow. Her carefully maintained composure crumbled, and she let out a heart-wrenching sob. Ariade, displaying a maturity beyond his years, immediately moved to his wife's side, wrapping his arms around her in a comforting embrace.

"It's alright," he soothed, his young voice steady despite the fear in his eyes. "We're safe here. We'll find a way to stop him." But he didn't know how, and he didn't understand why Aragon was so adamant about his way of killing. He was starting to lose faith in him.

Leanna watched the scene with a mixture of sorrow and pride. In that moment, she saw not just a boy comforting his wife, but a future king rising to face adversity.

***

As the appointed hour for the meeting approached, the royal family gathered themselves.