The Events that Followed

The mug slipped from Alexander's trembling hand, shattering as it hit the marble floor with a sharp clang. His eyes blazed with fury, his face contorted with disbelief.

"No, no, no!" he spat, his voice echoing through the room.

The officials standing before him recoiled, their faces pale with fear. They had never seen the prince so incensed before.

"How could this have happened?" Alexander demanded, his voice rising with each word. "Where were her guards?"

"Your Royal Highness," one of the officials spoke up, his voice trembling. "Her Highness does not employ guards when traveling to the Royal Hospital. According to eyewitness accounts, a man in a thick overcoat and top hat stepped out of the carriage and attacked her. He then took her and fled in the carriage."

Alexander's fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tight with anger. 

"Is that all of it?! Did you find the carriage?"