If you can hear me

In the grand palace, the heavy wooden door creaked open as Margaret quietly entered her son's room. From the doorway, she gazed intently at Magnus. "Has the Prince been like this since last night?" asked Queen Margaret, her voice tinged with concern, directing her question to Selvina, the chambermaid.

"Yes, Your Majesty," Selvina responded, her tone respectful yet worried.

Margaret's heart sank further at the confirmation. She turned sharply and left the room, her elegant robes as she made her way to the private chamber. This was where her husband, King Esmond, typically spent his mornings. She found him there, as expected, reviewing documents at a large oak desk.

The moment she entered, Esmond looked up and immediately sensed her distress. "What troubles you, my queen?" he asked, setting the papers aside.