Arthur’s POV
By the time I rode back to the capital, my armor was stained with dust and blood—some mine but most of it is not. A shallow cut burned across my ribs beneath the metal plates. The physician had insisted I rest.
But I refused.
The attack at the eastern ridge had been pushed back faster than expected.
Which meant something else was wrong.
Reports had reached me before I even crossed the gates, that Enemy spies were inside the palace.
An attempted ambush in the Palace.
And they came for Daniel.
I did not wait for formal greetings.
I did not wait for council meetings.
I rode straight through the palace courtyard, ignoring the shock on the guards’ faces.
“Your Highness—you are injured—”
“Move.”
My voice carried enough force that no one dared to argue.
The moment my b
