War did not knock before entering.
It crashed through the kingdom like a storm.
At dawn, the war horns sounded across the capital. The deep, urgent blasts echoed against stone walls and high towers. Soldiers ran through the palace courtyards. Commanders shouted orders. Stable boys struggled to control restless horses.
The neighboring kingdom had attacked without warning.
Smoke rose from the eastern border, visible even from the palace towers.
Inside the royal courtyard, Arthur stood dressed in full armor. Black steel framed his broad shoulders, the royal crest engraved across his chest. His expression was cold and steady, but there was fire beneath it.
The generals waited for his command.
Before mounting his horse, Arthur turned toward Daniel.
She stood a few steps away, dressed in
