Silence.
A long silence.
Heads bowed. Hands pressed to the ground.
The guards’ trembling spines betrayed the fear they stood in.
“We cannot find the Princess, Your Highness,” the chief commander said.
It was his ill fate to be the one speaking.
The prince’s forearms tensed. After a long pause, he adjusted his stance and said calmly, “I would like to know the reason.”
Throats ran dry.
“We will find her soon, my lord,” Arya said quickly.
The prince raised an eyebrow.
Arya immediately stepped back in surrender.
“My lord,” the commander tried again, “there is a village near the western hills. Perhaps the Princess is there.”
The prince mounted his horse at once and led the troops toward the western hills. As they arrived, the bustling village turned to stare.
The women noticed imme
