“Your Majesty, King Zachary.” The voice of a messenger rang through the hall, urgent and breathless. “An attack has been launched at the border. The situation is dire.”
Zach’s eyes narrowed as he turned toward the door, his jaw tightening at the news. His movements were subtle, but there was a palpable tension building in the air around him. Daniel, standing beside his son, stiffened but kept his expression carefully composed, though the weight of the news clearly unsettled him.
“Who’s leading the attack?” Zachary asked, his tone sharp but controlled.
“Reports suggest it’s a rogue faction from the outer regions, possibly in alliance with…” the messenger hesitated, glancing nervously between father and son before finishing, “those who seek to undermine the throne.”
Zach exhaled slowly,
