Mason's POV:
The tension in the room was palpable as I sat at the head of the long oak table, surrounded by my advisors. Maps and reports were strewn across the surface, each one a reminder of our failure to locate my father. The weight of the crown seemed to press down on me, a constant reminder of the responsibilities I now bore.
"Your Highness," my chief advisor, Lord Callum, began hesitantly, "I'm afraid we have some... difficult news."
I steeled myself, knowing that whatever was coming wouldn't be good. "Go on," I said, my voice firm despite the churning in my gut.
Lord Callum cleared his throat, his discomfort evident. "We've exhausted all known leads, Your Highness. We're at a standstill."
The words hit me like a physical blow, but I refused to let it show. Instead, I leaned fo
