The next morning, the sun rose over the white towers of Cloud Land.
Aira, Ria, and Kael arrived at the palace, their armor polished and their expressions serious.
While the King finished his morning meetings, the trio waited in the royal garden.
The blooming flowers and singing birds felt strange compared to the cold, harsh winds of the North they were used to.
Finally, a messenger arrived.
“The King will see you now.”
They were led into a private, heavily guarded room.
King Rowan stood by the window, but as he turned, his face broke into a warm, genuine smile.
“It has been many years,” the King said softly.
“The last time I saw the three of you was at the funeral of General Arin and his brave soldiers.
You were just children then.
The trio bowed deeply.
Aira noticed the King’s eyes drop to the hilt of her sword.
“Is that the Red Jade?” Rowan asked, his voice full of nostalgia.
“Arin always used to hang it just like that on his sword.
I would know it anywhere.”
“Yes, Your Majesty,” Aira replied with a faint smile.
“We found it in our old house yesterday.”
“So, you are staying in the General’s old home.
Good,” the King nodded.
Then, his face turned grave, and he walked over to a heavy wooden desk.
The warmth in the room vanished.
“Now, I must tell you why I called you across the kingdom. New chapters come out on g.com first.
You have seen the refugees and the crowds at the gate, but the rot is inside these walls too.”
He pulled out a crumpled piece of parchment.
It was stained with dark, dried blood.
“A few days ago, while I was at the hunting grounds, this letter was delivered by a black arrow that missed my head by only an inch,” Rowan whispered.
“It says: ‘Leave the throne or you will suffer.'”
The trio tensed, their hands instinctively moving toward their weapons.
“I cannot trust the palace guards,” the King continued, his eyes scanning the door.
“I cannot trust the officials, and I am starting to doubt my own court.
This is why I summoned you.
Your fathers were the most loyal men I ever knew.
I know that loyalty runs in your blood.
This mission stays between the five of us: the three of you, myself, and my one personal guard who is truly loyal.”