The prince stood in the hall.
He tried to stay calm, but everyone could see the pain in his eyes.
The crown on his head felt heavier than ever.
The hall was silent.
Every person there knew what the King’s order meant.
The prince had heard about the mission before, but it still hurt him.
_She was never meant for this.
And yet they are sending her anyway_, he thought.
Anger burned cold in his chest.
By the King’s command, the decision was final.
The list of names had already been written, sealed, and signed.
The prince stared at the parchment in shock.
*He had not known Jasmina’s name was on it.* She had been chosen to go to the werewolf kingdom as a spy.
There was nothing anyone could do.
She would leave with the others.
“I am sorry,” a scribe said with a low bow.
“The order stands.”
The prince could not take it anymore.
Silent and furious, he walked across the hall.
He grabbed Jasmina’s arm and dragged her from the ward.
His grip was strong, his steps fast, but he said nothing.
Not one word left his mouth.
Lady Ella, and Onxy also followed the prince out, worry clear on their face.
Onxy walked beside her, his eyes fixed on the prince’s back.
“I do not wish this for her either, Jasmina,” William said quietly as they passed.
“I do not wish to go,” Jasmina answered, fear mixing with anger in her voice.
“How did this happen?” Onxy asked, still watching the prince.
Jasmina snapped at him.
“How would I know? Do I look like I understand how kings and councils work? They just told us tonight!”
“Can nothing be done?” Lady Ella asked William.
Her voice was steady, but her worry showed.
William shook his head.
“It is too late.
The King has sealed the decree.
Not even the King can undo it now.
The prince walked ahead in silence.
His jaw was tight.
He felt guilty and angry at the same time — angry because he was too late to stop it.
“It is not your fault,” Jasmina said softly to prince William.
“It is true,” Lady Ella replied in a low, firm voice.
“It is not your fault, my child.”
Onxy kept his eyes on the prince.
“The truth is simple,” he said.
“In a few days , you will leave for the werewolf kingdom to serve as a maid.”
Jasmina lifted her chin.
“I am quite aware, brother.Why must I go as a maid though? I do not really want to go…”
Onxy signed,as he glare at his sister .She did not see how dangerous this mission really was.
She was still just a girl, learning how to control her power.since they are not really human
Far down the corridor, the prince walked in silence.
He heard every word.
He did not stop.
He did not speak.
He only paused for a breath before moving on, carrying his guilt with him.