HOOR

CHAPTER 10: General

The market was a hive of activity, but something felt off. I watched as the queen and Gayatri moved through the crowd. Sending Gayatri with her was a mistake. The king should know better than to trust someone as inexperienced and foolish as her.

My duty was to protect the king, but I couldn't stop thinking about the queen. Her safety was my top priority, and it bothered me that she was out of my sight. Gayatri, in my eyes, was more of a risk than a help.

As I scanned the market, I noticed a ripple of unease spreading through the crowd. People were whispering, glancing toward the center where the king stood. The whispers grew louder, turning into a commotion.

I tensed, my instincts on high alert. Pushing through the throng, I kept my eyes on the king. Then I saw him- the same man moving quickly, his eyes locked on the king, a dagger in his hand.

There was no time to think. I rushed forward, drawing my sword. The man lunged at the king, his blade ready to strike. I blocked him just in time, our swords clashing with a sharp ring. Pain shot through my elbow as his blade grazed me, but I didn't back down. I forced him away from the king.

"Protect the king!" I shouted to the soldiers nearby. They sprang into action, overpowering the attacker and disarming him.

Blood dripped from my arm, but I ignored it. My focus was on the king. "Are you hurt, Your Majesty?" I asked, trying to keep my voice calm.

The king shook his head, his eyes grateful. "I'm fine, thanks to you."

The soldiers dragged the attacker away, and the crowd started to calm down. But I knew this was far from over. Whoever planned this attack was still out there.

I had to find the queen and Gayatri. The queen's safety couldn't be left to chance. And despite my doubts about Gayatri, I had to hope she would keep the queen safe.

-

As the king and I were talking, a soldier came running to us- his face mortified.
"General t-the Queen a-and Gayatri-"
My heart fell, I shouldn't have sent Gayatri along with the Queen. If something had happened to them, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself.

"What happened to them?!" The king's voice was latched with worry yet the anger was still visible on his face.

"They were ambushed, our men told us that Gayatri was severely injured while protecting the Queen."  The news hit me like a thunderclap.  My heart pounded as I turned to the king, who had already risen from his throne.

"We must go to the royal grounds immediately," he said, urgency etched on his face.

We rushed through the palace, the guards forming a protective circle around us. By the time we reached the royal grounds, the first light of dawn was breaking over the horizon. The sunrise did nothing to ease my anxiety.

The king and I hurried to his chamber. He burst open the door, rushing toward the queen. I stayed by the door, my breath caught in my throat. Relief washed over me as I saw the queen standing, with only minor cuts and bruises.

"Are you alright, Sunaina?" the king asked, his voice trembling with concern.

She nodded, her eyes softening. "Yes. I am fine, thanks to Gayatri."

At the mention of Gayatri, my heart skipped a beat. I turned and saw Sunanda standing nearby. I motioned for her to come over. "Sunanda, where is Gayatri? What happened to her?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Sunanda's expression was grave. "The royal doctor said she was brutally stabbed in the back, but by God's grace, it didn't harm any of her vitals. He isn't sure when she will wake up, but she should recover in time."