The World Cannot Know

Chapter 13

Matthew Wild

The ballroom was a maelstrom of activity. My heart pounded as I escorted Katharina through the bustling throng of guests and guards, her face pale but composed. The sudden scream had turned a night of celebration into one of fear and confusion. We moved quickly, the urgency in my steps mirrored by the frantic movements around us.

"Stay close, Kathy" I urged, my voice firm but gentle. 

She nodded, her eyes wide but resolute. I could see the questions in her gaze, but there was no time for explanations. I had to trust that she understood the gravity of the situation. As we made our way toward a side exit, the imposing figure of General Hector entered the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. He began barking orders, directing the palace guards with the precision of a seasoned military leader.

"Secure the perimeter!" Hector's voice boomed. "No one leaves without my command. Find out what happened and report back immediately."

The guards moved with practiced efficiency, their armor clinking as they fanned out across the palace grounds. I paused briefly, my eyes searching the room for familiar faces amidst the chaos. My parents, the Duke and Duchess of Canterbury, stood near the entrance, their expressions a mix of concern and determination. They had always been pillars of strength in times of crisis, and tonight was no different.

"Matthew!" my mother called out, pushing through the crowd to reach me, my father right behind her. "What's happening? Are you and Katharina alright?"

"We're okay, Mother," I replied, my voice calm despite the adrenaline coursing through me. "But there's been a... situation. A guard was found dead outside the castle doors."

My father's face paled slightly. "Dead? How? Who could have done this?"

"No one knows yet," I admitted, glancing back towards the entrance where the disturbance had originated. "But we need to get Katharina to safety."

My father nodded, his jaw set in determination. "Of course. Take care of your sister. We'll handle things here."

As my parents turned to confer with General Hector, I resumed our hurried path toward a discreet hallway leading to the secure chambers deep within the palace. The grand tapestries lining the walls, depicting our kingdom's storied history, seemed almost mocking in their serenity given the current turmoil.

"Matthew," Katharina's voice was soft, almost a whisper, as we moved swiftly down the corridor. "Who do you think is behind this?"

I shook my head, wishing I had an answer. "I don't know. But we can't take any chances."

We reached the heavy oak door of the secure chambers, guarded by two of our most trusted soldiers. They nodded at me, recognizing the gravity of the situation.

"Keep watch and let no one through, the princes orders" I instructed them firmly. "We need to ensure Katharina's safety until we understand what's happening."

The guards saluted, their expressions solemn and focused. As we stepped into the dimly lit room, the door closed behind us with a solid thud. The chamber, though simple, offered a sense of sanctuary—a stark contrast to the opulence and chaos of the ballroom.

Katharina sank into a plush chair, her composure finally starting to fray at the edges. I crouched before her, taking her hands in mine. "We'll be alright," I said, trying to infuse my voice with the confidence I wanted her to feel. "Sebastian and the guards will sort this out. We just need to stay here and wait for news."

She nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Thank you, Matthew," she whispered, her voice tinged with a mix of fear and gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you."