The World Cannot Know

Chapter 14

Prince Sebastian 

Why now, out of all the nights, did someone try to attack today? Being a prince always carried its burdens, but tonight's events had thrust that reality into sharp relief. The ballroom, which moments ago had been alive with the vibrancy of celebration, was now a scene of fear and confusion. I moved through the crowd, my eyes scanning for threats, my mind racing with the implications of the guard's death outside the castle doors.

The air was thick with tension. General Hector's sharp commands echoed through the hall, cutting through the din of clattering armor as the guards rushed to secure the palace. My focus was absolute; every detail mattered. The safety of my family and our guests weighed heavily on my mind. As I strode toward the perimeter, my thoughts were on Matthew and Katharina.

I knew he would keep her safe. Matthew—my confidant, my... more than that, really. The memory of our stolen moments together flashed through my mind, grounding me amidst the chaos. Was he safe? Had he managed to find Katharina and Alice? My heart clenched at the thought of him being in danger, but I couldn't afford to be distracted now. I had to keep moving, keep focused.

"Report," I demanded as I approached General Hector. His weathered face was set in a deep scowl, eyes scanning the grounds with the intensity of a hawk.

"Your Highness," he began, snapping a salute. "The perimeter is secure. We have doubled the guards on all posts and are conducting a thorough search of the palace grounds."

"Any leads on the assailants?" I asked, my voice steady despite the turmoil churning inside me.

"None yet," Hector replied, frustration evident in his voice. "But rest assured, we will find whoever is responsible for this."

I nodded, clapping a hand on his shoulder in silent appreciation. Hector was a man of his word, and I trusted him implicitly. But the unknown gnawed at me. What was their motive? Was it a random attack, or was someone targeting us specifically?

"Thank you, General. Keep me updated," I said, my voice firm despite the questions swirling in my mind. As I turned to leave, a steward approached, bowing hastily.

"Your Highness, the King requests your presence in the council chamber immediately," he said, his eyes wide with urgency.

I nodded and followed him quickly through the castle corridors, my thoughts racing. An emergency meeting at this hour could only mean something critical.

We arrived at the council chamber, the heavy oak doors already ajar. Inside, the atmosphere was tense. My father, stood at the head of the long table, his face etched with concern and determination. Beside him were Lord Gregory and Lady Isolde, the kingdom's chief diplomats, their expressions grim.

"Father," I said, entering the room. "What's the situation?"

King Alden looked up, his eyes softening slightly at the sight of me, but the worry remained. "Sebastian, we've received disturbing intelligence. Lord Gregory and Lady Isolde believe tonight's attack is part of a broader scheme."

"Indeed," Lord Gregory said, his voice grave. "We've been receiving reports of increased unrest among neighboring factions. There's been talk of dissent and whispers of a plot to destabilise the realm."

"Valoria, is possibly behind this?" I asked 

Lady Isolde nodded in agreement. "It seems tonight's attack was not just an isolated incident. We suspect it's connected to a larger conspiracy aimed at weakening our position."

My mind raced, trying to piece together the implications. "So, what's the plan?" I asked, looking at my father.

King Alden exchanged a glance with Lord Gregory and Lady Isolde before speaking. "We must act swiftly. We cannot afford to show any signs of weakness."