𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐍𝐄

10

The sun rose over Aetheria, casting a golden glow over the grand palace and the bustling city below. The day was filled with excitement and wait as the citizens gathered in the main street, flags and banners flying high, ready to welcome the princess - the grand princess of Eldoria. Princess Sophia Theodore.

A majestic procession made its way towards the main street. At the forefront, a team of sturdy horses pulled a magnificent golden palanquin adorned with precious gems and intricate designs. The palanquin was draped in velvet curtains, embroidered with the royal crest of Eldoria.

Flanking the palanquin were rows of elite royal guards, their armor gleaming in the sunlight. They marched in perfect unison. Behind them followed a group of high-ranking nobles and dignitaries from various kingdoms, all eager to catch a glimpse of the princess.

The procession was about to keep the palanquin down. But instead of setting the palanquin down, the men carrying it simply kept standing. Murmers echoed through the crowd.

Edith leaned towards Bridget, whispering, "Why aren't they bringing down the palanquin? That's not the protocol..." Her words trailed off as Queen Aurianna called out to her personal maid, Viella. "Go and check what's taking so long."

Viella approached the palanquin, whispering something to the guards who then lowered the curtains. After a brief moment, she returned to the queen, curtsying before delivering her message. "Your Majesty, the princess wants the grand prince to personally help her alight from the palanquin."

King Zoryan frowned, his brow furrowing as he called out, "Prince Vincent!"

Edith glanced at Bridget, her face flushing. "Your Majesty," she said softly, "He was not in his chamber this morning. I'm not sure where he is." The king's expression darkened.

"Find him. Now," the king ordered, sternly. "The princess will not step foot in Aetheria without Vincent by her side."

Edith curtsied deeply, her heart pounding. "Yes, Your Majesty," she replied, turning to Bridget. "Bridget, come with me."

Edith and Bridget hurried away, pushing through the crowd. Meanwhile, back at the palace entrance, Queen Aurianna leaned close to King Zoryan, whispering, "You knew about this, right? Him not being in his chamber?"

The King's expression turned grim. He glanced around, ensuring they were out of earshot.

"No," he replied, his voice low. "I thought he was with his advisors, preparing for the princess's arrival. But clearly, I was mistaken."

The Queen just chewed her lower lip, her gaze drifting back to the palanquin. The crowd was growing restless, their murmurs turning into whispers of discontent.

...

Edith and Bridget searched here and there, questioning servants and guards. They checked the royal library, the training grounds, even the royal stables. But there was no sign of the grand prince. As they were heading to the chamber of the prince, Bridget turned to Edith, "Rosalie?"

"Hmm?" she replied, her attention torn between finding the Grand Prince and the growing unease in the crowd.

Edith understood Bridget's unspoken question. She sighed, "The princess is to be the bride of the Crown Prince. She and the Grand Prince just share a strong bond. They've known each other since childhood. It's not unusual for them to be this together."

"Oh..." she said softly, her gaze drifting back to the palanquin visible from the royal balcony.

Just then, a servant approached them. "Miss Edith."

"Yes, what is it?" Edith asked.

"The Grand Prince has already come," the servant said.

"At the palace entrance now." Relief washed over Edith's face. "Finally," she murmured, turning to Bridget. "Let's go."