Swords and Flowers

Ch.7: The Hunt

The grand halls of Valoria's palace echoed faintly with the rhythmic click of Princess Elowyn's heels as she walked with a measured pace. 

The summons from her father had come abruptly, and though she maintained a regal composure, her heart felt heavier with each step. She passed by the Kingsguard stationed along the corridors, their steel-clad forms standing at parade rest until she drew near. At her approach, they snapped to attention, saluting her in silence.

Oswald, her sworn shield, awaited her at the imposing gates to the throne room. With a slight nod from her, he pushed open the massive doors, the sound reverberating like a herald's call.

Inside, the grand throne of Valoria gleamed in the flickering light of the candelabras, and on it sat her father, the King, his stern gaze fixed on Fredrich, the Commander of the King's Guard.

Fredrich had been in the middle of his report when Elowyn arrived, her presence soft but commanding. She moved closer, Oswald just a step behind her.

"...The captured bandit has provided critical information," Fredrich was saying, his voice steady. "The attack was orchestrated by the Hunt, a group of bandit-mercenaries operating under the leadership of Johann, known in the underworld as 'Scarface.' He rose to power after a violent takeover, which left him with his infamous scar."

Elowyn stood silently as Fredrich continued, her hands clasped before her. Fredrich then handed the King a folded paper.

"This letter was all we recovered during the raid on their supposed hideout in Valoria. It appears abandoned now, but the note ties directly to the recent ambush against the adventurer Caelann." Fredrich unfolded the paper at the King's gesture. 

"Read it," the King says, eyes fixed on Elowyn.

Fredrich began to read:
"Caelann, before you hand over my father's letter, please ensure that Samuel reads my note first. It's important, and I trust only you to make sure he sees it first."

Elowyn's breath caught. The words echoed painfully in her mind—her own words, written in haste, a desperate plea that had backfired. Her gaze fell to the polished marble floor as the King's sharp glare settled on her.

"Your note?" the King asked his daughter, his voice cold and deliberate.

"Your grace," Fredrich interjected, "Sir Oswald had confessed that he delivered it at the Princess's command."

Oswald stepped forward, bowing low. "I did as my lady instructed, ensuring the letter reached Caelann through the innkeeper."

The King's expression darkened, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the arm of his throne.

"Elowyn, step forward."

Her feet felt like lead, but she obeyed, keeping her gaze low. "Father, I—"

The slap came before she could finish. The force sent her stumbling to the ground, her hand clutching her cheek as tears welled in her eyes.

"You disappoint me, Elowyn," the King spat. "Sabotaging a potential alliance with Creathe... behind my back!"

Oswald moved to help her up, but she raised a trembling hand, signaling him to stop. Slowly, shakily, she stood on her own.

"Y-you promised Mother," she whispered, her voice cracking. "You promised me you wouldn't use me as a pawn!"

"Watch your tone," came a cold voice from the side of the court. 

Victoria, the Queen, stepped into view, her hand resting on her pregnant belly. "You are speaking to the King."