It turned out that the king had already been dead for more than a year. If this knowledge became public, the kingdom would be forced to select a new ruler immediately to prevent chaos. Several powerful tribal leaders were already eyeing the throne. The king had only one daughter, yet no one had seen the princess in public or private for many years. Rumours had spread throughout the kingdom that she was long dead. In the eyes of the people, there was no clear successor.
To make matters worse, three neighbouring kingdoms were watching closely, eager to seize their land. Any sign of internal instability would invite an immediate invasion.
