The queen's wing of the castle stood in stark contrast to the celebration taking place elsewhere.
While laughter, music, and cheerful voices echoed throughout the grand halls of Valkoron, this part of the castle remained quiet and almost eerily still.
The corridors were lined with flickering lanterns, their golden light dancing across polished stone floors. Most servants had long since departed to assist with the prince's birthday festivities, leaving the queen's residence unusually deserted.
A lone maid hurried down the corridor.
Her steps were quick but not suspiciously so. Her head remained bowed respectfully as she approached the guarded entrance to the queen's private chambers.
Immediately, the two guards stationed outside crossed their spears and stopped her immediately.
"Halt."
The maid stopped obediently.
One of the guards frowned at the disturbance and asked her, "What business do you have here?"
The maid lowered her gaze further.
