Prince Henry strode past the four sentinels guarding his study, his pace brisk, his expression set with purpose. He paused only long enough to acknowledge George, who stood rigid at his post, loyalty etched into every line of his stance. Then Henry's gaze shifted down the corridor leading toward the west wing; his wing.
That was when he spotted Hugo.
His right hand and the head of his personal guard were approaching from the opposite end of the hall, his steps measured, alert as ever.
"Hugo," Henry called, lifting a hand, "With me."
Hugo inclined his head and fell into step beside him without question.
"I need you to gather only the men you trust without hesitation," Henry said quietly, leaning closer as they walked, "Absolute discretion. No one else hears of this." He paused, then added, "Find Colin as well, and those he trusts. Bring them all to my study."
"Yes, Your Highness," Hugo replied, already turning down one of the palace's winding corridors.
Once alone in his study, Henry paced. Back and forth. Each step echoed with the same thought: there has to be a way. A way to undo his father's mistake. A way to protect Helena.
The knock came sooner than he expected.
Henry opened the door himself. Hugo stood there with Colin and several guards whose faces Henry recognized instantly; men who had proven themselves over years of loyalty and silence. He ushered them inside, shut the door, and drew the heavy crimson curtains tight across the windows.
Only then did he turn to face them.
"I know this gathering may seem unusual," Henry began, his voice steady but low, "What I'm about to tell you must go no further than this room." He paused, measuring their faces, "I need every religious leader you can reach; priests, clerics, scholars, regardless of faith, and brought before me within six days."
Hugo and Colin exchanged a look.
"Your Highness," Hugo said carefully, "may we ask why?"
Henry hesitated but only briefly.
"My sister," he said, "Princess Helena." His jaw tightened, "She has drawn the attention of something… not human." He glanced at Colin, "You saw her earlier."
Colin nodded once, unease flickering across his face.
"I hoped to spare you the truth," Henry continued, "but circumstances no longer allow it." He inhaled slowly. "Years ago, my father entered a pact with a dark power. In doing so, he unknowingly offered Helena as part of that agreement. Now that the debt has come due. One of them intends to claim her through marriage."
The room erupted in hushed gasps.
"No," Henry said firmly, cutting through the murmurs, "I will not allow it. That is why you are here. I need every holy mind we can gather. Anyone who might help sever this pact before Helena turns seventeen. Travel, protection, resources, use whatever you need."
Colin stared at him, stunned, "Your Highness… may I speak freely?"
"You always may."
"Are these orders coming from the King?"
Henry shook his head, "No."
A ripple of tension followed.
"And if His Majesty learns of this?" Colin pressed, "Would this not be seen as defying him?"
"Yes," Henry said plainly, "It might." His gaze swept the room, "I will not force any of you to stand with me. This is not the King's command. This is mine."
Silence.
Then Hugo stepped forward, "My men and I stand with you, Your Highness."
Relief washed over Henry, brief but real.
He turned to Colin. His oldest friend. The man he trusted most.
Colin exhaled slowly, then nodded, "What do you need from me?"
"I need you with Helena," Henry said, "At all times. No visitors. No conversations, not even with our parents, unless I approve it. Protect her as if your life depends on it."
Colin swallowed. The fear was evident, but so was resolve, "I will not fail her."
"Hugo," Henry added, "secure the corridor leading to this study. I expect visitors tomorrow. Unwelcome ones."
A chill settled over the room.
No one spoke. No one laughed. The reality of what they were facing, what they might have to confront, hung heavy in the air. And yet, none of them stepped back.