The guards at the heavy double doors tried to stop her, but Seraphina pushed past before they could react. The doors swung open with a deep, echoing creak, cutting through the murmurs inside the chamber.
King Alaric looked up from the table, surprise flashing across his face. Around him, the councilors fell silent, startled by her sudden entrance. Maps and sealed letters lay scattered before them—evidence of the heavy discussion she had just interrupted.
"Seraphina?" Alaric's tone carried both confusion and authority. "What is the meaning of this?"
"I'm sorry for interrupting," she said quickly, stepping forward, her voice steady despite her racing pulse. "But I needed to see you, Father. I wouldn't have come if it wasn't important."
The councilors exchanged glances, whispers rippling through the room. Kael, standing near the edge of the table, watched quietly but said nothing.
Alaric leaned back slightly, his eyes softening. "Very well," he said. "Speak. What troubles you?"
Seraphina drew in a deep breath. "It's about Lorin. He asked me to visit his village—and I intend to go. After what the witch said about him being Varion's reborn I need to know more about him, and I believe this trip might give us some information since it is related to the one whose destiny and mine are bounded to the amulet."
The room stirred again—one of the councilors frowned. "Your Majesty, surely this is not—"
Alaric raised a hand, silencing him. His gaze returned to his daughter. "You wish to leave the castle? Now? With danger pressing on all sides?"
"Yes," she said firmly. "I can handle myself, Father. You know that. But if there's any chance that I can find out more about lorin then I must go."
Kael finally spoke, his tone cautious but calm. "Sire, perhaps we should hear her out. The princess's instincts have proven right before."
Alaric's expression shifted between worry and pride. He studied Seraphina for a long, quiet moment before speaking. "You are braver than I could ever wish for," he said softly. "But bravery alone does not make a wise choice."
"I'm not asking for permission to be brave," Seraphina replied, meeting his gaze. "I'm asking for the chance to prove that my instincts may be right."
A heavy silence fell. The council waited for the king's answer, the tension thick in the air. Finally, Alaric exhaled. "Very well. But you will not go alone. Kael will accompany you—and I expect a full report upon your return."
Seraphina hesitated, part of her wanting to argue—but she nodded. "Thank you, Father."
As she turned to leave, the council resumed their hushed debate. Alaric's eyes lingered on his daughter's retreating figure, worry darkening his expression. He could not shake the feeling that this journey would change everything.
The castle corridors hummed with the faint sounds of night — the soft crackle of torches, the echo of hurried footsteps. Seraphina walked briskly beside Kael, the weight of her father's decision pressing on her chest.
"I didn't expect him to agree so easily," Seraphina said quietly, glancing at Kael. "He never lets me travel without ten guards and a full escort."
Kael offered a small, knowing smile. "He didn't agree easily. You didn't see his hands under the table — they were trembling. You've shaken the council more than you realize."
Seraphina exhaled. "Good. Maybe they'll finally understand that I can do more than sitting all day."
They reached her chambers, and Kael leaned against the doorway as Seraphina began gathering her things — her cloak, a dagger, and a small pouch of charms and herbs.
"We leave now," Kael said. "At least before anyone decides to change the king's mind."
"Lorin's waiting outside the gardens," Seraphina replied, tightening her cloak around her shoulders. "He doesn't know that father insisted you come along. He probably thinks I am the only one."
Kael smirked faintly. "He has just lived here for a few days but he already knows how stubborn you are."
Seraphina paused, glancing back at her. "Do you think I'm wrong for doing this? For going?"
Kael's expression softened. "No. I think you're the only one brave enough to do what everyone else is afraid to."
They shared a brief, understanding silence. Then Seraphina fastened the clasp of her cloak and straightened. "Thank you."
Together, they made their way through the quiet corridors, their footsteps muffled by the tapestries and stone. When they reached the garden doors, Seraphina saw Lorin waiting beneath the same hedge where they'd spoken earlier. He turned as soon as he heard the door creak open.
"Took you long enough," he said with a grin. Then, noticing Kael beside her, his smile faltered slightly. "I see you brought company."
"He's coming with us," Seraphina said simply.
Kael gave him a curt nod. "The king's orders."
Lorin frowned, but before he could speak, Seraphina stepped forward. "Don't worry," she said softly. "Nothing changes. We're still going — and this time, we'll be ready in case any attack comes our way."
Lorin's eyes searched hers, finding the familiar fire there. He nodded slowly. "Then what are we waiting for."
The three of them slipped into the quiet night with the horse galloping at their control and the castle shrinking behind them. None of them spoke for a while, each lost in thought — Kael, wary of the mission; Lorin, hopeful yet uncertain; and Seraphina, feeling the first stirrings of fate whispering at the edge of the darkened path ahead.