Before dawn the palace courtyard thundered with marching soldiers.
Prince Cassian mounted his black warhorse as the army prepared to depart.
Beside him stood Edmund Hawthorne adjusting the cloak upon his shoulders.
"My lord," the old butler said quietly, "you should at least speak with the princess before leaving."
Cassian's hand tightened around the reins.
"If I see her… I may hesitate."
Within the palace corridors, Princess Maria ran breathlessly.
"Is it true?" she demanded of her maid. "Cassian is leaving today?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
Maria rushed toward the gates.
But when she reached them, the army had already begun to march.
Thousands of soldiers moved through the gates like a flowing river of steel.
At their head rode Cassian.
"Cassian!" she cried.
But the thunder of hooves swallowed her voice.
She watched helplessly as his figure grew smaller and smaller until only his back remained visible against the rising sun.
Tears streamed down her face.
Later that day she confronted her father.
"Why was I not told?"
King Aldric remained seated upon his throne.
"A general marching to war cannot afford emotional distractions."
Maria stared at him in disbelief.
"You denied me even a farewell."
The king's expression did not soften.
"A ruler must learn to endure such sacrifices."
She left the throne room with tears burning her eyes.
For many days afterward she did not leave her chamber.