The morning air was thick with tension as we prepared to depart. The failed assassination attempt had left an indelible mark on our spirits, and the weight of unanswered questions hung heavily over us.
Just as we were about to mount our horses, a royal courier arrived, his steed lathered in sweat from the hard ride. He handed Julius a sealed parchment bearing the King's insignia.
Julius broke the seal, his eyes scanning the contents swiftly. His jaw tightened.
"The King commands for our immediate return," he announced.
I frowned. "So soon? We haven't even concluded our investigations here. Are we really not going to do anything about the assasination attempt?"
He met my gaze, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. "His Majesty wants us to come back and so we'll do just that."
We set off at once, the journey back to the capital was unusually silent. The forests we passed through seemed to whisper secrets, the rustling leaves echoing the turmoil within me.
