After that incident in the forest, the imperial hunt was officially canceled. The decision was made swiftly and without any attempt to maintain the appearance of the previous order, as if reality itself had left the court with no other choice. The news spread through the palace with astonishing speed, passing from mouth to mouth, and literally turned everyone's ears.
The corridors were filled with hushed voices, anxious glances, and hurried footsteps. The courtiers, who just yesterday had been discussing the weather and upcoming entertainment, were now whispering about conspiracy, betrayal, and the safety of the imperial family. No one expected that such a thing could happen in the very heart of the empire, under the protection of the imperial guard, in a place that was considered almost the safest in the entire state.
