Flashback to the day before the wedding.
Lin Rui ran through the stone corridors. He tried to stay calm, but his heart was beating fast from fear. Every corner he turned felt like a trap. The palace was too quiet, and it made him panic. He had to reach the barracks before it was too late.
When he finally reached Arkan's room in the barracks, he slammed the door open, the heavy wood hitting the wall with a loud bang.
Inside, Arkan was alone, standing by his bed. He had already unbuttoned his tunic and was just about to reach for the quilted lining of the armor laid out on the table. The outer steel was a beautiful piece, etched with the royal falcon and shimmering in the afternoon light.
"Stop!" Lin Rui shouted.
Arkan jumped, his hand freezing just inches away from the fabric. He turned, and his eyes widened with confusion. "Your Majesty? What are you doing here?"
