Zita's determination only grew stronger as she made her way back to her chambers, the evidence clutched tightly in her hand. She knew that she had to be careful, that Lord Arden would stop at nothing to silence her.
As she entered her chambers, she found a royal guard waiting for her, his expression grim. "Your Highness," he said, his voice low and urgent. "The king has summoned you to his chambers immediately."
Zita's heart skipped a beat as she realized that the king was involved, that he might be aware of Lord Arden's treachery. She nodded, her mind racing with possibilities, and followed the guard to the king's chambers.
The king's chambers were opulent, the walls lined with gold and precious jewels. The king himself sat on a throne, his expression unreadable. Lord Arden stood beside him, his eyes glinting with triumph.
"Ah, Zita," the king said, his voice booming. "I hear you've been investigating your brother's disappearance."
Zita's eyes narrowed, her mind racing with caution. She knew that she had to be careful, that the king might be in on Lord Arden's scheme.
"I have, Father," Zita said, her voice firm. "And I've found evidence that points to Lord Arden's involvement."
The king's expression was unimpressed, his eyes seeming to bore into her very soul. "I see," he said. "And what makes you think Lord Arden is involved?"
Zita's eyes locked onto Lord Arden's, her heart pounding in her chest. "I have proof, Father," she said. "Proof that Lord Arden was involved in Arin's murder."
The king's expression was grim, his eyes seeming to weigh the evidence. "I see," he said. "In that case, I have a decree to make."
Zita's heart skipped a beat as she realized that the king was about to announce his decision. She knew that it could go either way, that the king might choose to believe her or dismiss her claims.
"I decree that Lord Arden is to be investigated for his involvement in Arin's disappearance," the king said, his voice booming. "And Zita, you are to be commended for your bravery in coming forward with the evidence."
Zita's eyes widened as she realized that the king was taking her side, that he was willing to investigate Lord Arden. She felt a surge of triumph, of justice.
But as she turned to leave, Lord Arden's eyes met hers, his expression menacing. Zita knew that she wasn't out of danger yet, that Lord Arden would stop at nothing to silence her.