A few more days passed, quiet and uneventful on the surface.
Life in the palace returned to its usual rhythm. Courtiers resumed their polite smiles. Servants moved as they always did. It was as though the poison incident, the punishment, and the tension hanging in the air had all been carefully swept aside.
The next news arrived from the sixth region just before dawn.
General Robert had secured the roads and begun preparations for his return to the royal city. The third prince, now stripped of his banners and titles, was being held under heavy guard. He would be brought back as a prisoner, bound as instructed by the king.
King Edward was glad, but during the morning court, more news came, this time from the third region.
On his way toward Lowe Pass, Colonel Simon's men had intercepted a small group attempting to flee through a nearby village close to the border. Among them was Lord Aureline.
He had been captured alive with a few of his loyal soldiers.
