He had been preparing to leave the empire as soon as the hunting festival ended, only to receive a letter from his father instructing him to remain there until the engagement.
"What engagement?!" Rihaan growled, throwing the parchment to the ground.
He had already prepared his luggage, ready to board the ship and leave this chilling land for good. And now, he was once again held back here.
Frustrated, he strode down the stairs, slipping into his black coat. He needed to visit Soren—right now.
Once outside, he found a pair of guards standing at the gate—men he didn't know personally but easily recognized. They were from his own kingdom.
"What are you doing here?" he demanded, crossing his arms.
"The king instructed us to keep an eye on you, Your Highness, so that you wouldn't leave the empire…" one of the knights answered, bowing deeply, while the others mirrored his gesture.
