Since Queen Julia ascended as the substitute ruler along with Prime Minister Barley, the Magenta Kingdom had entered a period of alert that had never happened since King Arkadion ascended as king. The streets were not yet crowded, but security had been tightened. Each gate was guarded by twice as many soldiers as usual, and the Palace knights seemed more alert than ever.
In the rarely used underground passage of the palace, the sound of footsteps could be heard. The place was quiet because no one could know the secret path other than the royal family. Robert and Fiona had opened a path for King Arkadion to reach the place. With that path, no one could find them, even if there was a commotion outside.
"Hurry. The carriage is waiting at the south door." Fiona whispered sharply as she led them through the dark hallway. Behind her, Robert held the hand of King Arkadion, who still looked weak, while Cecilia hid her face behind a shabby cloth veil.
