At the palace, the sun was leaning toward the horizon, and shadows began to creep along the quiet corridors.
The sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the halls.
"Where did Her Highness the Princess go?"
asked one of the servants, glancing around anxiously.
"She left before noon and said she'd be back within an hour..."
replied a maid, trying to mask the tension in her voice.
"An hour? It's been five!"
the head butler snapped, striding briskly through the grand hall.
"Search everywhere! The gardens, the library, the Crown Prince's wing… even the kitchen if you must!"
Two servants ran toward the western wing, while a handmaiden's face showed rising worry.
"Could she have left the palace? Without an escort?"
"Impossible. All gates are under surveillance,"
another servant replied, though his tone lacked confidence.
As everyone was busy searching, the sun turned crimson, and the call to prayer echoed from the nearby temple, marking the day's end.
Suddenly…
