Prologue

When he looked up, Ein saw countless stars twinkling in the night sky above him. It was as if the stars themselves were welcoming the prince home from his journey to Syth Mill.

“A very grave turn of events. Heim has declared war on Rockdam” were the first words that came out of Warren’s mouth when he greeted his prince at the station. Despite the time of night, White Rose Station was still bustling with travelers—including Ein, who walked through the station’s royal corridor to reach the carriage that awaited him.

“They declared war?! Why?” Ein asked.

“Heim’s recent state of affairs has been tumultuous, to say the least,” Warren explained. “Not only has there been a string of kidnapped nobles, but some of them have even lost their heads.”

“I had no idea...”

“That’s not all, Your Highness. The assailant had somehow managed to slay one of Heim’s royals.”

Heim’s second prince had met a premature end. While he was completely overshadowed by his brothers, Rayfon and Tiggle, the second prince wasn’t one to make enemies without good reason. And yet, his life had been taken in cold blood.

Krone couldn’t hide the sheer terror flowing through her body—her voice cracked feebly as she tried to keep her lips from trembling. “How is my family? Are my mother and the others safe?”

“They are,” Warren replied. “I shall provide you with further details when we arrive at the castle.”

While she was relieved to know her mother was safe, Krone struggled to keep any sense of composure. She tightly mashed her lips together, frightened for her family on the other side of the ocean. Absolutely no one could blame her for being so shaken.

“Shall we go?” Warren suggested as they arrived at the carriage. “His Majesty awaits you at the castle.”

Ein nodded and