Book 3: Not This Kingdom

Rafe

The advisors gather in the throne room. Ainslee has moved from my lap to the seat at my right hand, Zeke standing at my left.

“I’m sorry to have called you all here on such short notice,” I say to the advisors. “But we’ve had a dilemma just recently brought to my attention.”

“We have sent our people out into the woods and through the fields to find Prince Drake,” one advisor assures me. “We are doing everything we can, Your Majesty. I myself was out looking with a team of scouts this morning.”

“Thank you,” I reply. “But that’s not what brings us here today.”

The advisors look confused. “But, Your Majesty, nothing can possibly be more important than finding the prince,” another advisor says.

“No. Nothing is more important than finding the prince. You’re right,” I respond. “But I have had an envoy from Rallegrad today.”

All of the advisors growl or hiss. “They have sent a ransom note?”

“King Maximus denies any knowl