Queen Rebecca moved down the long corridor with measured steps, her personal maid trailing just behind her as the soft echo of their heels filled the quiet space.
Her gaze remained forward, though there was a faint tightness in her expression that suggested her thoughts were elsewhere.
"Guard," she called.
One of the stationed men straightened immediately and stepped forward before bowing. "Your Majesty."
"Have you seen the prince?" she asked.
The guard hesitated. "Which one, Your Majesty?"
Her brows furrowed slightly, already displeased. "My first son. The Crown Prince."
The guard lowered his head. "No, Your Majesty. I have not seen him."
Her gaze drifted briefly toward the tall windows lining the corridor, the daylight already high in the sky, before returning to him.
It was nearly midday.
She had not seen Anthony since the night before.
A quiet pause settled before she dismissed him with a small wave of her hand. "Very well."
