River entered her father's study where he was supposed to be.
A scroll sat on the desk. The wax seal on it was green, pressed with the imprint of a tree.
The Willow Seal.
River's heart stopped. Her body went cold. She turned to the guard stationed at the study door. "Where is my father?"
"He didn't say, Your Highness. He left with his personal guard half an hour ago."
"But this wasn't supposed to happen until tomorrow..."
Her voice trailed off. The guard was looking at her with polite confusion.
She didn't explain, sprinting out of the study, through the hall, running straight into something solid.
"River? What's wrong?"
His tone was of genuine concern.
She looked up, eyes wide.
"Lucian? I didn't know you were back."
He opened his mouth. Closed it. No words came.
"Please excuse me," she said, already trying to move past him.
His hands caught her arms. "Hey, slow down. Answer me, River. What is going on?"
