I ran through the night like a beast who had been set on fire. My muscles burn but I pushed even harder. I moved through the trees like a blur, my only focus on how to get back to the palace on time.

I snarled angry at myself for no reason.

Matteo was equally fast, trying to keep up with how fast I was moving.

Finally, I reached the palace and stopped cold in my tracks at what greeted me.

Silence. I turned to Matteo and he was already looking at me.

“I don't think anything happened Your Majesty,” he said but I still wasn't convinced.

There was something I...