Throne Room
Morning had barely settled over the palace, when Maelina, Aldric and Zarek gathered.
Zarek sat on his throne, one arm resting on the armrest, his fingers tapping lightly against the wood.
Maelina and Aldric stood before him.
Zarek's eyes moved between them before he spoke.
"Is everything ready?"
Maelina bowed her head. "Eveything is ready, Your Majesty. We will be heading south."
Aldric shifted where he stood. "South…" he repeated, more to himself than anyone else.
Then he cleared his throat. "How long will you be gone?"
"We don't know," Maelina answered honestly. "It depends on how long it takes to find her."
Aldric exhaled, "So I hold the fort alone," he said.
Zarek's gaze moved to him. "You are capable."
Aldric nodded once, accepting the responsibility, but the worry didn't leave his face.
"Won't the people notice?" he asked after a moment. "The council especially. They keep track of your presence. If they realise the King isn't in Volkar…"
