The entire east wing of the palace was strictly off-limits to everyone but the king himself. It was reserved exclusively for his personal use and was guarded intensely. At any given hour, five elite soldiers stood watch at the grand arched entrance, their armor gleaming and weapons at the ready. Their orders were clear and absolute. No one was to enter or leave without the king's expressed permission.
As expected, the guards at the entrance blocked his path.
" I wish to speak to the king." Ragnar said but the guards remained rooted to the spot, blocking the entrance with the width of their hulking bodies.
"The king is not to be disturbed at this time." One of the guards said. Ragnar watched the man's hands slowly reaching towards the pommel of the sword at his waist in warning.
