The very next day after that restless night in the city—where happiness had lasted only a heartbeat—Laury returned to his duties as if nothing had changed. He trained the boys as usual, his voice firm, his movements precise. Yet his mind betrayed him. It wandered constantly to the Queen… to the woman behind the crown, to her true nature. And at the same time, memories of Emily surfaced—the first girl he had ever loved, a name that still ached quietly in his chest.
James remained by his side, as always. Loyal. Steady. But even James seemed distracted, his thoughts strangely circling around Elara—the club girl, the enigma. Two soldiers standing in the same chaos, each drowning in thoughts heavier than duty itself.
It was a brutal day. Exhausting. But when the training ended, Laury could clearly see the results—the soldiers had grown stronger, sharper, not only physically, but mentally. He allowed himself a rare moment of satisfaction.
Later, Laury and James sat together on the soldiers' ground, resting while planning their next moves. That peace shattered when a young servant burst through the doors, breathless, terror written across his face.
"Laury—Laury!"
Laury stood at once, James following closely behind. The boy grabbed Laury's shoulders, his hands trembling.
"The Queen… the Queen is gone. No one knows where she is. Of course—it's Sani Scabar's work."
Laury froze. Shock struck him silent. Without a word, he grabbed James and ran toward the castle.
Nothing.
Not a single trace. Not a hint. The castle was in chaos—servants whispering, guards panicking, fear crawling through every hall. Soon the news reached the city. Mothers clutched their children, tears streaming down their faces. No one knew where this war would lead them. No one knew what would come next.
No one… except Laury.
He knew one thing for certain: he would do whatever it took to find her. He had made a promise—no one would be hurt. Especially not the Queen. Not only because she ruled Salvania, but because she was Margaret.
Margaret—the girl who made his heart stop when she stood before him without power, without a crown. Just her. Just Margaret.
James knew it too. He would never leave Laury to face this alone.
Desperate for answers, Laury went straight to Elara. He pushed open the door to her room—and stopped.
She was on the ground. Blood stained the floor beside her. It was clear she had fought someone… recently.
In that moment, Laury understood: everything was connected.
He lifted Elara onto his shoulders and rushed her to the doctor. He needed her alive. He needed her to tell him everything.
James stayed behind to search the room. And then he found it.
The Queen's bracelet.
The one she always wore.
The Queen had been there… before she disappeared.