“The Prince has returned.”
William Minna was stunned for a moment before coming to her senses.
“Where is he?”
“I don’t know. Sir Wolf is sending guards to search for him…”
“What else?”
“He is slightly injured.”
Blood drained from William Minna’s face as she rushed towards the door.
“Your Majesty!” Cynthia followed closely, “Sir Edward is already leading a search for the Prince! It’s raining hard, please don’t go!”
“Did you contact him?”
“He didn’t have a phone,” Cynthia added, “and the communication device isn’t responding. They’ve brought His Highness’s horse to guide them. With so many people, we’ll definitely find the Prince!”
Wilhelmina reached the back door, where Sir Wolf and the captain of the guard were arranging the search.
Wilhelmina calmed down and asked, “What’s the situation now?”
“The first search team has set out, Your Majesty,” Sir Wolf said. “His Highness went towards the river valley. We believe we’ll find him before dark.”
“What is the chamberlain doing? Why did he let him ride out alone in such terrible weather?”
“The chamberlain said nervously, ‘I’m very sorry, Your Majesty. But His Highness didn’t allow us to follow.’
Wilhelmina anxiously looked at the heavy rain outside. ‘I’ll go with you.’
‘Please don’t, Your Majesty,’ Sir Wolf dissuaded her. ‘It’s too cold and dangerous outside. If something happens to you, we can’t bear the responsibility. The guards and cavalry know the terrain and have medical supplies. Once we find the Prince, we’ll bring him back quickly. Please return to the Paris Palace and wait.’
Cynthia half-guided Wilhelmina back to the sitting room of the Paris Palace. The news of the Prince’s missing horseback ride had spread, and officials from the Palace Interior Ministry rushed to assist. Concerned glances were cast at the Queen.
Sensing the Queen’s annoyance, Cynthia asked everyone else to leave, then poured her a cup of hot cocoa.
‘The Palace Interior Ministry officials have notified the Prime Minister. He asked if he should come to the palace.’
‘Owen…’ Wilhelmina sighed, bitterly shaking her head. ‘No. Thank him, but there’s no need for him to come.’
‘The Prime Minister still wants to speak with you.'”
Wilhelmina closed her eyes wearily and leaned back on the sofa.
