A soldier hurried through the streets towards the royal castle at the heart of the capital.
Meanwhile, within the castle walls, several women sat together enjoying afternoon tea.
"Oh, and that young Master Gin. Has he truly taken no bride yet?" asked one of the women, dressed in a bright yellow dress.
"Sarah, dear elder sister, I'm afraid my stepson is something of a failure. For a prince, Gin leaves much to be desired. He prefers keeping to his room rather than indulging in the peacocking of the nobility," replied the King's Mother.
Another woman, draped in a pristine white dress, took a small sip of tea before speaking.
"Oh, and what became of that third cousin of yours? House Saraken has so many relatives, surely there must be someone who catches his fancy. Even if only for a time."
"It doesn't matter what he likes," Sarah snapped. "We only need him betrothed, and any woman will do. I hear you're pregnant with a girl, younger sister Yui."
Yui gasped.
"You can't possibly be thinking of—"
At that moment, the King's Mother clapped her hands gently, drawing their attention back to her.
"Elder sister, you mustn't joke about such things! Poor Yui might think you're seriously planning to marry off her unborn daughter." She gave a light, amused chuckle. Sarah's face remained stern. "Though, now that you mention it, I know exactly what might bring Gin to his senses. A ball, of course! One filled with eligible brides for the First Prince."
She raised her teacup to her lips, smiling.
"It's how I married into the royal family, after all."
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
"Your Majesty," came a voice from the other side. "A messenger from the Black Ministry has arrived. He brings news concerning the wine cellar."
The King's Mother immediately rose from her seat.
"My apologies, sisters. It seems something requires my attention. I'll return shortly."
With that, she set down her teacup and made her way towards the door.
In another room within the castle, several maids stood surrounding an old man who knelt on the floor. Each held a dagger pointed towards him.
The door opened, and the King's Mother entered.
She paused at the sight before her.
"Ladies, there is no need."
At once, the maids lowered their daggers and stepped back, taking up silent positions beside the kneeling man.
The King's Mother approached him.
"Now, speak. What information have you brought me?"
The old man bowed his head.
"It's about your brother, Vernin. We lost contact with him forty-eight hours ago. Now, quite suddenly, his body has been recovered."
"His body?" she repeated.
"Yes, Your Majesty." His voice faltered. "It is with great sadness that I must inform you that your brother. He is dead."
The King's Mother clenched her fist. Her jaw tightened, and for a moment, she said nothing.
Then she spoke.
"How?"
The messenger lowered his head.
"We don't know, Your Majesty. The Duke's son, Mark Irin, apparently discovered him at his desk. Internally, the cause of death has already been dismissed as old age."
The King's Mother fell silent.
Slowly, she raised her hand and rested it upon the messenger's head.
"Ladies, reward this man with some gold for his loyalty."
The maids bowed.
"Then prepare yourselves. We're breaking into the Black Ministry tonight."
"Yes, Your Majesty!" the maids exclaimed in unison.