The wind moved quietly across the empty road.
For a few seconds, no one spoke.
The riders in black armor sat motionless on their horses, their swords reflecting the morning light.
Rowan stepped slightly in front of Aria.
His grip tightened around the dagger in his hand.
"Last chance," he said calmly. "Turn around and go back to the capital."
The rider in front tilted his head slightly.
"We are not here to negotiate."
The man slowly lowered the scroll and drewhis sword completely.
"Princess Aria will return with us."
Aria's voice was steady when she spoke.
"I'm not a princess anymore."
The rider did not react.
"That is not your choice."
Rowan sighed.
"Well," he muttered, "I tried."
The first rider suddenly urged his horse forward.
Rowan moved faster.
In one swift motion he stepped aside and slashed at the horse's reins. The animal reared back, throwing the rider off balance.Steel clashed.
Another rider lunged toward them.
Rowan blocked the strike and pushed him back.
Aria grabbed a fallen sword from the ground.
For years she had been trained to rule.
But she had also been trained to survive.
The battle lasted only seconds.
Two riders lay on the ground.
The others hesitated.
Then the leader raised a hand.
"Enough."The riders slowly backed their horses away.
The leader looked directly at Aria.
"You can run," he said quietly.
"But the message was delivered."
Then the riders turned their horses and disappeared back into the forest.
The road fell silent again.
Rowan wiped blood from the edge of his dagger.
"That," he said, "was definitely not normal."
Aria stared at the forest.
"They knew my name."
Rowan looked at her."Aria…"
She nodded slowly.
"Yes."
"The war isn't over."