CHAPTER 22 - Rumors in the Palace
With the end of the celebration at the palace, rumors spread faster than the wind.
In just a few days, almost every servant, guard, and noble had heard the same story.
The Queen had lost her memories.
Some people spoke of it with concern.
Others with curiosity.
But not a few discussed it in hushed whispers filled with speculation.
"Her Majesty truly remembers nothing?"
"They say she doesn't even recognize some of the noble families' names."
"How pitiful…"
Those whispers could be heard in almost every corner of the palace.
And all those rumors grew stronger because of one thing.
The Queen's behavior.
It had been almost two weeks since Keira returned to the Palace of Valtherion.
And during that time, the servants had seen the same sight almost every day.
The Queen walking through the palace corridors.
Sometimes in the morning.
Sometimes in the afternoon.
Sometimes even close to nightfall.
Always accompanied by Sir Kael… and her newly arrived cousin from Evermont.
Daniel.
"It seems Her Majesty is truly trying to remember the palace."
A servant whispered to her friend when they saw Keira walking through the garden.
"She's already visited almost every place."
Her friend nodded.
"The library."
"The north hall."
"The gallery of the old kings."
"Even the kitchen."
Both of them sighed.
"How pitiful…"
But the reality was very different.
Keira stood on one of the small balconies overlooking the knights' training courtyard.
Daniel stood beside her.
Kael stood a few steps behind, as usual.
Below them, the soldiers were training.
The sound of clashing swords rang clearly through the air.
Keira watched them closely.
"Nothing."
Daniel let out a small sigh.
"It's been days, and we still have no results."
Keira crossed her arms.
"There are still too many possibilities."
Daniel glanced at her.
"We've checked almost every part of the palace, the guards…..the servants…the palace staff and several nobles." He paused for a moment. "If Keenan really is here… we might have already passed him."
Keira kept her gaze fixed on the training yard. Her eyes were sharp.
"Not necessarily." Daniel raised an eyebrow. Keira continued quietly, "Nevil never said his soul would definitely be in the palace."
A brief silence fell.
Below the balcony, a knight dropped his sword and his companions laughed.
Daniel finally said, "That means… we might have to search the whole of Valtherion."
Keira exhaled softly. "Maybe."
Kael finally spoke from behind them.
"I can help."
Keira turned. Daniel did as well.
Kael stood straight as always.
"I have access to most of the royal forces."
His gaze remained calm.
"If Your Majesty is searching for someone… I can assist with the investigation."
Daniel grinned slightly.
"I'm starting to like this knight."
Keira did not answer immediately.
She looked back toward the training yard.
Hundreds of people in this palace.
Thousands in the city.
And one of them might be someone very important to her.
Keira finally said quietly,
"We will find him."
Daniel looked at her.
"You sound very certain."
Keira smiled faintly.
"Because if we don't…"
She paused for a moment.
"…then none of this would mean anything."
The evening wind drifted across the palace balcony.
And without anyone realizing it somewhere within Valtherion, the person they were searching for might already be walking very close to them.