A carriage rolled to a stop before the grand Edeline estate. The crisp evening air carried the scent of rain, and the rhythmic sound of horse hooves faded into silence as Charles stepped out. He knocked firmly on the large wooden door, and moments later, it creaked open.
Edeline stood there, her expression unreadable.
Charles gave a slight nod. "Edeline, it's been a while."
She offered a small smile. "Yes, it has." Then, her gaze shifted to the boy standing beside him. A softness crossed her features as she reached out, wrapping her arms around him. "My son… William."
William hesitated for a moment before melting into her embrace.
Charles exhaled. "I'll return in four days to pick him up."
But before Edeline could respond, the sound of armored footsteps echoed from behind them. A group of knights appeared, their presence suffocating the air with an undeniable authority.
"What is the meaning of this?" Charles demanded as the knights suddenly seized him.
