The kingdom of Endrias is in complete chaos. Every castle guard is on high alert and patrolling the streets of Highdell—the village that lies just outside the castle gates. The king has ordered a curfew. Everyone must be inside their homes by the time the sun dips behind the horizon. If they disobey the curfew, the King's Guards take matters into their own hands. In fear of cruel punishment, the villagers retreat to their homes—leaving the cobblestone streets desolate and deafeningly silent by nightfall.
Tensions weren't so high before. If a weary traveler were to wander into Highdell a week ago, they would be welcomed with open arms. A free room at the Gooseneck Tavern would be offered to them. And as long as they didn't seem to pose a threat to the kingdom or its people, they would be free to come and go as they pleased.
But now, the streets are swarming with guards. There are four posted on the main road that leads into the city and even more spread throughout the kingdom itself. The gates to Highdell are closed at sundown and only opened once the king awakens and gives the order himself.
Villagers are miserable, guards are being overworked, and the royal family is becoming restless—all because the princess has fled from the castle.