Ambrosia rode through the gates to the castle courtyard and immediately noted the silence. There were a few scattered servants going about their business, but there was a notable lack of raucous Royals. She dismounted and led her steed to the stables. The stable hand looked almost surprised there was someone in front of him. When he recognized her he jumped to his feet and bowed.
"Nice to see you again, Henry. I've come home from a distant land and Ghost has carried me all the way there and back. He is a true friend. Make sure he is well taken care of, will you?" Ambrosia handed the reins to Henry.
"Of course, Your Grace. I will put him in the best stall available. I just purchased a new batch of grain. Everything is ready. He will be well-treated."
"Well-treated but lonely. Where is everyone, Henry?"
"The Royals, Your Grace? They have been disappearing for months. It was down to just a handful and then a couple of weeks ago the castle went silent. We really don't know what happened to them. It's quite disturbing!"
"Yes. It is, isn't it? Don't worry, Henry. I'll see if I can sort it out. Make sure you exercise Ghost. I need him to stay fit for the road."
"You're leaving again, Your Grace?" Henry twisted the end of the reins in his hands.
"No worries, Henry. Everything will be fine." Ambrosia turned from the stable hand and made her way to the castle doors. Guards who hadn't been there when she had first ridden into the courtyard opened the doors for her at her approach. Word travels fast, I see. She acknowledged the guards and walked into the castle. There was much to be done."