198 The Crown Prince's Summon

"Your Highness," Matilda began, her voice steady despite the trembling of her hands. "I saw Kalean. The kidnapper. He was in the woods."

Adrien leaned forward, his gaze intense as he focused on her words, while Delbert stood silently by the door, his presence a reassuring presence in the room.

"Woods? What were you doing in the woods?" Adrien's brow furrowed with concern as he questioned the trembling maid.

"Lise and I were having a walk in the forest this morning. At one point, we got separated, and that's when I encountered him. I saw the same tattoo on his nape," Matilda explained, her voice faltering slightly as she recalled the chilling encounter.

"What did he look like, and what was he doing there?" Adrien's tone was urgent, his eyes searching Matilda's for any hint of deception.

"I believe he was hunting, Your Highness. He was carrying a bloody axe," Matilda replied, her face scrunching up with disgust at the memory.