Adrian stood at the edge of the training yard, sword in hand, waiting for the king's response that never came. He'd sent three proposals in as many weeks. Each one ignored. His father wouldn't even dismiss them — just silence, which felt worse than contempt. Hoofbeats broke through his thoughts. A royal blue pony burst through the gate, stars glinting across its flanks like scattered diamonds. Briar pulled hard on the reins, breathless. "Adrian," she gasped, "the northern mines collapsed. Two hundred workers trapped." She slid from the saddle, gripping his arm. "The king's messengers are an hour behind me. You can act first." Adrian's pulse quickened. His father would send investigators, hold meetings, wait for reports. But Adrian could ride now, organize rescue teams, be the one who saved them. The choice hung between them like drawn steel. He could wait for his father's orders and remain invisible. Or he could prove himself worthy by being the son who didn't wait. Briar pressed a rolled parchment into his hand. The blueprint showed a creature with broad antlers and healing marks scored along its body. "Found this in the collapsed mine," she said. "The workers who touched it stopped bleeding. Stopped hurting." Adrian stared at the detailed drawings, the careful notes about healing properties. This wasn't just a rescue mission anymore. If he brought back both the workers and proof of a healing creature, his father would have to see him. He rolled the blueprint tight and looked north. The messengers were coming, but they'd arrive to find he was already gone. Adrian swung onto the blue pony while Briar grabbed her pack from where she'd dropped it. Her knife with its vine engravings caught the light as she secured it to her belt. They rode out together before the guards could question them. The decision was made. For once, Adrian wouldn't wait for permission he'd never receive. He'd bring his father something impossible to ignore.