Prince Phillip's fingers brushed against the edges of his bag as he packed the last few essentials: his coat, a map, and a small satchel of supplies. The cottage, small and humble, was oddly quiet. He had just finished preparing for the journey ahead when the scream pierced the air. His heart quickened.

He didn't have to think twice. He grabbed his coat and stuffed it into his bag-he knew the night ahead would be frigid, and they'd need all the warmth they could get.

Lily's kingdom was in a different time zone, separated from his by the turn of the earth. When night settled over her lands, the sun rose over his. But no matter the time of day, the mission was the same: find Lily before Queen Kharén did.

Rushing through the small hallway, Phillip met the old couple in the sitting room. The two were already gathered, ready to leave. The old woman, a figure of wisdom, offered him a knowing look, as if to reassure him they were as ready as they would ever be.

"Okay, little cottage," Phillip said, a slight smile on his face despite the tension. "We're off now, and you know what to do."

The couple nodded in unison, each holding onto something tightly as the ground beneath them trembled. The walls of the cottage seemed to shift, expanding and transforming. The small, unassuming structure grew larger, its humble form now becoming an elegant, towering building that almost seemed to defy the laws of nature.

As the shaking ceased, Phillip dusted himself off and approached the now grand door. He opened it wide, stepping into the cool air of the evening with the couple following close behind. They walked into the open space, and as they did, the shadow of an imposing castle stretched out over them. It was as if the very earth had shifted in their favor.

The Ocean Queen, standing by the gates, turned her piercing gaze to Phillip. "Queen Kharén has a daughter?" she asked, her voice filled with shock and a sense of disbelief.

Phillip nodded solemnly. "Yes, Your Majesty. She does. The tiara she carries, the one I saw, confirms it. It was hers... and it was meant for someone else."

The old lady, standing by Phillip's side, smiled softly, rubbing his back in a gesture of reassurance. "Phillip... *Prince Phillip* saw the tiara," she added, her voice tinged with pride.

The Ocean Queen's expression darkened at the mention of Queen Kharén. She turned slowly to the council members seated around a crescent-shaped table. The room fell silent as their eyes turned to her, and the air grew heavy with the weight of their conversation.

"If Queen Kharén's daughter is truly alive," the Ocean Queen declared, her voice cutting through the tension, "it changes everything. The prophecy... it spoke of her return, but I had hoped-no, I had prayed-that it would not happen in our lifetimes."

Prince Phillip stepped forward, his emerald eyes flashing with determination. "My Queen," he said, his voice unwavering. "She doesn't understand who she is yet. She was frightened-lost, even-when she ran into the woods. But if she is to fulfill the prophecy or defy it... we must act quickly."

A council member, cloaked in robes of deep indigo, rose from his seat, his voice filled with skepticism. "And what if she falls into her mother's hands before we can reach her? The Dark Witch would use her as a weapon against us."

Phillip's eyes narrowed. "She won't," he said firmly. "I've seen the kindness in her eyes. Whatever Queen Kharén's plans were, Lily's spirit remains untarnished-at least, for now."

The Ocean Queen paused, her gaze sharp as she studied Phillip. Her next words came slowly, each one carrying the weight of a thousand unspoken fears. "And you believe you can reach her? Convince her to join our cause?"

"I do," Phillip answered without hesitation. "But I will need the council's blessing-and perhaps... some assistance."

Murmurs of uncertainty rippled through the room. The council members exchanged uneasy glances, none of them sure whether Phillip's trust in Lily was misplaced. But the Ocean Queen's voice soon silenced them.

"The risks are great," she said, "but the alternative is unthinkable. If Lily is as pure as you claim, we cannot allow her to fall into Kharén's hands. The council grants you permission to seek her out. But tread carefully, Prince Phillip. The fate of the kingdoms may rest on your success."

Phillip bowed deeply, his expression resolute. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I won't fail."

As he turned to leave, the Ocean Queen's voice stopped him. "Beware the shadows in the forest, Phillip. They whisper lies to all who enter, and even the strongest of hearts can falter."

Phillip's jaw tightened at her words, but his resolve remained unbroken. He would find Lily, and he would protect her-no matter the cost.

With the old couple at his side, he exited the grand hall, stepping into the shadow of the castle as the weight of his mission pressed down upon him.