The king would be heartbroken.

“Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, ‘Please let me run and bring the king news that the Lord has freed him from the hand of his enemies.’ ... Joab said to the Cushite, ‘Go, tell the king what you have seen.’ So the Cushite bowed to Joab and ran.... Joab said, ‘Why would you run, my son, since you will have no messenger’s reward for going?’ ... Ahimaaz answered, ‘...I saw a great commotion, but I did not know what it was.’”

- 2 Samuel 18:19, 21-22, 29 NASB