Night draped the palace in a cloak of silence, broken only by the distant echo of footsteps along stone corridors. Golden sconces flickered against the marble walls, their light casting shifting shadows that danced like whispers of unseen figures. Within this labyrinth of opulence and ambition, Serene moved unseen, her footsteps soundless upon the cold floor.
The council's words echoed in her mind as she weaved through hidden passages designed for servants and spies alike. The tension among the nobles was growing thicker with each passing day, and though no blade had yet been drawn, the air smelled of war. Yet it was not steel alone that would decide the kingdom's fate—no, the battle had already begun with words and alliances forged in secret.
Pausing at a narrow alcove, Serene adjusted the folds of her cloak, ensuring no strand of her brown hair escaped from beneath the hood. The corridor beyond led to the outer gardens, where patrols passed at irregular intervals. Timing their movements was second nature by now—Kale had trained her well in the art of silence and shadows.
Reaching the stone arch that overlooked the courtyard, she pressed her back against the cold stone, heart steady despite the distant clink of armor approaching. Torchlight flickered against the ground as two guards passed below, their conversation drifting upward.
"…more patrols near the eastern gate again. Must be expecting something soon."
"Or trying to keep order with all the unrest in the lower districts. I heard another grain shipment was delayed—prices are rising again."
"Doesn't explain the extra drills the captain ordered. Seems like we're preparing for more than riots…"
Their voices faded as they continued their round, unaware of the figure above. Serene waited until the courtyard fell silent once more before slipping down the narrow servant staircase that led to the outer walls. A hidden exit lay beyond, known only to a few—a perfect route to vanish into the city without a trace.
---
Kale stood beneath the arch of a weather-worn alley as Serene approached, her cloak blending seamlessly with the night. Without a word, she knelt before him, bowing her head in deference before rising to meet his gaze.
"They're divided," she reported softly. "Duke Marcian pushes for war, but Lord Avelric and the others resist. The border skirmishes are more frequent than the council admits, but the king has yet to authorize a full mobilization."
"And the eastern border?" Kale asked, his tone calm yet firm.
"Fortifications are underway, but manpower is limited. Some nobles suggest seeking aid from neighboring kingdoms."
Kale's eyes darkened at the mention of foreign involvement. Fools. They would sell their sovereignty to maintain their wealth. He clasped his hands behind his back, gaze shifting toward the distant palace spires.
"Good," he said at last. "Continue observing them, but do not draw suspicion. Their desperation will grow with each day the enemy draws closer—and when the time comes, they will have no choice but to seek help from the very shadows they fear."
Serene bowed her head. "Yes, Master."
As she vanished into the night, Kale remained beneath the archway, his eyes reflecting the distant torchlight. The pieces were shifting across the board, yet none of the players could see the hand that guided them from the shadows. Not yet.
But soon.