The morning light poured through the tall windows of Rose's chambers, casting long beams of gold across the polished floors. The palace was unusually quiet for a morning, the usual clatter of servants and bustling courtiers absent for once. Rose sat at her writing desk, staring at the untouched parchment before her, her quill poised in midair. She had spent hours trying to craft the perfect response to the various requests from nobles across the kingdom, but her thoughts kept drifting back to the unsettling conversation with Kyle the night before.
She couldn't shake the sense that something dark was looming over the palace. The rumors, the whispers, the threat of rebellion—everything felt more real with each passing day. She had spent most of her life sheltered from such dangers, blissfully ignorant of the politics that governed the fate of a kingdom. But now, that ignorance was a luxury she could no longer afford.
As Rose dipped her quill into the ink, she caught sight of the faintest movement out of the corner of her eye. It was barely noticeable, but someone had slipped into her room through the back entrance, the door that led from the garden. Her heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to remain calm. She had learned to expect the unexpected, especially now that she was a princess surrounded by enemies and allies alike.
Turning slowly, Rose's breath caught when she saw who had entered.
It was Kyle.
His face was tense, his usual calm demeanor replaced with something darker, more urgent. His eyes scanned the room quickly before settling on her, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. It was as though they both understood the gravity of the moment.
"Kyle," Rose whispered, standing from her chair. "What is it? You look…"
"Worried," Kyle finished for her, stepping closer. His voice was low, tinged with a sense of urgency that made her stomach tighten. "Rose, I need you to listen carefully."
She nodded, her heart pounding. "What's happening?"
"There's something you need to know," Kyle began, his eyes darting to the door as though expecting someone to follow. "I've heard whispers—more than just rumors. Someone inside the palace is plotting against you."
Rose froze, her mind racing. "What do you mean? Who?"
Kyle exhaled, his gaze heavy. "I don't know yet, but I'm sure of this much: You're not just a pawn to those outside the palace. There are traitors among us. Someone who's close to you is working against your interests."
Rose's pulse quickened. "Who would do such a thing?"
"I'm not sure, but I suspect it's someone you trust. Someone who has access to you." Kyle's tone softened, almost as if he didn't want to say it aloud. "It could be Prince Christopher. He's ambitious, and he has his own agenda."
Rose's chest tightened at the mention of Christopher's name. She had suspected that there was something calculating in his actions, but hearing it from Kyle made the possibility seem far more real.
"But… Christopher wouldn't do that," Rose said, her voice uncertain. "He's been nothing but helpful."
Kyle's expression darkened. "Helpful? Or manipulative? Think about it, Rose. He's always around when important decisions are being made. He has far too much influence over you and the court."
The words stung, but Kyle's point was valid. Christopher had been more involved in her education and political matters than any prince she had met. He seemed to want to guide her every step, almost as if she couldn't make a move without his approval.
"I don't know if I can believe that," Rose said softly. "Christopher's been there when I needed advice, when I needed to understand the intricacies of this court. He's always been patient with me."
Kyle sighed, running a hand through his dark hair in frustration. "That's exactly what makes him dangerous. He's good at playing the part of the trusted advisor. But don't be fooled. People like him don't do things out of the goodness of their hearts. They have their own reasons, their own plans."
Rose looked at Kyle, her mind in turmoil. She had always trusted Christopher—he was the one who had welcomed her into the palace and guided her through the complexities of court life. But Kyle's words were starting to plant seeds of doubt in her heart. Could it really be him? she wondered.
Before she could voice her thoughts, Kyle placed a hand on her shoulder, his eyes softer now. "I'm not saying that Christopher is the only one. But you need to be cautious, Rose. You have a lot to offer, and there are those who will stop at nothing to take that from you."
Rose swallowed, trying to steady her racing heart. "What do you want me to do?"
"I want you to be careful," Kyle said, his voice low and serious. "Watch everyone around you, especially those you trust. It's not just your position that's at risk—it's your life."
She stared at him for a moment, the weight of his words settling on her shoulders like an invisible burden. "What are you planning to do?"
"I'm going to keep gathering information," he replied, his eyes narrowing with determination. "I'll figure out who's behind this. But you need to be prepared for anything. Don't trust easily, not even the people you think you know."
Rose felt a chill creep down her spine. "I'll be careful."
"Good," Kyle said, taking a step back. "But Rose, remember this: No one is truly safe in a palace. Not even a princess."
As he turned to leave, Rose's heart pounded in her chest. She had no idea who to trust anymore. The man who had been her closest ally, the one person she thought she could rely on, was telling her to doubt everything and everyone.
The door closed quietly behind him, and for the first time since she had arrived in the palace, Rose felt utterly alone. There was danger lurking in every corner, and the kingdom she had hoped to lead might very well be her undoing.
She glanced at the reflection of herself in the mirror—a princess with a crown that now felt heavier than ever.
How much longer can I survive in this world of deceit