The days following the banquet passed slowly, each one a blur of royal duties and hidden conversations. Elysia could feel the walls of the palace closing in around her. She was trapped in a gilded cage, surrounded by courtiers who whispered behind her back, servants who kept their eyes lowered, and a queen whose ever-watchful gaze never missed a thing.
The palace was beautiful, yes. The grand tapestries, the polished marble floors, the chandeliers that caught the light just right, casting intricate patterns on the walls. But beauty couldn't hide the rot beneath the surface. The air was thick with secrets, lies, and manipulation.
Elysia spent most of her days wandering the vast halls, her mind constantly turning. Every conversation seemed to have a hidden meaning, every gesture a part of a larger game she wasn't quite sure how to play. She couldn't trust anyone—especially not Malcor.
Though their paths rarely crossed, Elysia couldn't shake the feeling that Malcor was always watching her. The dark sorcerer seemed to appear at the most unexpected times, his shadow lurking at the edge of her vision. His presence was like a storm on the horizon—silent, but undeniably powerful.
Today, however, Elysia had a different task in mind. She had overheard whispers of a secret meeting in the palace, one that would take place in the dead of night, far from the prying eyes of the courtiers and guards. The queen's plans were always veiled in secrecy, but tonight, Elysia intended to find out more. She needed answers.
As the sun dipped below the horizon and the palace began to quiet down, Elysia made her way through the corridors, her steps careful and deliberate. She knew the risks. If she was caught, it could mean her life. But the thought of staying in the dark, of being controlled by forces she didn't understand, was even worse.
The moonlight poured through the tall windows, casting long shadows across the stone floor as Elysia slipped into a narrow hallway that led to the queen's private chambers. She had been here before, sneaking around the edges, always careful not to be seen. But tonight was different. She wasn't just a princess—she was a player in the game, and it was time she started making her own moves.
She had just reached the door to the queen's private study when she heard a sound—footsteps approaching. Elysia froze, pressing herself against the cold stone wall, her heart pounding in her chest. She held her breath, hoping the shadows would hide her.
The footsteps grew louder, and Elysia dared to glance around the corner. There, walking toward her, was Seraphine, the queen's advisor. Her expression was unreadable, her gaze fixed ahead as she moved with purpose.
Elysia's pulse quickened. Seraphine was headed straight for the study.
She couldn't risk being discovered, not now. With quick thinking, Elysia ducked into an alcove, hidden by a heavy curtain. She pressed herself back into the darkness, her body tense and still.
Seraphine passed by, her footsteps echoing in the silence. Elysia dared not move until the sound faded completely. Only then did she release a breath she hadn't realized she was holding.
She waited, allowing the minutes to stretch into eternity, before she finally emerged from her hiding place. The door to the queen's study was ajar, and through the crack, Elysia could see a faint glow of candlelight inside. She hesitated, her hand hovering over the door handle. But curiosity won out.
She pushed the door open slowly, wincing at the creak of the old wood. The room was dark, except for a few scattered candles that cast flickering light across the walls. The air smelled faintly of parchment and ink, and the faint hum of magic seemed to hang in the air.
Malcor stood at the far side of the room, his back to her. His presence was like a storm cloud in the room, a palpable weight that seemed to press against her chest. She barely dared to breathe as she moved closer, her steps quiet on the stone floor.
"… the queen will not stand for this much longer," Malcor's voice drifted through the silence. His tone was low, almost like a growl, and Elysia felt a shiver run down her spine.
"I know," came a voice Elysia recognized—Seraphine. "But if we move too quickly, we risk losing everything."
Elysia's heart skipped a beat. What were they talking about? What plan were they hatching?
"You don't think I'm aware of the risks?" Malcor's voice was sharp, his irritation clear. "But the queen's magic is failing. And when it does, we'll need something—or someone—to replace it."
Elysia barely dared to move, afraid to be caught eavesdropping, but the words struck her like a blow. The queen's magic was failing. That was the key. That was the reason the queen had become so unpredictable, so volatile. Her immortality was slipping through her fingers, and Malcor was looking for a way to sustain it.
"And what do you suggest?" Seraphine's voice was softer now, more cautious.
Malcor's reply was a low chuckle. "I have a plan. One that will change everything."
Elysia felt a chill creep up her spine. She had to know more. But before she could take another step closer, the door behind her creaked. She froze, panic rising in her chest. Dante.
His tall figure appeared in the doorway, his dark eyes narrowing as they locked onto hers.
"You shouldn't be here," Dante's voice was low, but his gaze softened, as if he had been expecting this.
Elysia didn't know whether to run or confront him. But before she could make a decision, Malcor's voice rang out from the other side of the room.
"Let her stay. It seems she's already part of the game."