In the dim quiet of a private chamber deep within the palace, the weight of last night's revelations pressed heavily on Selena, Arya, and Luther. Away from prying eyes, their hushed voices filled the space with a sense of urgency and despair.
Arya was the first to speak, her tone tremulous yet determined. "My queen, I witnessed Mathew's cruel face as he confronted you. I saw every cold, calculated word as he threatened you—claiming you as his prize and promising you a future of his design." She paused, her eyes searching Selena's for confirmation, while her own trembled with both fear and sorrow.
Luther added quietly, "And from my hidden perch in the corridor, I saw more than just his threat. I watched him quietly command his trusted minister to set an assassination plan into motion against you. Every gesture was deliberate—designed to silence you permanently. It is clear: Mathew's ambitions run deeper than anyone ever imagined."
Selena's gaze fell to the space before her, her voice resolute despite the raw ache of betrayal. "I cannot remain here, under Mathew's shadow of treachery. I want to leave this cursed palace—if only to protect what remains of my heart, and our future." Her hand instinctively went to her belly, a silent reminder of the unborn child, the living legacy of Markas.
Arya's eyes flashed with worry. "But, my queen, the only safe escape lies in the Forbidden Forest," she protested. "That place is as dangerous as it is wild. I fear for you— for all of us—once we step into that darkness."
Luther interjected firmly, "The Forbidden Forest is our only chance, Selena. It may be perilous, but it offers us the time we need to plan your true escape and to gather loyal allies without alerting Mathew. We must act covertly. Involving anyone else now would only stir the hornet's nest and warn him of our intentions."
Selena met Arya's hesitant glance, her voice soft but unyielding. "I have lost too much already. I cannot stay here, waiting for Mathew to come calling with his ultimatum. I must take the risk of the forest if it means protecting what remains of Markas's legacy—and my own life."
Luther leaned forward, his eyes reflecting both determination and compassion. "Listen to me. We do this quietly; it must be just us. Our small group, hidden away from the eyes of the court, will be enough to let you vanish long enough to prepare. We must buy time and find a safer haven beyond Mathew's reach."
Arya sighed, the conflict evident in her voice as she conceded, "I fear the forest, my queen. But if it is the only path to freedom—if it means preserving your life and the life of the innocent child—you have my loyalty. I will stand by you, even in that darkness."
A heavy silence followed as each of them absorbed the gravity of their decision. Finally, Selena's voice broke through, resolute and soft: "Then we leave tonight. I refuse to let Mathew control my fate any longer. We will gather what little we have and slip away unnoticed. Our departure must be our secret—just the three of us. If he learns of it, it will be the last mistake we ever make."
Luther's nod was firm, his next words imbued with determination. "I will map out our route through the palace's hidden corridors to the Forbidden Forest. We leave at once, before tomorrow when Mathew returns with further demands."
The three sat together for a long moment, their quiet pact sealing their perilous course. In the dim light of the chamber, the plans for escape took shape—a delicate balance between hope and the ever-present danger of Mathew's wrath. Their future now lay hidden in the darkness beyond the palace walls, in a forest where magic thrived alongside monstrous beasts, and where each step was a step toward freedom from betrayal.