Dawn crept quietly through the tall windows of my chamber, the pale light casting long, fragile fingers across the cold stone floor. The palace, with all its ancient grandeur, felt less like a home and more like a cage tightening around me and my mother. Each silent corner seemed to whisper threats, secrets hiding just beneath the surface.
My mother's slumber weighed on my heart, heavier than ever. Though she lay still and silent, I knew her enemies were restless, moving like ghosts within these walls, waiting for a chance to strike. I could not allow that.
My fingers curled around the goblet before me, but I did not drink. The pain from the attack days ago throbbed faintly beneath my ribs—a reminder that death was never far behind.
A soft knock broke the silence. Maris entered, her dark eyes serious, Elara following close with a bundle wrapped in cloth.
"Lady Delbeyrah," Maris whispered, "we found something troubling."
My breath caught. "What is it?"
Elara unwrapped the bundle carefully, revealing a set of vials—bright liquids and powders meant for my mother's care.
"One vial is missing," Maris said grimly. "The apothecary insists all were delivered, but someone has taken one."
A chill settled deep in my bones.
"Someone is tampering with her medicine," I said quietly. "They want her vulnerable. Defenseless."
Maris nodded. "And without forced entry, the threat is inside the palace."
I rose, resolve hardening within me. "We must watch everyone—especially new servants and those handling her care."
I assigned Elara to shadow the servants' quarters and Maris to watch the apothecary closely. Their loyalty was my shield in these dark times.
Later, Joran arrived with urgent news from the city's undercurrents. "There's a courier moving between the nobles and the king's wife's chambers, carrying secret messages. We've found a man willing to risk entering the heart of their plotting."
My gaze sharpened. "We need proof, something we can use."
Joran's voice lowered. "His name is Tavren. He will infiltrate the queen's wife's circle and uncover what they're planning."
That night, I sat with my closest confidantes. We poured over maps, letters, and whispered rumors. Every piece we uncovered deepened the shadow of betrayal.
Tavren's mission was perilous—if caught, he would pay with his life. But without him, we would remain blind.
---
Tavren moved through the palace like a shadow, silent and unseen. The narrow corridors, the servant passages, the cold stone stairwells—they were his cloak and shield.
At last, he found the secret meeting place—an old chamber beneath the castle, where the air hung thick with whispered threats.
From the crack of a door, Tavren listened as several voices hissed about their plans.
"The girl's influence grows dangerous," one said. "She disrupts the delicate balance of power."
"She threatens the king's wife's control," another growled. "We must act before she tightens her grip."
The final voice was low and cruel. "We will use every tool—poison, lies, steel—to break her."
Tavren's heart hammered. He had what we needed.
But as he turned to slip away, a loose floorboard betrayed him.
Shouts echoed, blades drawn.
The chase was fierce, every breath a battle against death.
Tavren barely escaped, wounded but alive.
---
Back in my chamber, I listened to Tavren's tale. The palace's poison was deeper and darker than I feared.
My mother and I were both in danger.
I gave orders to double the watch on her chambers and take personal control of her medicines. No vial left unchecked. No servant unmonitored.
Sleep was scarce, but I steeled myself.
Every secret revealed was a weapon in my hand.
And I was ready to use them.