The next morning, Liora's hands still trembled from the night before. She hadn't slept how could she? The Crown Prince now knew the Prime Minister was smuggling weapons and tampering with military supply lines.
And somehow, she had become the bearer of that knowledge. The one he looked at with careful calculation instead of cold disinterest.
[Mission Progress: 60% Complete.]
[New Hidden Task: "Prove your loyalty before he names you a threat.]
Wonderful, she thought bitterly. Now I need to prove to the most paranoid man in the empire that I'm not a spy.
The summons came shortly after sunrise. No warning. No chance to prepare. A silent guard escorted her to the Crown Prince's private training courtyard where she had never been invited before.
She stepped into the walled garden, heart thudding. He stood in the center, dressed in light training robes, a wooden sword in hand. His hair was tied up, a few strands escaping to frame his face.
And he looked damn it beautiful. Dangerous. Controlled.
Your Highness," she greeted carefully.
He tossed a second wooden sword at her feet. "Pick it up.
Liora stared at it. "You want me to fight you?
I want to see what you'll do when cornered,he said coolly. "You've been here two weeks. You've proven resourceful. Now I want to know if you're dangerous.
This is a test. The System had warned her.
She picked up the sword awkwardly. "You do realize I've never held a weapon before, right?
Then let's begin.
He moved without warning, swift as a storm. She shrieked and leapt backward, barely dodging the wooden blade.
What happened to foreplay?" she yelped, ducking a second strike.
His mouth twitched almost a smirk but it vanished quickly. "You think this is a game?"
No," she grunted, swinging wildly. He blocked easily, spinning her around and pressing the tip of his sword to her back.
Her breath hitched.
You're good at surviving," he murmured by her ear. "But survival isn't the same as loyalty.
Liora didn't turn. "If I weren't loyal, why would I have risked my life to bring you the scroll?
He didn't answer immediately. Then, softly: "Because you're smart. Because you know aligning with me gives you protection. But if I fall… where will your loyalty go?
Liora turned her head slightly, her voice steady despite her shaking hands. "If you fall, there won't be a palace left to stay loyal to.
He was quiet. Then, finally, he stepped back. "You're untrained. But quick.
And still breathing. I'm calling that a win," she muttered.
[Loyalty Test: Passed.]
[Crown Prince's Suspicion: Lowered.]
But her moment of victory was short-lived.
That afternoon, the palace hosted a formal tea ceremony attended by several noble ladies including Lady Mei. Liora arrived late, still sore from training, and instantly sensed something was off.
The courtyards were too quiet. The smiles too sharp. Even the maids seemed tense.
Lady Mei rose with delicate grace, her lavender robes pooling around her like clouds. "Sister Liora," she said sweetly, "how wonderful of you to join us. I took the liberty of arranging a seat for you… near the front.
Alarm bells rang in Liora's head. She sat where directed, every instinct telling her this was a trap.
The tea was served. Conversations flowed. And then Lady Mei clapped her hands.
A small entertainment," she declared. "A reading of poetry, inspired by our court's recent… additions.
Liora froze. A maid brought forward a scroll clearly written in calligraphy. "A gift," Lady Mei purred, "penned by one of the ladies. Would you read it for us, dear Liora?"
She scanned the lines quickly. Her stomach dropped.
It wasn't a poem. It was a veiled insult.
The verses described a low born snake using charm and lies to climb into royal favor. It didn't name her, but everyone knew exactly who it was about.
If I read this, I humiliate myself. If I refuse, I look guilty.
She gripped the scroll tighter, then raised her eyes slowly. "What a beautiful piece," she said calmly. "But I believe it was written for you, Lady Mei."
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Lady Mei's smile faltered.
Liora continued, voice light but cutting. "The writer describes someone obsessed with status. Threatened by newcomers. Petty. Poisonous. A rose with thorns but no scent. That must be you, yes?
Silence.
Lady Mei's face tightened, but she forced a laugh. "My, you have such a sharp tongue. Perhaps you should join the scribes."
I'll take that as a compliment."
Then a new voice entered the courtyard. Cold. Sharp. Commanding.
What's going on here?"
The Crown Prince.
Everyone rose and bowed instantly. Lady Mei paled but tried to compose herself. "Your Highness, we were simply enjoying some light poetry
I heard enough." His gaze settled on Liora. "Did someone insult you?"
Liora stood calmly. "They tried. I gave it back.
He studied her for a moment. Then, to everyone's shock, he turned to Lady Mei. "You were once my favored companion. I advise you to act like it."
Lady Mei's eyes burned with humiliation. She dropped into a stiff bow. "Yes, Your Highness.
[Public Support: Gained.]
[Rival Lady Mei: Hostility Increased.]
As the guests dispersed, the Crown Prince pulled Liora aside briefly. "You handled yourself well.
You're not angry?
He smirked faintly. "You survived assassins. You can survive court women.
Then, more quietly: "Keep watching them. Some of them are connected to the Prime Minister. I suspect Mei is being used to test you."
Liora's breath caught. "So she's… a pawn?"
A willing one."
And with that, he left her standing in the golden courtyard, surrounded by flowers, betrayal, and fading laughter.