The night settled quietly over the castle, wrapping the tall towers and silent halls in a soft, silver glow. Most of people in the palace had fallen asleep, but Princess Nara remained awake, sitting by her window as the moonlight touched her face. Her thoughts refused to rest.
Everything that had happened that day replayed again and again in her mind—the courtyard, the fear in the servants' eyes, and most of all, the red dragon mark she had seen on Mara's shoulder. It was not just a mark. She could feel it. There was something deeper, something powerful… something everyone was hiding from her.
After a long moment, she stood and called softly, "Elsa… please go and bring Mara to me."
Elsa hesitated for a second, then bowed. "Yes, my lady."
A few minutes later, Mara entered the room.
She looked tired, her steps slow, her eyes uncertain. She bowed quickly, keeping her gaze low.
"You called for me, Princess?"
Nara gave her a gentle look and motioned toward the chair near the bed. "Come, sit. You don't have to be afraid."
Mara sat down, but her hands stayed tightly clasped in her lap.
For a moment, the room was quiet except for the soft sound of the wind outside.
Then Nara spoke, her voice calm but direct.
"Mara… I saw it today. The mark on your shoulder. The red dragon." She paused, studying her face. "Tell me the truth. What is it?"
Mara's fingers trembled. She shook her head slowly. "I… I don't know, my lady. The king told me it was nothing important. Just a symbol."
Nara frowned slightly, leaning forward.
"Nothing important? Then why was everyone afraid? Even my father and my mother, I saw the fear in their eyes too , Why did Lord Varyn came for you?"
Mara swallowed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't understand it either. His Majesty told me not to ask questions… only to trust him."
Nara leaned back, her eyes thoughtful but troubled. "Trust him…" she repeated softly. "But how can I trust something no one will explain to me?"
Silence fell again, heavier this time.
Then Nara spoke more quietly, almost like she was speaking to herself. "It feels like I am the only one in this castle who does not know the truth."
Mara looked up at her, her expression soft with sympathy. "You are not alone, Princess. I don't know the truth either. I only follow what I am told."
Nara studied her for a long moment, then sighed. "If you ever learn anything… will you tell me?"
Mara nodded slowly. "Yes. I promise."
Nara gave a faint smile. "Thank you. You may go now. And Mara… be careful."
Mara bowed and left, her steps quiet as the door closed behind her.
Nara turned back to the window, staring at the moon, her heart heavier than before. Deep inside, a quiet feeling began to grow—one she could not explain.
Somehow, she felt that the mark… and her own life… were connected in a way she did not yet understand.
Not far from her tower, in a small hidden chamber near the king's quarters, King Ryan stood with Queen Natalie and Captain Alden.
The room was dimly lit, the air thick with tension.
"We must move quickly," Ryan said in a low, firm voice. "Varyn will not wait. He will return, and when he does, he will search every corner of this castle."
Natalie's face was pale, but her eyes were steady. "Then we cannot let him find her."
Alden stepped forward. "There is a place, Your Majesty. Beneath the old chapel. A hidden room known only to a few. It is small, but safe."
Ryan nodded immediately. "That is where she will go."
Without wasting another moment, they moved.
Mara was woken gently from her sleep, confusion still in her eyes as she followed them through quiet hallways lit by flickering torches.
The castle, which had once felt warm and safe, now seemed full of shadows and secrets.
When they reached the chapel, Alden pushed aside a hidden stone behind the altar, revealing a narrow stairway leading down into darkness.
Mara hesitated. "Where… are we going?"
Natalie stepped closer and held her hands gently. "Somewhere safe," she said softly. "You must trust us."
Slowly, Mara nodded.
They led her down into the hidden room. It was simple—a small bed, a table, a simple washroom and a faint light from a narrow window high above.
"Stay here," Alden said quietly. "Do not open the door for anyone except me."
Natalie leaned forward and kissed Mara's forehead. "You are not alone. We will protect you."
The door closed softly, and just like that, Mara was hidden from the world.
Morning came slowly.
The sky was gray, and the wind carried a strange chill across the castle walls. Servants moved quickly. Guards took their positions.
Something was coming—everyone could feel it.
In her room, Nara sat quietly as Elsa helped her clean the room and arranging things.
"You look tired, my lady," Elsa said gently.
"I couldn't sleep," Nara replied. "I keep thinking about everything."
Before Elsa could answer, a knock came at the door.
Captain Alden entered, bowing respectfully.
"Princess, His Majesty requests that you remain in your room this morning. Please do not leave without a guard."
Nara frowned. "Why? What is happening?"
Alden hesitated for a brief moment. "There are signs that Lord Varyn is returning."
Her heart skipped. "Returning…?"
"Yes, my lady. But you are safe."
After he left, Nara walked quickly to the window.
Below, the castle was no longer calm. Soldiers moved across the courtyard, gates were being secured, and archers took their places along the walls.
Far in the distance, dark shapes appeared through the mist.
Riders.
Many of them.
A little later, unable to ignore her thoughts any longer, Nara turned back to Elsa.
"Go and bring Mara," she said. "I need to speak to her again."
Elsa nodded and left quickly.
But this time, she took longer.
Much longer.
When she finally returned, her face had lost all color.
"Princess…" she said softly, struggling to find the words. "I cannot find her."
Nara stood up at once. "What do you mean you cannot find her?"
"I checked everywhere—her room, the kitchens, the servants' hall. I asked the guards.
No one has seen her since last night."
Nara's chest tightened. "That's not possible…"
Elsa shook her head. "It's as if she
disappeared."
Nara turned slowly toward the window again, her heart pounding harder now.
Outside, the sound of approaching horses grew louder.
Her voice dropped to a whisper, filled with unease.
"Something is wrong…"
She paused, her eyes fixed on the distant riders.
"…and whatever it is… it has already begun."