"Mali, if I'm not back by sunrise, tell the King I died doing what I loved: being incredibly nosy."
I sneaked out of my room for the second time that day. Seriously, for a "high-security" palace, this place had more holes than a piece of Swiss cheese. I crept through the moonlit corridors toward the Royal Library, the stolen purple vial tucked against my ribs. It felt cold. Like, 'refrigerated-haunted-soul' cold.
The library was a massive tower that smelled like old parchment, dried lotus, and "I'm-smarter-than-you" energy. I pushed open the heavy teak doors.
"You're three minutes late," a voice echoed from the shadows.
Prince Niran was sitting at a mahogany desk surrounded by floating candles. He wasn't wearing his royal robes—just a loose white shirt that was unbuttoned at the top, and his glasses were sliding down his nose.
> Character: Prince Niran
> Affection Level: 0 (Wait, it went up from -10?)
> Current Mood: "Science is more interesting than sleep."
>
"In my defense, your hallways are confusing and I had to hide from a guard who looked like he wanted to fight a wall," I said, plunking the vial down on his desk. "Here. Analyze away, Mr. Genius."
Niran picked up the vial with a pair of silver tongs. He held it up to a candle, and the liquid inside swirled with a sickly green mist.
"The Purple Lotus Extract," he whispered, his eyes widening behind his lenses. "One drop causes a deep sleep. Ten drops? The heart simply... forgets to beat. It's a signature poison of the Northern Assassins. How did a 'village herbalist' give this to Lali?"
"She's a snake, Niran. A snake in a very cute pink dress," I said, leaning over the table. "She was going to frame me. Probably hide it in my jewelry box so you and your brothers could find it and finally have an excuse to kick me out. Or, you know, kill me."
Niran looked up at me. For the first time, he wasn't looking at me like a nuisance. He was looking at me like a puzzle.
"And why tell me?" he asked, his voice dropping to a low hum. "You could have used this against her. You could have planted it in her room."
"Because that's boring," I lied. (Actually, it's because I'm a terrible criminal and I'd definitely get caught). "Plus, I figured you'd be more fun to talk to. You're the only one here who doesn't look at me like I'm about to start a fire."
Niran chuckled. It was a soft, melodic sound.
> Affection Level: +10 (I like puzzles)
>
"You've changed, Kanya. Your aura used to be... loud. Sharp. Now? It's like a chaotic breeze." He leaned forward, his face inches from mine. "Is it true? Do you really not want Phurin anymore?"
"Ugh, please. Phurin is like a high-maintenance sports car. Pretty to look at, but way too much work to keep running," I said, waving my hand. "I just want to live my life, eat good food, and maybe not get executed. Is that too much to ask?"
Suddenly, the library doors slammed open.
"Kanya! I knew it!"
I jumped about ten feet in the air. Standing there was Prince Phurin, looking absolutely livid. And behind him? A weeping Lali, clinging to his arm.
"Phurin!" Lali sobbed. "I told you! I saw Kanya steal my medicine at the river! I was so scared to say anything... she looked so... violent!"
Phurin marched toward the desk, his eyes burning. "Niran, step away from her. Kanya, give Lali her medicine back and return to your quarters. You're under house arrest until the King decides your fate."
I looked at the vial. I looked at Niran. Then I looked at Lali, who was giving me a tiny, triumphant smirk from behind Phurin's shoulder.
Oh, it is ON.
"You want your 'medicine' back, Lali?" I asked, picking up the vial.
"Yes! Please!" she wailed. "My poor grandmother needs it!"
"Cool," I said. Before anyone could stop me, I uncorked the vial. "If it's just medicine for a cough... then you won't mind if I drink the whole thing right now, right? Since it's so 'healing' and all."
I raised the vial to my lips.
"KANYA, NO!" Phurin roared, lunging across the desk.