After that war games thing with Lucian, my head was spinning. All those maps, those tiny toy soldiers, and battle plans – it felt like some messed-up game to him. Like he wanted me to solve it like I was the old Seraphina, the one he remembers. But I messed up big time. I was too slow and too unsure of myself.
It started when Lucian unrolled a huge map on the table in the war room. He pointed out enemy lines with his finger, each one telling a story from warring times. Little soldier pieces were all over the map in different spots.
Alright, say you are in charge, he said, sounding ice cold. We're hearing there's an ambush in these woods here. He tapped a spot on the map. You can charge ahead and maybe get pounded on, or you can fall back and set up defenses, but the bad guys might gain some land. What's your call?
I didn't know what to do, looking back and forth between the options. Um, I guess I'd split up the army, I finally said, but it didn't sound good even to me. Send a smaller group to sneak around the ambush while everyone else stays put.
Lucian squinted at me, and I thought I saw a bit of him enjoying this. Risky. But could that smaller group hang on long enough to outsmart them?
I stopped short, seeing the problem with my plan. Well, they might... if the ground is good for them, I said, but I sounded unsure.
It's a gamble, Lucian said, moving closer. And gambles in war can be deadly.
His words stung, but I looked right at him. What would you have done?
He gave a small smile and leaned on the table. I would have already known about the ambush way ahead of time. War isn't about reacting; it's about being in control. Always think three steps ahead.
We kept going, and each time it got harder. At one point, I had to strike a deal with another kingdom, but all the while, I'll be conspiring to take them down. After that, I had to choose between leaving a small village to be destroyed to save a bigger city or trying to protect everyone.
Every choice felt like a trap, designed to show how weak I was. And after each one, Lucian was quick to let me know I wasn't doing great.
By the time it was over, I felt rung out, like I was totally empty. Lucian didn't say a word as he let me go, which felt even worse than if he had yelled at me.
So now here I am, sitting alone in my room, and his silence feels like a ton of bricks on my chest. The old Seraphina would have killed it in that war room. She would have known what everyone was up to, thought of every move, and had Lucian's respect. But that's not me anymore.
The palace was quiet and shadowy at night. I couldn't sit still, so I went for a walk, hoping it would clear my head. But it just made me feel worse.
As soon as I got out into the hall, I felt like someone was watching me. My heart started racing, but I acted chill, like I owned the place – like I was still the woman everyone was scared of. But really, I felt like a mouse in a snake den.
I turned a corner and almost ran into a maid carrying some sheets. She was startled and grabbed the tray; her eyes widened when she saw me.
My lady, she said, bowing quickly.
Oh, I'm sorry, I said, stepping back. Didn't mean to scare you.
The maid was shaking a little and wouldn't look at me. It's fine, my lady, she said quietly.
Something seemed off about her. She looked nervous. Was it me? Or something else?
You okay? I asked, trying to sound less scary – even though I didn't think I was fooling anyone.
She looked around before whispering, You should go back to your room, my lady. It's not safe out here at night.
Why not? I asked, getting curious.
She glanced over her shoulder and got closer, whispering even quieter. There are... things in this palace. Things that shouldn't be here.
I got chills hearing that. What do you mean by things?
Before she could say anything, we heard footsteps coming down the hall. The maid stood up straight and looked blank as two guards came around the corner.
My lady, one of the guards said, bowing his head. Is everything okay?
I forced a smile. Yeah, all good. I was just heading back to my room.
He looked at the maid for a second before nodding. We'll walk you back, my lady.
That's not really needed, I said quickly. I can find my way.
I'm sorry, my lady, the guard said, sounding serious, but the king wants us to make sure you aren't by yourself in the palace.
Of course, that's what he wanted. Lucian's control had no limits.
Fine, I said, trying not to get annoyed.
The guards walked on either side of me as we went back to my room, the maid's words stuck in my head. What did she mean by things that shouldn't be here? Was it just crazy talk, or was there something bad going on in this place?
When we got to my room, the guards waited until I was inside before closing the door. I heard the lock click, and it made me feel frustrated again. Locked in again.
I leaned against the door, deep in thought. I didn't understand so much about this world, this palace, or the people in it. It felt like everything was a test, and every look was a threat. And on top of that, I had to wonder what the maid was so scared to talk about.
I stood up and walked over to the window. The courtyard looked pretty in the moonlight, but it didn't calm me down. The gardens looked even scarier in the dark, and I felt uneasy.
A knock at the door made me jump.
Who is it? I asked, sounding sharper than I meant to.
It's me, Lucian said.
I paused before opening the door. Lucian came in, filling up the room right away. He looked me up and down and then smirked a little.
Still up, huh? he said, closing the door behind him.
It's tough to sleep here, I said, crossing my arms.
He chuckled. You'll get used to it.
I really doubt that I said under my breath.
His smirk got bigger, but he didn't say anything. Instead, he went over to the window and looked out at the courtyard.
Do you know what makes a ruler strong, Seraphina? he asked, sounding casual.
I frowned, not expecting that. Is it fear?
He turned to me, and I couldn't tell what he was thinking. Fear is part of it. But true strength comes from knowing everything about your people. Their secrets, their dreams, what makes them weak.
Those words made me shiver. Was that what he was doing to me? He was finding out my weak spots to use them against me.
And what if someone knows *your* weak spots? I asked, looking right at him.
His eyes got dark, and he took a step closer. Then you make sure they don't live long enough to use them.
I swallowed hard. So, did I pass your test today?
Lucian smirked again, but it didn't look nice. Let's just say you didn't fail.
I didn't know what to think. Was he just being mysterious, or did he really not know what he thought of me? Either way, he liked messing with me.
Get some rest, he said, sounding softer but still like he was in charge. You'll need it.
Then he turned around and left, and the door locked behind him.
I sat down on the bed, my head racing. The palace was full of secrets and dangers, and Lucian was right in the middle of it. If I want to make it to the end, I need to start figuring out what's going on, and fast.