The next day, the palace was buzzing. You could hear servants rushing around, their arms full with trays and stacks of linens. Guards walked around in pairs, their armor gleaming in the morning sunlight that streamed in through the tall windows. Even with all the commotion, there was still tension in the air—a bad feeling that got worse as the day went on.
I was sitting on my bed, staring at the plate of food on the small table. I wasn't hungry at all. Instead, I had a feeling of dread in my stomach. I couldn't stop thinking about the night before—the test, the maid's weird comment, and Lucian's sneaky words. It was like I had pieces of a puzzle that didn't fit.
Someone knocked loudly on my door, pulling me out of my thoughts.
Come in, I said, trying to hide how nervous I was.
The door opened, and a young maid came in. It wasn't the same girl from the night before, but she looked just as scared. She looked at the ground as she bowed. The king wants you in the war room, Miss.
Of course he does, I thought, sighing. Tell him I'll be there soon.
The maid nodded quickly and left, closing the door. I took a deep breath, trying to get ready for whatever Lucian had planned. If last night was anything to go by, he wasn't going to make things easy.
A few minutes later, I was walking through the confusing hallways of the palace with two quiet guards beside me. They were a constant reminder that Lucian was in charge, even though I didn't need reminding.
When I walked into the war room, Lucian was already there, standing at the head of the long table. He glanced at me, and for a split second, I thought I saw something like approval or maybe just amusement in his eyes.
You're on time, he said, telling me to come closer. That's a start.
I held back a smart reply and stood across from him. The map from the night before was still on the table, but now there were more markings and notes written in neat handwriting. It looked like the war games weren't over.
Lucian, with a serious expression, said, "We've been informed about a rebellion starting in the western regions. I need you to come up with a strategy to put an end to it. Make sure your plan is smart and efficient so we don't waste our resources or risk starting a war.
I frowned, looking at the map. The western areas were full of rough land and small villages. It would be hard to get around, not to mention control.
Do we have any information on the rebels? I asked, trying to give myself time to think.
Lucian smiled slightly. Just bits and pieces. They're not organized, they don't have good weapons, and they're hiding in the mountains. But when people are desperate, even the weakest can be dangerous.
I nodded, thinking hard. We could try sending a small group to talk to them, I said carefully. Offer them something in return for staying loyal.
Lucian raised an eyebrow. And what if they see that as a sign that we're weak?
It wouldn't be a weakness, I argued. It would be practical. Sometimes, it's better to win people over than to win battles.
Lucian didn't say anything for a moment, just staring at me. Then he leaned back in his chair, his face hard to read. That's interesting. Go on.
Feeling more confident, I described a plan where we would try to talk things out but also show our strength. We would send people to talk to the rebels, but they would have some soldiers with them—enough to remind the rebels that the king was strong, but not enough to start a fight. At the same time, we would send spies to get more info and find out who was leading the rebellion.
When I was done, Lucian looked at me for a long time, his fingers together under his chin. Not bad, he finally said. Not bad at all.
I felt relieved, but it didn't last long. On the other hand, he added, being practical only works if you can also take action. If the rebels don't want to work with us, you have to be ready to get rid of them quickly and completely. We can't afford to be nice.
I nodded, even though his words made me feel uneasy. I understand.
Lucian's expression softened a little, and for the first time, I thought I saw a hint of respect in his eyes. You're learning, he said. But there's still a lot to learn.
Before I could answer, the door to the war room slammed open, and a guard rushed in, looking worried. My king, he said, bowing low. There's been a problem in the east wing.
Lucian's attitude changed right away, his eyes narrowing. What kind of problem?
Someone's dead, the guard said quietly. One of the servants. It… it wasn't normal.
I felt a chill. What do you mean, 'not normal'? I asked, hardly able to speak.
The guard hesitated, looking at Lucian to see if he could talk. When the king nodded, he went on. The body was ripped apart. Like something tore it to pieces.
The room went quiet, and his words hung in the air like a dark cloud. Lucian's jaw tightened, and he clenched his fists.
Double the guards, he ordered, his voice cold. And block off the east wing. No one goes in or out without my say-so.
The guard nodded and hurried out, leaving me alone with Lucian. I turned to him, my heart pounding. What's going on, Lucian? What's in this palace?
He looked at me, and for the first time, I saw something in his eyes that scared me more than his anger ever could. It was fear.
That, he said softly, is something you're not ready to know.