**
In the darkened corridor, the second prince's eyes darted furtively as he made his way to the physician. With urgency coursing through his veins, he pressed a small vial into the physician's trembling hands.
"Take this," he whispered urgently, his voice barely more than a breath. "Use it for him. It will act swiftly. Work with me. Once I ascend the throne, you shall be granted a special position, one of great influence."
The physician hesitated, torn between fear and temptation. The prospect of power was alluring, and the second prince's promises danced before him like forbidden fruit. But his duty as a healer prevailed, and he shook his head, resolute.
"I cannot, Your Highness. My oath is to save lives, not to end them," the physician replied firmly.
Before the second prince could respond, the corridor seemed to shift, shadows coalescing into menacing figures. The second prince's shadow guard, silent and deadly, had descended upon them like smoke, summoned by the second prince to secure the physician's cooperation. In a matter of seconds, the physician was whisked away, leaving the second prince to ponder the gravity of his actions.
Meanwhile, deep within the confines of the palace, the youngest prince languished in a cold, dimly lit cell. His voice, trembling with fear and uncertainty, broke the eerie silence.
"Brother," he called out, his voice echoing off the damp stone walls. "When will I be free from this wretched place?"
The second prince's voice, though laced with reassurance, held an undertone of concealed urgency. "Do not fret, my dear brother. Trust in me, play your part, and you shall soon be liberated."
The youngest prince's resolve wavered, his discomfort palpable. "The torment here is unbearable, brother. I fear I may falter under such duress."
The second prince's tone grew stern, a flicker of impatience surfacing. "Endure it, brother, for a little while longer. Trust in Adrian's unwavering protection. Know that I will not allow harm to befall you. But make no mistake, I will tolerate no blunders."
With those words, the second prince turned and departed from the dimly lit cell, leaving his youngest sibling to grapple with the chilling reality of palace intrigue.
[End of Chapter 17]