"Duke?" Princess Vixara called out, her voice laced with uncertainty.
The Duke, surprised, turned to her. "What troubles you, Princess? Are you in need of anything, or perhaps feeling unsettled?"
Vixara sighed, her grip tightening on the silken fabric of her dress. "It's just… strange, isn't it? Yesterday, I was a simple lady-in-waiting, and today, I'm a princess. Everyone calls me by that title, the Duchess treats me with reverence… It all feels so awkward. And then there's this revelation – a family, a brother, and even a mother who wants me dead, though I have no proof to speak of."
The Duke's brow furrowed. "Princess, you must accept your reality. You are the heir to this empire, and with that comes responsibility. You cannot afford to be naive. Even those closest to you, even us, could pose a threat. This is a dangerous game, and you must tread carefully."
