The moon hung low over the horizon, casting an eerie glow over the palace as Mina prepared for the mission. Caspian had decided that Mina and Kael would accompany him to Crimson Manor to investigate the alleged gathering. With the parchment as their only lead, they were walking a fine line between discovery and disaster.
Mina adjusted her maid uniform, now layered with a dark cloak to blend into the night. Kael stood beside her, leaning against the wall with a casual smirk.
"Nervous?" he teased.
"Aren't you?" she shot back, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside.
"Me? Never." He winked. "Besides, with you around, I'm sure we'll stumble onto something interesting."
Before Mina could reply, Caspian entered the room. His presence commanded attention, his dark cape swirling as he walked.
"Are you both ready?" he asked, his tone firm.
Mina and Kael nodded.
"Good. Let's move."
---
The Journey to Crimson Manor
The ride to Crimson Manor was tense, the carriage swaying as it rolled along the uneven path. Mina stared out the window, the shadowy forest rushing past.
"Crimson Manor," Kael mused, breaking the silence. "It's practically a fortress. If Axton is planning something, this would be the place to do it."
"And if it's a trap?" Mina asked.
Kael grinned. "Then I hope you're good at improvising."
Caspian's gaze remained fixed on the horizon. "Trap or not, we need to know what's happening. Stay close and follow my lead."
As they approached the manor, the towering iron gates creaked open, revealing the sprawling estate bathed in moonlight. The grandeur of the place was undeniable, but Mina couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
---
The Gathering
Inside the manor, the air was thick with tension. Nobles dressed in fine attire milled about, their conversations muted but charged. Mina recognized a few faces—Lord Axton among them—but most were strangers.
Caspian blended effortlessly into the crowd, his demeanor calm and composed. Mina and Kael stayed close, their roles as attendants giving them a plausible reason to be present.
As Mina passed a group of nobles, she caught snippets of their conversation.
"The king grows weaker by the day," one man said.
"And so does his hold on the throne," another replied. "The time to act is now."
Mina's heart raced. This was it—proof of a conspiracy. But before she could signal to Caspian, a hand clamped down on her shoulder.
She turned to see Lord Axton, his expression sharp and suspicious. "What's a maid doing in a place like this?"
Mina forced a smile. "My master sent me to deliver a message."
"And who might your master be?" Axton pressed.
Before Mina could respond, Caspian appeared beside her, his presence commanding. "She's with me," he said smoothly.
Axton's gaze shifted to Caspian, his suspicion replaced by forced politeness. "Your Grace, I didn't expect to see you here."
"I go where I'm needed," Caspian replied. "And tonight, it seems I'm needed here."
Axton's lips twitched into a thin smile. "Of course. Enjoy the evening."
As Axton walked away, Mina exhaled shakily.
"Stay close," Caspian whispered. "This place is crawling with vipers."
---
The Hidden Passage
Kael, ever the opportunist, had slipped away during the commotion. When he returned, his expression was triumphant.
"You'll never guess what I found," he said, pulling Mina aside.
"What is it?" she asked, glancing nervously around.
"A hidden passage leading to the manor's lower levels," Kael said. "If they're hiding something, it's down there."
Mina hesitated. "We should tell Caspian."
"And risk alerting everyone here? No thanks," Kael replied. "Come on, let's check it out."
Despite her better judgment, Mina followed Kael to the passage. The entrance was concealed behind a tapestry, the narrow staircase descending into darkness.
"Stay close," Kael said, lighting a small lantern.
The air grew colder as they descended, the faint sound of voices growing louder. Mina's pulse quickened as they reached the bottom.
The chamber before them was a stark contrast to the lavish manor above. Torches lined the stone walls, casting flickering light on the group of nobles gathered around a table. At the center stood Lord Axton, his voice filled with conviction.
"…and with the king gone, we'll finally have the power we deserve," Axton declared.
The gathered nobles murmured their agreement, their faces grim.
Mina's breath caught. This was more than rebellion—this was treason.
---
The Trap Springs
Before Mina and Kael could retreat, a loud creak echoed through the chamber. The nobles turned as one, their eyes narrowing.
"Well, well," Axton said, his voice cold. "It seems we have intruders."
Kael swore under his breath, stepping protectively in front of Mina. "Run," he hissed.
But before they could move, guards appeared from the shadows, their weapons drawn. Mina's heart pounded as she realized they were trapped.
Axton approached, his expression smug. "I must admit, I didn't expect the duke's maid to be a spy. How quaint."
Mina glared at him, her mind racing for a way out. "You won't get away with this."
Axton chuckled. "Oh, I think I will. After all, who's going to stop me? You?"
Before he could say more, a loud crash echoed through the chamber. The guards turned just in time to see Caspian storm in, his sword gleaming in the torchlight.
"You dare conspire against the crown?" Caspian demanded, his voice thunderous.
The chamber erupted into chaos.
---
The Reckoning
Caspian fought with unmatched skill, cutting through the guards with precision. Kael joined the fray, his movements quick and agile.
Mina, though unarmed, refused to be a bystander. She grabbed a fallen torch and used it to fend off an approaching guard.
The battle was fierce but brief. When the dust settled, Axton and his co-conspirators lay bound, their plans in ruins.
Caspian approached Mina, his expression a mixture of relief and frustration. "What were you thinking, coming down here alone?"
"I was gathering evidence," Mina replied, her voice steady despite her exhaustion.
Caspian sighed, shaking his head. "You're reckless, but you've done well. Thanks to you, we've uncovered the truth."
Mina felt a surge of pride but also a lingering unease. The rebellion may have been thwarted, but the game's storyline was unraveling faster than ever.
As they returned to the palace, Mina couldn't help but wonder what new challenges awaited them.