The corridors of the palace were eerily quiet as Seraphina slipped through the shadows, her footsteps light against the stone floor. Sleep eluded her, the council's words replaying in her mind like a haunting refrain. She needed answers, not just about her fate, but about the alliance and the secrets swirling around her kingdom.
Her father's voice reached her ears before she reached the war chamber. She froze, pressing herself against the wall.
"This alliance must hold," he said, his tone grave. "If it falters, we're finished."
"And the De Luca family?" another voice, deep and unfamiliar, asked.
"They must remain in the dark. The enemy we face is unlike any we've encountered before. Even they cannot stand against it."
Seraphina's heart raced. What enemy?
Before she could hear more, a hand clamped over her mouth, pulling her into the shadows. She struggled, but the grip was firm yet oddly gentle.
"Easy, Princess," a voice whispered, low and mocking. "You'll thank me for this later."
The hand released her, and she spun around, ready to lash out. But the man standing before her wasn't a guard. He was dressed in dark leather, a hood casting a shadow over his face. Only his sharp green eyes were visible, glinting with amusement.
"Who are you?" she hissed.
"Kael," he said with a mock bow. "At your service. Well, sort of."
"What do you want?"
"I could ask you the same," he replied, leaning casually against the wall. "Eavesdropping on royal secrets is dangerous, Princess."
"You were listening too," she countered.
He smirked. "Touché. Let's just say I have an interest in what's brewing in your father's little war room."
"Why?"
"That's classified," he said, his tone teasing. "But let's just say your new fiancé isn't the only one with enemies."
Her eyes narrowed. "How do you know about Lorenzo?"
"Because I know everything," Kael said simply. "Including the fact that your father is hiding something that could very well cost you your kingdom—and your life."
Before she could respond, he stepped closer, his playful demeanor fading. "If you want the truth, Princess, you're going to need help. Lucky for you, I'm good at uncovering secrets."
"And what do you want in return?" she asked warily.
"Nothing yet," he said, flashing a grin. "But when the time comes, I'll let you know. Deal?"
She hesitated, studying him. He was a rogue, untrustworthy at best. But he knew things she didn't, things she needed to know.
"Fine," she said at last. "Deal."
"Excellent," he said, stepping back into the shadows. "We'll be in touch."
And just like that, he was gone, leaving Seraphina alone in the hallway, her mind racing with new questions.
TBC...