The moon cast a pale glow over the palace gardens, where Seraphina found herself pacing restlessly. The encounter with Kael replayed in her mind, his enigmatic words and mischievous smirk lingering like an unsolved riddle. Who was he? What was his stake in all of this?
Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft rustle in the bushes. She whirled around, her eyes narrowing.
"Relax, Princess," Kael's voice drawled as he stepped into the open, his movements fluid and unhurried. "I'm not here to kidnap you. Yet."
"You're reckless," she said, crossing her arms. "If my father catches you here—"
"He won't," Kael interrupted with a smirk. "Your father's guards are good, but I'm better."
She sighed, exasperated. "Why are you here?"
"To help," he said simply, leaning against a nearby tree. "Your kingdom is playing a dangerous game, and you're the pawn they've thrown on the board without knowing the rules."
"You speak in riddles," she snapped.
"Then let me make it simple," he said, stepping closer. "Your father isn't just hiding secrets from you—he's hiding them from Lorenzo too. Whatever enemy he's trying to protect you from, it's big enough to bring the mafia into a royal alliance. And you, Princess, are the bait."
The words hit her like a blow, but she refused to let him see her fear. "Why do you care?"
Kael hesitated, his usual cocky demeanor slipping for a moment. "Because I've seen what happens when people like your father and Lorenzo underestimate the real threats. Innocent lives are lost."
"Is that why you're here?" she pressed. "To save lives?"
"Something like that," he said, his tone evasive.
For a moment, they stood in silence, the tension thick between them. Seraphina studied him, searching for cracks in his facade. There was something about him—something more than the rogue he pretended to be.
"Who are you really?" she asked softly.
Kael's eyes met hers, and for the first time, there was no trace of humor in them. "Someone who's made too many mistakes," he said quietly. "But if I can help you survive this, maybe I can make up for some of them."
Before she could respond, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, leaving her alone once more. But this time, she felt less afraid.
Because for the first time, she wasn't entirely alone.
TBC...