Charlotte entered the tea room, her silver-grey hair catching the light streaming through the tall windows. Her hazel eyes scanned the room with practiced calm, eventually landing on Prince Roman. His red hair gleamed like embers, his blue eyes sharp but polite.
Roman rose from his seat, offering a nod. "Lady Charlotte, thank you for coming."
Charlotte curtsied gracefully, her freckles softening her composed expression. "Your Highness, it's always a pleasure."
Roman gestured toward the chair across from him. "Please, have a seat. We have much to discuss."
Charlotte settled into her chair, her movements fluid and deliberate. The tea was already poured, the steam curling delicately from the porcelain cups. She took hers but didn't drink, maintaining her poised demeanor.
"It's been a month since the Queen's disappearance," Roman began, his tone even. "And I understand you've been leading efforts to locate her. Have you found anything new?"
Charlotte placed her cup down, her hazel eyes meeting his. "Unfortunately, Your Highness, I haven't uncovered anything substantial. I've followed every lead, but the trail has gone cold."
Roman's jaw tightened, but his voice remained calm. "I see. That's disheartening to hear."
Charlotte inclined her head slightly, a gesture of sympathy. "I understand your frustration. I feel it too. Her Majesty's safety is my utmost priority, and I deeply regret that I haven't yet brought you the answers you seek."
Roman's gaze didn't waver. "You've never been one to accept failure, Lady Charlotte. Is there truly nothing—no clue, no suspicion—that you've uncovered?"
Charlotte paused, as if weighing her words carefully. In truth, she already knew everything. She had overheard the spiders whispering in the shadows just days ago, revealing the Queen's carefully orchestrated disappearance. Her Majesty had hidden herself with the help of two trusted allies, an action meant to protect both her and the kingdom. But Charlotte couldn't reveal this yet—not until the time was right.
"There is one possibility," she said slowly, her tone calculated. "But it's tenuous at best. A whisper, nothing more."
Roman's brow furrowed. "What kind of whisper?"
Charlotte leaned forward slightly, her voice measured. "Some suggest internal involvement, perhaps courtiers or even nobles. Others point to external threats. It's difficult to discern truth from conjecture."
Roman leaned back in his chair, exhaling sharply. "Rumors are a start, but they won't bring my mother back. We need more."
"I agree," Charlotte said smoothly. "And I assure you, Your Highness, I am working tirelessly to find the truth."
Roman's frustration seemed to soften, and he offered her a small nod. "I trust your dedication, Charlotte. You've always proven yourself capable."
The sound of approaching footsteps interrupted their conversation, and the door opened to reveal Lady Lennon. Her purple curls bounced as she entered, her green dress swishing elegantly. Her bright purple eyes sparkled as they landed on Charlotte.
"Charlotte!" Lady Lennon exclaimed, her voice warm and familiar. "I was hoping I'd find you here."
Charlotte rose, her face lighting up with genuine affection. "Lennon. It's always good to see you."
Lady Lennon smiled as she approached, taking Charlotte's hands in hers. "I'm glad to see you're keeping Roman on his toes," she teased, casting a playful glance at her fiancé.
Roman rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "She's far too skilled for that, Lennon."
Charlotte chuckled, the warmth of their friendship easing some of the tension in the room. "He's been perfectly polite, as always."
Lennon grinned. "Well, don't let him monopolize you entirely. Next time, we need a proper tea together. It's been far too long since we've had time to catch up."
"I would love that," Charlotte replied with a soft smile.
Lennon turned back to Roman, her gaze affectionate. "I won't intrude on your conversation any longer. Just don't overwork her, Roman. Charlotte's brilliance is a resource we should cherish, not exhaust."
Roman chuckled lightly. "Noted."
With a final warm look at Charlotte, Lennon excused herself, leaving the room with a graceful swish of her gown.
As the door closed behind her, Charlotte's expression returned to its composed neutrality. She rose, bowing her head slightly. "Your Highness, if there's nothing else, I'll take my leave as well."
Roman nodded, his expression contemplative. "Thank you, Charlotte. Keep me informed."
"Of course," she replied smoothly.
As she left the tea room, Charlotte's thoughts churned beneath her calm exterior. She had planted just enough doubt to keep Roman focused on the wrong leads. The Queen's decision to disappear had been a calculated risk, and Charlotte's role now was to ensure the plan's success while protecting the kingdom from potential chaos.
She stepped into the corridor, her silver-grey hair trailing behind her like moonlight. Lennon's presence had been a comforting reminder of the trust and friendship they shared. But Charlotte couldn't afford to let her guard down—not yet. The Queen's secrets, whispered by the spiders, remained safe with her.
For now, the web of deception would remain intact.