Princess Caroline had learned to navigate the halls of the Summer Palace in silence. The golden corridors, once foreign and suffocating, had become her hunting grounds. She had spent weeks watching, listening—learning.
And tonight, it had paid off.
She pressed herself into the shadows outside the council chamber, her breath slow and controlled as she listened to the voices beyond the gilded door.
"The princess must die before the union is sealed."
Her blood turned to ice.
"If Casimir refuses to act, then we will force his hand. The rebellion grows stronger. The Winter Court is vulnerable. With Caroline gone, war will be inevitable— and war will make us gods."
A betrayal. From within.
Princess Caroline's stomach twisted as the voices continued, low and conspiratorial. She recognized some of them—nobles she had dined with, men who had sworn loyalty to Casimir.
They wanted her dead. They wanted war.
Her mind reeled. She needed to warn King Casimir. Now.
She turned—
And came face to face with Elise.
The maid's eyes were wide, her face pale. "Princess," she whispered, "we have to go."
Princess Caroline nodded, gripping Elise's wrist. But before they could slip away—
A sharp whistle cut through the air.
An arrow pierced Elise's throat.
Princess Caroline choked on a scream as Elise crumpled to the floor, blood staining the marble beneath her.
Footsteps thundered toward her.
Run.
Caroline bolted.
She burst into King Casimir's private chambers, breathless and shaking.
He was still dressed in his brown and gold tunic, a dagger strapped to his thigh, his amber eyes flashing at the sight of her. "What—"
"Elise is dead," she gasped. "They tried to kill me."
His expression turned deadly in an instant. "Who?"
"I don't know all their names, but I heard them," she said, the words spilling out. "They want me dead before the wedding. They want war, Casimir."
His jaw tightened. He strode toward her, gripping her chin between his fingers, tilting her face up to his. "Did they hurt you?"
She swallowed hard. He was livid.
"No," she whispered.
King Casimir released her suddenly, turning to one of his guards. "Summon the council. Now."
The guard hesitated. "Your Majesty, it is late—"
King Casimir's voice was lethal. "I do not care."
The guard fled.
Princess Caroline steadied herself. "Casimir, we have to be careful. If they realize we know—"
He turned back to her, his gaze burning. "Do you think I will allow them to touch what is mine?"
Her heart pounded.
Then, without warning, King Casimir grabbed her wrist and pulled her close. "You are in danger every second you remain unmarried to me." His voice was low, urgent. "They will not wait. Neither will I."
Princess Caroline's breath hitched. "What are you saying?"
His next words sent a shiver down her spine.
"We marry. Tonight."