Selena stormed into her home, her mind racing with thoughts of the king's betrayal. She knew that she had to act fast, to gather her allies and prepare for the impending war.
She spent the rest of the day gathering her most trusted advisors, telling them of the king's plan to attack under the next full moon. They vowed to stand by her, to fight against the king's tyranny.
As the sun began to set, Selena called for Runa, her daughter. Runa entered the room, her eyes curious.
"Mother, what's wrong?" she asked, sensing the urgency in Selena's voice.
Selena took a deep breath, her eyes locked on Runa's. "I have a plan," she said, her voice low and urgent. "I want you to go to the palace, disguise yourself as a maid."
Runa's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Why?" she asked.
Selena's face twisted in determination. "I want you to get close to Kael, to gather information about their plans. We need to know their secrets, their weaknesses."
Runa's eyes narrowed, her face twisted in thought. "I can do that," she said finally. "But how will I disguise myself?"
Selena smiled, a sly glint in her eye. "Leave that to me," she said. "I have someone who can help us."
With that, Selena summoned one of her most trusted allies, a woman with the ability to mask scents and alter appearances. The woman worked her magic on Runa, transforming her into a maid who looked nothing like the princess.
Runa's eyes widened in amazement as she looked at her reflection. "I look completely different," she said, her voice full of wonder.
Selena's face twisted in a fierce expression. "Remember, Runa, you're not just doing this for us. You're doing it for our people, for our future."
Runa's eyes flashed with determination. "I won't let you down, Mother," she said.
And with that, Runa set off towards the palace, ready to embark on her dangerous journey.
Runa approached the palace gates, her heart racing with anticipation. She had never been this close to the palace before, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement mixed with nerves.
As she reached the gate, she noticed a familiar figure standing outside, talking to one of the guards. It was Maria, the princess who fought with Kael.
Runa's eyes widened slightly as Maria turned to face her. Their eyes met, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.
Maria's eyes twitched slightly, and she took a step forward. "Have we met before?" she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity.
Runa's heart skipped a beat as she hesitated for a moment. She knew that she had met Maria before, but she couldn't let Maria know that.
"No, we haven't," Runa said finally, trying to sound as convincing as possible.
Maria's eyes narrowed slightly, and she looked at Runa with a piercing gaze. Runa could tell that Maria didn't believe her, but she didn't push the issue further.
Instead, Maria turned to the guard and nodded. "Let her in," she said. "She's here to apply for a maid position."
The guard nodded and stepped aside, allowing Runa to enter the palace. As she walked past Maria, she could feel Maria's eyes on her, boring into her skin.
Runa knew that she had to be careful. Maria was clearly suspicious, and Runa couldn't afford to arouse any more suspicion.
Maria made her way to the head maid's quarters, her mind racing with thoughts of the new maid, Layla. She had been unable to shake off the feeling that she had met Layla before, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it.
As she entered the head maid's quarters, Maria was greeted by the stern-faced woman. "Yes, Princess?" the head maid asked, her voice firm but respectful.
"I want to request something," Maria said, her voice firm. "I want Layla, the new maid, to be assigned as my personal maid."
The head maid raised an eyebrow, her expression skeptical. "Are you sure, Princess?" she asked. "Layla is new and untrained. She may not be suitable for such a prestigious position."
Maria's face twisted in determination. "I'm positive," she said. "I want Layla to be my personal maid."
The head maid nodded reluctantly, her expression resigned. "Very well, Princess. I will assign Layla to you."
Maria's face lit up with a triumphant smile. She knew that she had made the right decision. With Layla by her side, she would be able to uncover the truth about the mysterious maid.
The head maid, Mrs. Jenkins, led Layla to a small room deep within the palace. The room was sparse, with only a small bed and a dresser.
"This will be your quarters," Mrs. Jenkins said, her voice firm but not unkind. "You will be serving Princess Maria, and you will be expected to be at her beck and call at all times."
Layla nodded, her eyes wide with excitement and a touch of nervousness.
Mrs. Jenkins handed her a small, intricately carved wooden box. "This contains your uniform and a few other essentials. You will be expected to wear the uniform at all times while on duty."
Layla took the box, her fingers tracing the intricate carvings on the lid.
"Now, let me make one thing very clear," Mrs. Jenkins said, her voice taking on a stern tone. "You are not to interfere with anything concerning Prince Kael or the king. They are off-limits to you, and you will not be allowed to attend them."
Layla nodded, her eyes wide with understanding.
"Additionally, there are certain areas of the palace that are strictly off-limits to servants," Mrs. Jenkins continued. "You will not be allowed to enter the throne room, the king's private chambers, or the prince's quarters."
Layla nodded again, her mind racing with the list of dos and don'ts.
"You will also be expected to maintain the utmost discretion at all times," Mrs. Jenkins said. "You will not be allowed to gossip or spread rumors, and you will be expected to keep any confidential information you may overhear to yourself."
Layla nodded once more, her heart pounding in her chest.
"I think that's all," Mrs. Jenkins said finally. "You will begin your duties immediately. Princess Maria is waiting for you in her quarters."
Layla nodded, her eyes wide with excitement and a touch of nervousness. She took a deep breath, smoothing out her uniform and making her way to Princess Maria's quarters.
As she walked, Runa couldn't help but feel a sense of trepidation. She knew that she was taking a huge risk by going undercover in the palace, but she also knew that it was the only way to gather the information she needed to help her mother and her people.