King Aldric stared at his daughter as if seeing her for the first time. His hand trembled slightly, resting over the carved arm of his chair.
"Who taught you about the signet ring?" he asked, voice hoarse.
Seraphina stepped forward. "You did. In another life. On the night you died."
He flinched.
She continued, voice lower now. "I know the sickness eating at you is not from age or stress. It's from the blackthorn powder in your tea. They've been giving it to you for weeks."
"Who?" he rasped.
She paused. The names burned her tongue. "I don't know who all of them are. But I will. And when I do... they'll wish I stayed dead."
For a long moment, King Aldric said nothing. Then he reached into the folds of his robe and pulled out a small, silver ring with a hidden crest on the inner band—one only the direct bloodline bore.
"Take it. But you must tread carefully, Seraphina. Power makes you a target."
She took the ring and bowed slightly. "Then I'll sharpen myself into the weapon they fear most."
---
Outside the study, she ran straight into the last person she wanted to see.
Lady Morgana. Her aunt. Her tutor. And the snake who whispered poison into the ears of every royal.
"Princess," Morgana said, lips curling. "You're up early. You usually skip your history lessons."
"Perhaps history matters more than I realized," Seraphina replied sweetly.
Morgana's smile didn't reach her eyes. "Careful, dear. Too much curiosity often leads little girls into trouble."
Seraphina leaned in, eyes cold. "And snakes that slither too close to fire often get burned."
Morgana's mask cracked for a breath—just a breath—but it was enough.
---
That night, Seraphina sat by her window with parchment and ink. She began to write a list.
Those Who Betrayed Me:
1. Kael Thornhart – fiancé
2. Morgana Vell – aunt
3. High Councilor Dareth
4. The Royal Alchemist
5. Unknown fifth traitor...
Then, beside it, she started a new list.
Those I Will Use:
1. Elric Vael – knight
2. Lady Brielle – handmaid
3. King Aldric – for now
4. ???
Her lips curled.
The game had begun.