The palace library was not Noor's usual hiding place, but after a morning full of court politics, fake smiles, and nobles who talked too much — she needed silence. Or at least the illusion of it.
She shoved open the heavy door…
THUD.
And then — Riven. Half-buried in a pile of scrolls, hair a mess, expression completely unbothered.
Noor stared, wide-eyed. "Where the hell did you come from??"
He blinked up from the floor, deadpan. "The roof, obviously."
*She looked flabbergasted, she narrowed her eyes.*
"What— are you— YOU CAN'T KEEP BREAKING INTO MY PALACE."
"I didn't break anything," he muttered, standing. "A window was slightly unlocked. Your security is shockingly bad, by the way."
"You can't just sneak in like this! You're my rival, for god's sake!"
He brushed dust off his cloak like he hadn't just faceplanted into royal knowledge. "Wow. Hurtful. I like to think we're frenemies at worst."
Noor huffed. "You tried to kill me last month."
"You lived. Barely. And in my defense, you threw the first dagger."
"I threw it at your ego."
He smirked. "Missed by an inch."
She groaned, rubbing her temples. "What are you even doing here?"
"I was looking for something on demon physiology," he said, pulling a book out of the pile. "Research. Don't flatter yourself, not everything's about you."
Noor looked irritated but something made her smile inside. She replied, trying to hide the smile beneath tough sarcasm.
"Get out before I change my mind and let the guards in."
He backed away dramatically, hands raised. "Fine, fine. But next time—lock your window."
She rolled her eyes. "Next time, I'm installing traps."
He was already halfway through the window when he called back, "Looking forward to it, Your Majesty."
And then he was gone — like a ghost with good hair and too much sarcasm.
Noor had the urge to call after him but..why?
Why is she feeling a warmth towards him?
Is she in love? No.. how can she? Its forbidden! She is supposed to kill anyone with patterns... Right? Maybe even herself if she fails to protect the dynasty..