Chapter 10 – Shadows in Court, Oaths in the Wild
The grand chambers of Malvora's royal palace glowed in the golden light of late afternoon. Heavy curtains draped the tall windows, shutting out the city's noise. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of sandalwood incense.
King Callum sat in a carved ebony chair, leaning slightly toward the woman seated across from him. Fiona — tall, graceful, with hair like spun copper — was one of his favored confidantes. Few were granted the intimacy of his private chamber, but Fiona had earned it through years of service and loyalty… and through a talent for keeping secrets.
"They're calling her the shadow from nowhere," Fiona said, her voice low but steady. "The surviving soldier swears she could move faster than sight itself. This is no ordinary foe, my king."
King Callum's fingers drummed lightly against the armrest. "And yet the ministers squabble over the details. Pathetic. The answer is simple — eliminate her before she grows into a greater threat."
Fiona's green eyes narrowed. "Do you think she works alone?"
Callum's gaze hardened. "If she doesn't… we'll burn every root before it can sprout."
A faint smile touched Fiona's lips. "As you command."
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Elsewhere in the Palace – Polite Smiles, Hidden Daggers
In the queen's reception hall, the soft notes of a harp drifted through the air. Queen Elara sat at the head of a small tea gathering, her poise flawless as she poured tea for Karla, the Duke of Danvill's daughter.
Karla was the picture of elegance — golden curls arranged to perfection, a pale silk gown embroidered with tiny pearls. She spoke sweetly, but there was a light in her eyes whenever Cassius's name was mentioned — a gleam of ambition, of wanting something she believed should be hers.
"I hear the prince has taken to hunting again," Karla said, her voice deliberately casual. "How… adventurous of him."
Princess Marlin, seated nearby, sipped her tea without looking at Karla. "I'm sure he's busy with matters more important than chasing deer."
"Oh, I imagine he must have help," Karla replied, her smile sugar-sweet.
Marlin set her cup down with quiet precision. "Help? Or company he didn't invite?" Her tone carried a sting wrapped in silk.
The queen, ever the peacemaker, redirected the conversation, but Marlin's eyes remained fixed on Karla with open disdain. She had never liked the duke's daughter — beneath the politeness, Karla's arrogance and hypocrisy clung to her like perfume.
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On the Road – The Prince's Companions
Far from the polished marble of the palace, Crown Prince Cassius urged his horse down the forest road leading toward the Darkwood. The air grew cooler here, the scent of pine sharp in his lungs.
The sound of hooves thundered behind him. He turned to see four riders closing in — Faren, Darek, Henry, and Toren, his oldest and most trusted friends.
"Going somewhere without us?" Faren called, his usual grin in place.
Cassius slowed his horse just enough for them to catch up. "This isn't a game. I'm going to investigate something dangerous."
"That's exactly why we're coming," Darek said, his deep voice carrying no room for argument.
Henry, always the strategist, leaned forward in his saddle. "If this is about the border incident, we've heard rumors. You'll need more than a sword for what's in that forest."
Toren smirked. "And besides, it's been too long since we've had a proper adventure."
Cassius looked at each of them, their loyalty shining in their eyes. Finally, he gave a curt nod. "Very well. But you follow my lead."
The four answered in unison: "Always."
Together, the small company rode forward, the looming shadow of the Darkwood swallowing the road ahead. None of them could know that with every step, they were drawing closer to Nara… and to the truth King Callum wished to bury.