The hidden stair spiralled upward for what felt like forever, cool stone brushing against Elara's skirts. The torches along the wall were unlit; instead faint crystals pulsed inside alcoves, breathing out a silvery glow that made the air seem underwater. Alex could feel each rune carved into the steps through the princess's arms — a low static that tingled against his fleece. Whatever this passage was built for, it had been made to keep secrets.
Elara carried him with surprising steadiness, as though she were used to climbing forbidden stairs with contraband in her arms. She smelled of wildflowers, parchment and a trace of saddle soap. In the shadows behind them, Thistle the rabbit hopped nimbly from step to step, ears flicking as if he were listening for ghosts.
They emerged at last into a small archway draped in ivy. Beyond it lay a courtyard unlike anything Alex had seen since awakening in this world. Sunlight pooled across mosaic tiles shaped like stars. Vines hung heavy with glowing fruit, fountains sang in the shape of winged horses, and jewel-coloured birds darted through sprays of mist. Magic hummed everywhere, but not the sharp dangerous kind he'd felt in the ruins — this was playful, domestic, woven into daily life like thread in a tapestry.
Elara knelt to set him down on a velvet patch of grass under a magnolia tree. "Here we are," she whispered, glancing around as if to make sure no one had followed. "My secret garden. Only my tutor and the animals come here. You'll be safe."
She stroked his damp fleece, fingers deft and gentle. "We'll get you cleaned up. Cook can bring warm milk." Her tone had shifted from curious to protective in the space of a stairwell.
Alex shook himself, letting the little bell at his throat chime softly. His Sense Ward skill flared again; he could feel soft nets of power woven across the hedges, like spider silk tuned to a single song. He filed that away. Useful. Escape routes, barriers, blind spots. Always map them first.
Thistle hopped closer, lowering his voice so only Alex could hear. "You're inside the castle now. Careful what you do. Princess Elara's heart is kind but her court isn't."
"Princess Elara," Alex repeated inwardly, testing the name. Good to know.
He glanced up at her. She was humming a tune, untying the ribbon of her circlet and setting it aside. Sunlight turned her hair to gold. She looked like the kind of kid who would smuggle a stray dog home and hide it under her bed. Perfect cover for him.
"Why are you here all alone?" she asked softly, still smoothing his fleece. "You're not like any lamb I've seen. Your eyes are so… smart." She smiled, a little shyly. "You can be my friend until my coronation lessons are over."
Alex managed a very lamb-like "Baa," but inside he was already plotting. With access to the palace, I can listen, learn, maybe even find this vault before the elves. And if the princess thinks I'm her pet, I can move freely.
A chime flickered across his mind's eye again:
New Trait Activated: Court Observer While in a noble household, gain +10% information retention and social insight.
He almost laughed. Even the system wants me to spy.
The princess clapped her hands and two bluebirds fluttered down, carrying a silver bowl between them. She poured milk into it and set it before him. "Here, drink."
Alex bent his head, pretending to lap at it while scanning the garden. Statues of animals lined the walls, each with jewel eyes. A tower rose beyond the hedges, its windows like watchful eyes. And beyond the gates, faint and muffled, horns still echoed. The elves were closer than anyone here realised.
Thistle hopped onto the rim of the bowl, whispering so only Alex could hear. "You're planning something, aren't you?"
Alex met the rabbit's gaze. I'm planning to survive. And maybe win.
Thistle twitched his nose. "Then don't break her heart while you do it. She's the only one here who might stand up for you."
Alex didn't answer. He had no intention of hurting the princess — but he wouldn't let anyone else use him as a pawn either.
Elara watched them with bright eyes. "It's like you two are having a conversation," she said with a laugh. "Wouldn't it be wonderful if animals could talk?"
Alex raised his head, milk dripping from his chin, and gave her his best innocent lamb look. Inside, though, a decision hardened. He would learn this kingdom's secrets, uncover the vault, and choose his own destiny — lamb or no lamb.
Above the palace, the bells of the afternoon rang out. In the distance, the horns of the elves faded, but Alex knew they'd be back. For now, though, he was inside the walls, under royal protection, and in the perfect position to start his game.
He settled onto the grass, letting Elara's fingers comb through his fleece. For the first time since waking in this body, he allowed himself to relax — but only on the surface. Underneath, his mind was already moving pieces on a board no one else could see.