"Relax. You worry too much," Master Brigham said, patting Lucas on the shoulder.
"I worry because you are careless," Lucas snapped, brushing his hand away. "The king has not yet returned from his expedition. Until then, we wait."
"Why?" Brigham scoffed. "This is the best moment to strike, while the iron is hot. We have already removed Lucien, Anthony is already incapable, and with a little more pressure, Alaric will bend to our bidding and when he becomes ruler, he would have to merge both kingdoms together making our kingdom greater and our pockets fuller."
Lucas turned away, walking slowly toward the window.
"Have you ever wondered why Alaric is still here?" he asked quietly. "By all logic, he should be in his own kingdom, managing his affairs. Yet he remains."
Brigham shrugged. "He enjoys provoking us."
"Among all the bastard princes," Lucas continued, ignoring him, "only Alaric did not grow up within castle walls. He vanished at six. Returned at fourteen. Eight years unaccounted for."
"He begged on the streets," Brigham said dismissively. "Everyone knows that story."
Lucas's gaze hardened as he stared at the sky. "Something happened during those eight years. Something that still holds him here. And if we uncover it.. " he turned back slowly, a thin smile forming, ".. you can suppress him."
Brigham frowned. "You mean we."
Lucas's smile sharpened. "Send your men west. Dig into his past. It will be far more useful than you think."
He turned and left without another word.
Elsewhere, two women were having tea, "The queen's birthday is approaching, we cannot stop her from attending the balls lest the queen gets suspicious." Merlia took a sip of her tea, "The thought of her standing among is infuriating,"
Amber laughed softly. "Then let us give her something else to focus on."
Merlia's ears perked up, "what do you have in mind..."
Oblivious to everything unfolding around her, Eveline returned to her chambers. Feeling utterly exhausted, she collapsed onto the bed without even changing.
"My lady," Lily said cautiously, "do you know about the ex-princess?"
Eveline raised an eyebrow. "Ex-princess?"
"Miss Chloe," Lily continued. "She was once a princess, and the former fiancée of the Second Prince."
Eveline sat up sharply. "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
Lily's face fell. "You always say you're bored when I talk. Or that I talk too much." Her voice trembled. "I serve you with all my heart. I try to please you every day, yet you speak so harshly to me. And still, my loyalty never wavers. I will serve you until the day I die."
She bowed deeply.
Eveline pinched the bridge of her nose, forcing herself to remain calm. "Lily. Just answer this. No extra words."
"…Yes, my lady." "Why did they break off the engagement?"
Lily's expression darkened. "The Second Prince went to war with her kingdom. He won—but lost many soldiers. And during the battle, he lost the use of his legs." She hesitated. "It's truly a pity, the crowned prince was willing to give his title to him"
"I see," Eveline murmured. "You may go."
"Huh?" Lily blinked.
"You're giving me a headache," Eveline said flatly. "Leave."
Lily bowed again, he face fell once more. "I'll be outside if you need anything."
When she was gone, Eveline moved to the window. The palace stretched endlessly below, how beautiful or rather suffocating.
Her mother's hysterical laughter echoed in her mind. Her sister's tears. Madam Rubin's cold voice.
She clenched her fists. She couldn't let herself be trapped in the affairs of the royals, at least not yet.
And then, a face flashed through her thoughts, Alaric...
Her breath caught. "Who are you?" she whispered into the night.