The palace buzzed with coronation prep. Ava pushed aside her doubts, focusing on Kai's big day. But the photo haunted her – what if the Traditionals exposed her mom's past?
Kai sensed her distance. "Hey, what's wrong?"
Ava hesitated, then showed him the photo. "They're digging dirt."
Kai's jaw clenched. "We'll face it together."
The councilors interrupted: "Prince Kai, choose your princess. Tradition demands it."
Ava's heart skipped. Kai's eyes locked on hers. "I've chosen."
The room held its breath.
"Ava stays," Kai declared. "She's my partner."
The councilors exchanged looks. "Very well… for now."
The Traditionals scoffed, but the people cheered. Ava's heart soared – until she spotted the masked figure in the crowd.
That night, Ava snaked out of the palace, determined to confront the Traditionals. The gardens were empty, moonlight casting eerie shadows.
A voice whispered, "You're playing with fire, Princess."
Ava spun – the masked figure emerged. "Who are you?"
The mask fell, revealing a striking woman. "I'm Lilith, royal cousin. The throne's mine. You're the obstacle."
Ava's heart pounded. "Kai chose me."
Lilith smiled coldly. "He'll never be king with you by his side."
Ava stood tall. "I won't back down."
Lilith vanished into shadows. Ava felt a chill – the game just turned deadly.