Our Mistake

Erika's gaze drifted over Mike from head to toe, her sharp eyes narrowing with an appraising glint. He looked different this time more resolute, more commanding. The military uniform he wore was a deep brown interwoven with black, adorned with medals and the gleaming insignia of the royal house, shimmering under the grand chandelier's glow. A finely tailored suit complemented his attire, while a perfectly knotted black tie rested against his chest. His hair, usually an unruly mess, was now neatly combed back, lending him the air of a man who truly belonged in his station.

A smirk played at Erika's lips as she crossed her arms, tilting her head ever so slightly. There was a spark of mischief in her eyes, but beneath it lurked something else an unspoken admiration she would never openly admit.

"I never knew you could be this… sexy," she remarked her voice light, yet her gaze betrayed that it was more than a mere jest.

Mike exhaled sharply, raising an eyebrow but refusing to take the bait. He knew Erika well enough to understand that engaging her would only fuel her amusement further.

"Shut up," he muttered, his tone flat but laced with exasperation. "What are you doing here?"

Erika let out a dramatic sigh as though disappointed by his lack of reaction. She turned on her heel, her long, elegant gown swirling around her ankles.

"To see you, of course," she replied, walking down the corridor with effortless grace. "I had to check on the new crown prince. Come on!"

Mike frowned but followed, his steps heavy as though each stride carried a weight he was not ready to bear.

"This is insane," he muttered, glancing around the palace that now felt too grand, too real. "We underestimated this game."

Erika chuckled, though there was a bitter edge to it. "I know. That was our mistake."

They strode past towering portraits of long-dead kings, their painted eyes empty yet filled with silent judgment. Ornate golden and silver embellishments gleamed in the flickering candlelight, while suits of medieval armor stood at rigid attention in the corners, lifeless yet eerily watchful.

"So, where are we going?" Mike finally asked.

"To the cabinet meeting," Erika answered without looking back.

Mike sighed. "Where's everyone else?"

"They're already there," she replied curtly, her voice turning more serious.

Mike didn't press further. He simply followed, each step making the air around him feel heavier. This place was no longer just a setting in a game it was their reality now, one they had no choice but to face, along with all its consequences.

They finally arrived at the grand foyer, a vast chamber supported by towering marble columns. The ceiling was adorned with intricate murals depicting past war victories, while the perfectly polished floors reflected their images like a mirror.

At the center of the hall, flanked by royal guards clad in black, a large vehicle bearing the kingdom's insignia awaited.

Mike arched an eyebrow. "We're taking that?"

Erika smirked, opening the car door with a practiced elegance. "The royal family's vehicle."

Mike briefly regarded the car before shaking his head and stepping forward. "You sure know a lot..."

Erika merely smiled, but there was something in her expression something she wasn't saying.

And then, that feeling returned. The unease crept up Mike's spine like a cold whisper.

The game was over.

What lay ahead was the truth they had to live with.

And somehow, he knew this was only the beginning.