The Puppet

Lila's condition was far more dire than Mateo had anticipated. The journey back to the Southern Empire had been grueling, and her fragile state had only worsened with each passing hour. By the time they reached the palace, her once vibrant form was reduced to a mere shadow of itself—her skin pale, her breaths shallow, and her body marred by injuries.

The palace doctor, an older man with a solemn demeanor, examined Lila with meticulous care. His hands were steady as he assessed the extent of her wounds, his expression growing graver with each passing moment. When he finally finished, he turned to face Prince Mateo, his eyes reflecting the weight of the news he was about to deliver.

"Your Highness," the doctor began, his voice low and measured, "The injuries are severe. She has a serious head injury, and there are multiple fractures in her ribs and limbs. The blood loss has been significant, and her body is in a state of shock."

Mateo's gaze darkened, his fingers curling into fists at his sides. "Will she survive?" he asked, his tone clipped, masking the turmoil brewing within him.

The doctor hesitated before answering, carefully choosing his words. "It is difficult to say, Your Highness. While I can do my best to stabilize her condition, the head injury is particularly concerning. There is a high possibility that it could have lasting effects, especially on her mobility. Even if she regains consciousness, there is a significant risk that she may experience permanent damage—loss of movement, impaired motor functions, possibly even paralysis."

Mateo's jaw tightened, his eyes narrowing as the doctor's words sank in. "And the head injury? Could it affect her memory?"

The doctor nodded slowly. "Yes, Your Highness. It's possible that the trauma to her brain could result in memory loss or cognitive impairment. We won't know the full extent until she wakes up—if she wakes up."

Mateo turned away, his mind racing. This was not what he had planned. Lila was supposed to be the key to his revenge, the means by which he would bring Axel to his knees. 'But if she was damaged beyond repair, if she couldn't even remember her own name, how could she serve her purpose?'

Yet, as the initial shock wore off, a new idea began to form in Mateo's mind—a cruel twist to his already sinister plan. Perhaps this injury, this potential loss of memory and mobility, could be used to his advantage. He could still use Lila, not as the strong, defiant woman she once was, but as a broken, helpless figure—a living reminder of Axel's failure to protect her.

Mateo turned back to the doctor, his voice cold and calculated. "Do whatever it takes to keep her alive. I don't care what you have to do, just make sure she survives. And keep her condition a secret. No one outside this room is to know how badly she's hurt."

The doctor bowed his head in obedience. "As you wish, Your Highness. I will do everything in my power to stabilize her."

Mateo's eyes flickered with a twisted satisfaction. "Good. Keep me informed of any changes. And remember, her recovery is not just about her health. It's about ensuring that she remains useful to me. Do not fail."

The doctor nodded again, his face grim as he turned back to tend to Lila. Mateo watched for a moment, his expression unreadable, before he turned and left the room. His mind was already working through the details of his new plan, his resolve hardened by the doctor's grim prognosis.

Lila would survive—she had to. But when she did, she would be little more than a shadow of her former self, a tool for Mateo to wield in his quest for revenge. And when the time was right, Axel would learn the truth, and he would suffer the consequences of his actions.

Mateo stepped out of the dimly lit chamber, leaving the doctor to his grim work. The cold corridors of the Southern Empire's palace echoed with his hurried footsteps as he made his way toward his private quarters. The weight of his plan hung heavily on his shoulders, yet a flicker of satisfaction gleamed in his eyes. Lila's condition, while unfortunate, had opened up new avenues for his schemes. But just as he began to revel in the thought, Silas, his most trusted advisor, appeared at his side, his expression tight with concern.

"Your Highness," Silas began, his voice low but urgent. "There's something you need to know about the Montgrave family."

Mateo slowed his pace, turning to Silas with a sharp glance. "What is it? Speak quickly."

Silas leaned in closer, lowering his voice as they continued walking. "Agatha Montgrave, Lila's mother, has fallen unconscious. She's in a critical state and has been bedridden for days. As for Noah Montgrave, Lila's father, he is currently away on a business trip. It seems he won't be returning for at least a month, maybe longer."

Mateo's brow furrowed as he processed the information. Agatha's condition was fortuitous, as it meant one less person to interfere with his plans. But Noah… Noah Montgrave was a different matter entirely. The man was powerful, influential, and fiercely protective of his family. If he returned to find Lila missing or harmed, he would stop at nothing to uncover the truth and exact his vengeance.

Silas seemed to sense Mateo's unease and continued, "It's possible that Noah's extended absence might work in our favor, but when he does return, he could pose a significant threat. He's not the kind of man to be easily swayed or deceived. If he suspects foul play, he will dig until he finds the truth."

Mateo clenched his jaw, his mind racing through potential scenarios. He couldn't afford to have Noah Montgrave disrupting his plans, not when he was so close to achieving his goals. But at the same time, eliminating Noah outright would draw too much attention and could bring unwanted scrutiny to the palace.

"Noah will return eventually, and when he does, he'll expect answers," Mateo muttered, his voice laced with frustration. "We need to be prepared. We can't allow him to disrupt what we've put in motion."

Silas nodded, his gaze steady. "What do you propose, Your Highness?"

Mateo's eyes narrowed as he considered his options. "We need to buy ourselves more time. If we can delay Noah's return—perhaps by feeding him misinformation or creating complications in his business dealings—we can keep him occupied long enough to solidify our hold on Lila."

"And what of Agatha?" Silas inquired cautiously. "Should we intervene?"

Mateo shook his head, a cold smile playing on his lips. "No. Let nature take its course with Agatha. Her condition is a boon to us, not a hindrance. The less interference from the Montgraves, the better."

Silas absorbed the prince's instructions, his expression thoughtful. "Very well, Your Highness. I'll see to it that Noah's return is delayed as long as possible. In the meantime, we'll continue to monitor the Montgrave estate closely."

"Good," Mateo replied curtly. "Make sure our tracks are covered. I don't want any loose ends."

Silas bowed slightly, a gesture of acknowledgment and loyalty. "It will be done."

Mateo dismissed his advisor with a wave of his hand and continued down the corridor, his thoughts once again turning to Lila. The pieces were falling into place, and soon enough, he would have everything he needed to execute his revenge. But for now, he had to ensure that nothing—and no one—stood in his way, not even Noah Montgrave.