The following morning, Nyssa awoke to the sound of bells tolling across the palace grounds. The golden sunlight streaming through the high windows did little to chase away the unease that still clung to her from the night before. Her vision had been clear—someone in the palace was plotting betrayal, and Caelan was at the center of it.
She had to find out who before it was too late.
---
A Warning from the Shadows
As Nyssa dressed, a knock sounded at her door. A young servant girl, no older than sixteen, entered cautiously.
"My Lady, someone left this for you." She held out a small, rolled parchment sealed with black wax.
Nyssa took it, heart pounding. She broke the seal and unfolded the note.
"Stay out of what you do not understand. You are not meant to be here."
A chill raced down her spine.
Someone in the palace did not want her here.
She clenched the note tightly, her mind racing. The nobles had not accepted her, but this was something else entirely. This was a threat.
And whoever had sent it knew she was already asking questions.
---
A Dance of Politics
At midday, Nyssa was summoned to the Royal Court—her first official appearance as the future queen. She entered the great hall, where nobles lined the marble floor, their eyes sharp as daggers.
Caelan stood at the throne's base, his gaze unreadable as he observed the gathering.
King Edric, Caelan's father, sat upon the throne, his expression stern. "Lady Nyssa," he addressed her. "The nobles have requested a chance to know you. We will begin with a formal court gathering. You will speak with them, and they will decide if you are suited for your role."
Nyssa forced a smile. Of course, this was just another test.
The nobles took turns greeting her, their words polite but filled with hidden meaning.
"I do hope you understand the responsibility of this position, Lady Nyssa," Lady Evelyne said smoothly. "The queen's role is not simply to exist, but to rule wisely."
Nyssa held her gaze. "And wisdom comes from understanding the people, not just the nobles," she replied, watching the flicker of irritation cross the woman's face.
Across the hall, Caelan hid a smirk.
---
A Moment with Caelan
After the court session, Nyssa escaped to the palace gardens, needing air. She had only been here two days, and already the weight of expectations pressed heavily upon her shoulders.
She felt his presence before she saw him.
Caelan stepped beside her, silent for a moment. Then, he said, "You handled them well."
Nyssa exhaled, glancing at him. "I've spent my whole life being underestimated. This isn't new."
Caelan studied her, his gaze lingering. Then, as if making a decision, he spoke. "There's something you should know."
She turned toward him fully, sensing the shift in his tone.
"Tomorrow, we leave for the Temple of Fate."
Nyssa frowned. "Why?"
"To confirm our bond," Caelan said simply. "The high priests will ensure our souls are truly bound."
Her heart clenched. Bound.
Caelan's eyes darkened. "If they find the bond is weak, the marriage can be questioned."
Nyssa inhaled sharply. This was more than a marriage—it was a test of fate itself.
And something told her that the gods were not done playing with their destinies.