A Dangerous Spotlight

The corridor outside King Aldric's study was eerily silent as Evelyn Lancaster stood motionless, replaying his words in her mind.

"Perhaps that is why I find you interesting."

She had spent years perfecting the art of blending in, of being just dutiful enough to avoid scrutiny while never stepping into the light. And yet, somehow, in just two days at Averleigh Palace, she had drawn the attention of both the king and his son.

This was dangerous.

As she turned to leave, she found herself face-to-face with Prince Alexander, his piercing blue eyes studying her with a mixture of curiosity and something else she couldn't quite name.

"My father summoned you," he said, his tone unreadable.

Evelyn met his gaze without hesitation. "Apparently so."

Alexander tilted his head slightly. "You've been here only a short time, and already you have his interest."

"I did nothing to earn it."

"That," he murmured, his lips curving ever so slightly, "is precisely why it's interesting."

Before she could respond, he inclined his head in a slight farewell and walked away, leaving her standing in the quiet corridor, her pulse thrumming.

She had not come here to be noticed.

And yet, here she was.

By the time she returned to the contestants' quarters, the atmosphere had shifted. Whispers followed her as she stepped inside the common room where several of the young women had gathered.

"An audience with the king?" Lady Margaret's voice carried a sharp edge. "That's quite the honor, isn't it?"

Evelyn ignored the bait and poured herself a cup of tea.

Lady Genevieve, seated near the fireplace, leaned forward eagerly. "What did he want?"

"Just a conversation," Evelyn said smoothly.

Margaret scoffed. "You expect us to believe that?"

Evelyn gave a nonchalant shrug. "Believe what you will."

Margaret's lips thinned. "You think you're above all of this, don't you?"

Evelyn finally turned to face her, calm and composed. "I think nothing of it."

Before Margaret could retort, Lady Beatrice entered the room, instantly commanding silence.

"Ladies," she announced, her sharp gaze scanning them. "Your next test begins in one hour. Dress appropriately."

The tension in the room thickened as the contestants exchanged glances.

Evelyn exhaled slowly. Another test. Another opportunity to fail just enough to be overlooked.

Or so she hoped.

The contestants were led to the palace's royal stables, where a row of majestic black and chestnut horses awaited them. Beyond the stables, an open equestrian field stretched toward the horizon, where a set of obstacles—jumps, hurdles, and winding paths—had been set up.

Prince Alexander stood near the largest horse, dressed in tailored riding attire. He looked every bit the royal heir—calm, composed, completely at ease on horseback.

"As a future queen," Lady Beatrice announced, "one must be capable of handling not only the demands of court but also the challenges of the outside world. Today, you will be tested on your riding skills, confidence, and adaptability."

Evelyn kept her expression neutral. Horse riding. She had been trained in it, of course—all noblewomen were—but it had never been her passion. Still, she knew how to ride well enough.

The challenge began swiftly. One by one, the contestants mounted their horses, guiding them through the course of jumps and turns under the watchful eyes of the royal family.

Lady Margaret took off first, riding with confidence and precision, clearing each jump with ease. The other girls followed, each displaying varying levels of skill—some more hesitant, some overly eager, resulting in awkward landings or near falls.

Lady Genevieve, despite her delicate demeanor, handled her horse well, her posture elegant as she trotted across the field. A few of the younger contestants struggled, their lack of experience evident as they fumbled with their reins or misjudged their jumps.

Evelyn observed it all with careful detachment.

When it was her turn, she moved unhurriedly, mounting her horse with quiet efficiency. She nudged the horse forward at a steady trot, avoiding any unnecessary display of skill. She cleared the first jump without effort but without flair, keeping her posture relaxed, controlled, but unremarkable.

She had almost made it through the course without incident when–

A sharp cry rang out.

The sound of hooves pounding the earth drew her attention. She turned her head slightly—just in time to see Lady Beatrice's horse rear violently.

A startled gasp rippled through the spectators as the young woman lost control, her grip failing—

She was about to fall.

Without thinking, Evelyn acted.

With a swift movement, she pulled her own horse

 sharply to the side, intercepting Lady Beatrice's horse just as it threatened to throw her. In a practiced motion, Evelyn reached out, gripping the bridle of the panicked horse, her voice low and steady.

"Easy," she murmured, guiding the wild energy of the animal into submission.

The horse calmed under her touch. Lady Beatrice, breathless, looked at her with wide eyes.

A long silence stretched.

Then—

Applause.

Evelyn stiffened. She had not meant to draw attention. And yet, as she looked up, she saw Prince Alexander watching her intently.

She had only meant to help.

But now, she had done the one thing she had

sworn not to do.

She had stood out.

After the test concluded, Evelyn had nearly escaped back to her quarters when a voice stopped her.

"You're quite the mystery, Lady Evelyn."

She turned slowly, finding Prince Alexander standing in the hallway outside the stables. His riding gloves were tucked into his belt, his shirt slightly rumpled from the afternoon ride.

"Am I?" she replied, keeping her tone neutral.

"You insist you don't care for the competition," he said, stepping closer, "and yet you excel in moments when it matters."

She held his gaze. "I only did what anyone else would have."

A slow smile touched his lips. "No. You did what someone capable would do."

Her heart beat a little faster. She didn't like where this conversation was going.

"I'm not seeking your favor, Your Highness," she said carefully.

"I know." His gaze flickered with something unreadable. "That's what makes this interesting."

The words sent an uneasy thrill through her.

Before she could respond, he took a step back, nodding slightly. "Enjoy your evening, Lady Evelyn."

And then he was gone, leaving her standing alone in the dim hallway.

She exhaled slowly.

The king had noticed her.

Now, the prince had, too.

She had tried to play this game unseen.

And yet, somehow, she had just stepped into the center of it.