The Cost of Standing Out

Evelyn Lancaster's footsteps echoed softly along the polished corridor as she made her way back to her chambers. The muted hum of late afternoon activity in Averleigh Palace did little to quiet the storm of thoughts raging in her mind. Ever since her unexpected intervention during the equestrian challenge, she had felt a shift in the air—a weighty mix of whispered resentments, curious glances, and furtive smiles exchanged behind her back.

She had spent years perfecting the art of blending in, of being neither a disappointment nor a spectacle. Yet, in the short time she had been at the palace, she had drawn the notice of King Aldric, Prince Alexander, and now the other contestants.

This was dangerous.

And it was only getting worse.

Evelyn barely had time to settle into her chambers before a sharp knock interrupted her thoughts.

She sighed, smoothing out the creases in her dress before opening the door.

Lady Margaret stood before her, arms folded, lips curved into a cold smile.

"You must be quite pleased with yourself," she said, stepping into Evelyn's room uninvited.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Am I?"

Margaret let out a soft laugh. "Oh, don't play coy. The king invites you for a private audience. Then today, you become the hero of the riding challenge." She tilted her head. "I wonder what remarkable feat you'll accomplish next."

Evelyn kept her expression blank. "I didn't ask for any of that."

"No, but you benefitted from it," Margaret shot back. "Or have you not noticed how the others look at you now?"

Evelyn had noticed. The careful way some of the other contestants had begun watching her, as though calculating whether she was a threat or an obstacle. She had also noticed the way Prince Alexander had watched her after the challenge, his blue eyes filled with amusement and something more unreadable.

Margaret took a step closer, her voice lowering. "You might think you're playing the game wisely, Lady Evelyn. But be careful. The higher you rise, the farther you have to fall."

Evelyn met her gaze steadily. "And should I assume that you will be the one pushing me?"

Margaret's smile sharpened. "No need. The palace has a way of devouring those who don't belong."

With that, she turned and swept out of the room, leaving Evelyn standing in the silence.

Evelyn had barely caught her breath when another knock came at her door. This time, a palace attendant stood before her, a sealed letter in hand.

"Lady Evelyn, His Majesty has summoned you to a private dinner in the royal dining hall," the attendant announced. "Proper attire is expected."

Evelyn stiffened.

Another summons?

She took the letter, glancing down at the elegant script bearing the King's Seal:

"Lady Evelyn,

Your presence is requested at a private royal dinner this evening. Please dress accordingly.

—King Aldric"

Evelyn exhaled slowly.

This was not good.

When Evelyn arrived at the royal dining hall, she instantly realized just how much of a trap this was.

Only five contestants had been invited.

Five out of the twenty-four still in the competition.

And she was one of them.

The long mahogany table was adorned with shimmering gold-trimmed dinnerware, flickering candlelight casting a warm glow over the polished silver goblets. At the head of the table sat King Aldric, his piercing gaze taking in the gathered ladies. Beside him, Queen Genevieve sipped delicately from her wine glass, her expression unreadable.

To the king's right, Prince Alexander sat with an air of quiet amusement, his gaze flicking to Evelyn the moment she entered.

Evelyn forced herself to remain composed as she took her assigned seat.

Lady Margaret sat across from her, her lips curving ever so slightly in what could only be described as mocking delight. The other three ladies—Lady Genevieve, Lady Eleanor, and Lady Rosaline—were all daughters of highly influential noble houses. Their presence alone told Evelyn that this dinner was more than just a casual gathering.

It was a test.

The conversation remained polite at first, touching on court affairs and politics, with the king occasionally directing a question at one of the ladies.

Then, as the first course was cleared away, King Aldric leaned back in his chair, his voice smooth yet weighty.

"A question for you all," he said. "What do you believe is the most important quality in a future queen?"

Lady Margaret, of course, spoke first. "Loyalty, Your Majesty," she said smoothly. "A queen must be unwavering in her devotion—to her king, her country, and the crown."

The other girls nodded in agreement.

Lady Genevieve added, "And poise. A queen must conduct herself with dignity in all matters, regardless of circumstance."

King Aldric nodded thoughtfully. Then, his gaze landed on Evelyn.

"And you, Lady Evelyn?"

The room fell silent.

Evelyn carefully set down her wine glass, considering her words. She could offer an expected answer—something safe and agreeable.

Or she could speak the truth.

She chose the latter.

"Resilience," she said.

A flicker of intrigue crossed the king's face. "Explain."

Evelyn met his gaze without hesitation. "A queen must be prepared for anything. Wars, betrayals, loss—history has proven that a ruler's strength is tested not in times of peace, but in moments of crisis. A queen must have the strength to endure when all else falls apart."

Silence stretched across the table.

Even Queen Genevieve, who had remained impassive for most of the evening, studied Evelyn with a newfound curiosity.

Margaret's fingers tightened around her goblet, her displeasure evident.

Prince Alexander, however, looked downright amused.

King Aldric finally nodded. "A pragmatic answer."

Evelyn took a slow sip of her wine, willing her pulse to steady. She hadn't meant to draw more attention, yet somehow, she had again.

After dinner, Evelyn had nearly made it out of the hall when a voice stopped her.

"You're making enemies."

She turned to find Prince Alexander, standing casually near the archway.

Evelyn arched a brow. "Is that a warning, Your Highness?"

He smirked. "An observation."

She exhaled slowly. "It's not intentional."

"Perhaps not," he said, stepping closer. "But it's happening all the same."

Evelyn held her ground. "And why should that concern you?"

Alexander's eyes darkened slightly. "Because people who stand out in this competition don't always fare well."

Evelyn felt a cold prickle along her spine.

She could handle whispers. She could handle jealous looks. But was there something more?

Before she could ask, Alexander leaned in just slightly, his voice dropping lower.

"You should be careful, Lady Evelyn. Not everyone here will be content to simply watch you rise."

Evelyn held his gaze, searching for the deeper meaning behind his words.

But before she could press him further, he stepped back, his expression once again carefully unreadable.

"Good night," he murmured.

And then he was gone.

Evelyn remained standing in the dim corridor, her thoughts spinning.

Enemies.

She had known from the start that this competition would be dangerous.

But tonight, for the first time—

She realized just how dangerous it truly was.