Whispers in the Dark

Chapter Five – Whispers in the Dark

Elyra remained frozen by the window, her breath caught in her throat. The courtyard was empty now, bathed in moonlight, but the image of that motionless figure lingered in her mind. Had it been a trick of the light? Or was there truly someone...or something watching her?

A cold shiver ran down her spine. She forced herself to turn away, rubbing her arms as she moved back toward the bed. She needed rest, but sleep felt impossible now. Her body ached with exhaustion, but her mind refused to quiet.

A soft knock at the door startled her.

She hesitated before answering. "Who is it?"

"It is Lena, my lady," came the gentle reply.

Relieved, Elyra rushed to open the door. Lena stepped inside, her face shadowed with concern. She carried a small lantern, its glow flickering across her lined features. "Are you well?"

Elyra swallowed. "I… I thought I saw someone in the courtyard. Watching me. But when I looked again, they were gone."

Lena's expression darkened, and she quietly shut the door behind her. "You must not linger by the windows at night," she murmured. "Not in this palace."

Elyra frowned. "Why?"

Lena glanced around as if afraid of being overheard. "There are stories, whispers of shadows that move when they should not. The king's palace holds more than just mortal beings."

A chill ran down Elyra's spine. "What do you mean?"

Lena shook her head. "It is not my place to say. But you must be careful."

Elyra wanted to press further, but the older woman's firm expression left little room for argument. Instead, she allowed Lena to take her back to bed, the comforting weight of the blankets doing little to ease her unease.

As Lena blew out the lantern and took her leave, Elyra lay staring at the ceiling, listening to the silence that seemed far too heavy. She could still feel the ghost of eyes upon her. Was it paranoia? Or was she truly being watched?

One thing was certain—this palace was keeping secrets. A big one, as a matter of fact.

Morning came with the dull clang of bells echoing through the halls. Elyra rose with a start, the uneasy memories of the night still clinging to her like a second skin. She dressed quickly, choosing a dark velvet gown Lena had laid out for her. It was more somber than the dresses she was used to, but something about it suited the foreboding nature of the palace.

As she stepped into the corridor, a familiar figure awaited her. A woman clad in deep crimson robes, her dark hair neatly coiled, bowed slightly. "The king requests your presence."

Elyra recognized her as one of Draven's trusted attendants. She gave a curt nod and followed, her heartbeat steady but alert. As they walked through the palace, she couldn't shake the feeling that today would bring something different.

She was right.

When she entered the grand hall, Draven stood by the tall windows, his hands clasped behind his back. He turned at her approach, his golden eyes assessing her with that same unreadable intensity.

"Slept well?" he asked, though there was a knowing glint in his gaze.

Elyra lifted her chin. "As well as one can in a new place."

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, but he did not press further. Instead, he motioned toward a table where a parchment lay unfurled.

"You are to be presented to the court today."

Elyra's stomach tightened. She had known this was inevitable, but the reality of it sent a ripple of apprehension through her.

Draven watched her reaction carefully. "You will be expected to behave with grace. Show strength, but do not overstep. They will test you."

Elyra met his gaze. "And if I fail this test?"

His expression darkened slightly. "You will not."

The weight of his words settled over her, and she knew this was not just a formality. This was a battlefield of its own kind, and she would have to play her part well.

Elyra took a steadying breath. "Then let us begin."

The throne room was grand, lined with towering pillars of obsidian, their surfaces gleaming under the dim torchlight. A long velvet carpet stretched from the entrance to the throne itself, where Draven would soon take his place. Noblemen and women had already begun to gather, their whispers filling the vast chamber like an unsettling hum.

Elyra walked with measured steps, keeping her head high despite the weight of their stares. She could feel their scrutiny, their silent judgment. The arranged bride of the king was a curiosity, an outsider thrust into their world.

Draven strode ahead of her, his presence sent an hunspoken command for silence. He took his seat upon the dark throne, carved with intricate runes that seemed to pulse under the light.

A herald stepped forward. "Presenting Lady Elyra of House Verendral, betrothed to His Majesty, King Draven of Noctis."

Elyra forced herself to remain composed as the murmurs rippled through the crowd. Some looke d her with curiosity, others with barely concealed disdain.

A noblewoman in deep blue silk took a deliberate step forward, her lips curled in a knowing smile. "Tell us, my lady," she said, voice honeyed but sharp, "how does it feel to stand before the court of Noctis, knowing you were chosen for such a… unique arrangement?"

A test. Just as Draven had warned.

Elyra met the woman's gaze with an unwavering stare. "An honor, my lady," she replied smoothly, "for what greater fate is there than to stand beside a king?"

The noblewoman arched a brow, clearly amused, but before she could retort, Draven's voice cut through the tension like a blade.

"Enough."

The hall fell into silence once more.

Draven rose, his presence a dark force upon the room. "She is under my protection now. You will treat her as such."

The finality in his tone left no room for argument. Elyra felt the weight of his words settle over her like armor.

As the court session continued, she realized something else. She had not just entered a marriage. She had stepped into a game of power and survival.

And losing was not an option.