Chapter 8: The Thorn in the Rose

Serina awoke to a crisp morning that felt different. The air was heavy with expectation, the kind that only comes when the balance of power begins to shift. She had become far too familiar with the feeling in the palace, where nothing was ever as it seemed, and every moment felt like a chess move in a game far bigger than her.

Today was no exception.

As she dressed, the reflection in the mirror unsettled her. Her delicate features, the same ones Lucian had once adored, seemed foreign to her now. The memories of her past life, of being his wife and the love they had shared, came rushing back like a flood, threatening to drown her. But the mission she had taken on was clear. She had a job to do. She had to ruin him.

Or at least, that was what she told herself.

But no matter how many times she repeated it, the truth was always gnawing at the edges of her mind—she didn't want to destroy him. Deep down, she didn't want to see Lucian suffer. She didn't want to play the role of the villain in his life. Yet, the princess's demands were not easily ignored. Seraphina Lyselle, with her icy charm and veiled threats, had made it clear that if Serina failed, she would be left with nothing.

As Serina made her way to the royal gardens, the sun shining down through the verdant leaves, her thoughts were interrupted by the soft sound of footsteps behind her. She turned to find Edmund Vance, his expression unreadable as always, but there was a glint in his eyes today. A hint of something... urgent.

"Lady Elowen," he said, his voice low, like he was about to share a secret. "I need to speak with you."

Her heart skipped a beat. There was something in his voice—something that told her this wasn't about casual conversation.

"What is it, Captain?" she asked, her curiosity piqued as she took a step closer.

He glanced around, ensuring no one else was nearby, before leaning in slightly. "It's about the prince. There's more going on here than you realize. He's playing a game, but it's not the one everyone thinks he is."

Serina's brow furrowed. "What do you mean?"

Edmund hesitated, eyes flicking around once more before he spoke again. "The prince has been receiving secret letters. Not from the princess, not from anyone in the court. They're from someone outside the palace. Someone with a vested interest in what happens here."

Serina's mind raced. "Why would he keep it a secret?" She couldn't understand. Lucian, secretive as he was, had never shown interest in any external affairs before—at least, not to her knowledge.

Edmund looked at her gravely, a rare emotion crossing his usually impassive face. "He's playing everyone. Even Seraphina. And that's why you need to be careful. He knows what's going on. I think he knows what you're trying to do."

Serina swallowed, the words hitting her like a slap. "What do you mean? Does he know I'm trying to ruin him?"

Edmund shook his head, a small, rueful smile crossing his lips. "No. But he knows the game, Lady Elowen. He knows it's being played."

Before she could respond, Edmund straightened, his tone turning more serious. "Stay close to him, if you want to understand his moves. Don't let the princess pull you into her schemes. Whatever happens, make sure you're in control of your own destiny."

His words hung in the air long after he was gone, leaving Serina standing alone in the garden, the weight of his advice pressing down on her shoulders. She knew Edmund was right about one thing: Lucian was a master at playing the game. And she was no longer sure where her allegiances truly lay.

The truth was, she didn't trust anyone—least of all herself.

---

Later that evening, as the moonlight bathed the palace in a soft glow, Serina found herself once again in the princess's private chambers. The room was still and silent, save for the soft rustle of Seraphina's gown as she turned to face her.

"You've been distant lately," the princess remarked, her sharp eyes studying Serina with an intensity that made her feel exposed. "Have you forgotten your place, Lady Elowen?"

Serina stiffened, but her voice remained steady. "I haven't forgotten, Your Highness."

Seraphina smiled, but it was a cold, calculating smile that sent a chill down Serina's spine. "Good. Because I've heard whispers of your movements. Your interactions with the prince... they're becoming more than just an act, aren't they?"

Serina's stomach clenched. "I'm doing as you asked. You've seen the progress. I've become closer to him, I—"

"Closer?" Seraphina interrupted, stepping toward her, eyes glinting. "You've become entangled, Lady Elowen. And if you're not careful, you'll lose yourself in this web."

Serina held her ground. "I'm not foolish enough to let that happen."

Seraphina's smile widened. "We'll see. But I'd be careful if I were you. I can't protect you if you lose control."

The words stung more than Serina expected. She didn't want to acknowledge how much power the princess held over her, but the truth was undeniable. Seraphina was right. If she wasn't careful, everything she had worked for could slip through her fingers.

---

That night, as Serina lay in her bed, the darkness surrounding her, her thoughts kept returning to Edmund's words. Could Lucian really be playing everyone, including the princess? Did he know more than he let on? Was he aware of the danger he was in—and, if so, why was he playing along with this game?

Serina didn't have the answers, but she was certain of one thing. This game was far from over, and she had yet to uncover the true nature of the prince's plans.

As sleep claimed her, one thought echoed in her mind—trust no one. Not even herself