CHAPTER 1 :Beneath the Palace Lights

In the vast kingdom of Nivanah, nestled against green hills and sapphire rivers, stood the opulent Royal Palace of Kireth. The palace glittered like a golden crown under the sun, watched over by tall ivory towers and guarded by tradition. But behind the polished walls, truths simmered.

Not far from the royal chambers, in a worn but sturdy building called The Keeper's Quarters, lived the workers of the palace. It was a simple, stone-built residence reserved for those whose lives were devoted to serving royalty. This was where Prudence lived, sharing a modest room with her aging uncle, Mulo. He had served the royal family since he was a boy polishing armor, cleaning stables, and now, maintaining the grand halls of the palace.

Morning Light

The first rays of dawn trickled through the small window, casting a warm glow on the stone walls. Prudence stirred from her thin mattress as the palace bell rang softly in the distance.

"Up already?" Uncle Mulo asked, sitting at the edge of his cot and rubbing his eyes.

"I have to sweep the East Wing floors before breakfast is served," Prudence replied, tying her hair with the red ribbon she always wore. "The Queen doesn't like a speck of dust."

She grabbed her broom and bucket, slipping on her worn shoes. Outside, The Keeper's Quarters was buzzing maids filling buckets, boys chopping wood, cooks already hauling bread dough into the kitchen.

"Priscilla!" Prudence called.

Her friend came hurrying, braiding her hair as she walked. "Late again," she muttered. "You're too eager, Prudence. You'd clean the stars if they asked."

"Better eager than scolded. Come on."

As they swept the marble floor under the tall archways of the East Wing, Prudence glanced toward the stairs.

"Don't," Priscilla said without looking.

"What?"

"You know what. You're hoping to see him again. Dalian."

Prudence smiled to herself. "I don't hope. It just... happens."

"He doesn't know your name, Pru. And he never will."

Prudence didn't respond. She'd only ever seen Dalian in glimpses laughing with nobles, walking alongside guards, or horseback in the courtyard. But even those moments felt like dreams she could step into.

Afternoon Shadows

The air was hot by midday. Prudence was scrubbing a corridor wall when Helya walked past, carrying a tray of fresh cut fruit toward the upper kitchens. She paused, eyeing Prudence with a tight-lipped smile.

"You missed a spot," Helya said coldly.

Prudence turned. "Thank you. I'll get it."

"You always do think you're so perfect. Pretty little Prudence."

Priscilla appeared just then, wiping her hands with a cloth. "Back off, Helya. Go polish silver or something."

Helya's eyes narrowed. "Don't worry. She'll get what's coming."

Priscilla turned to Prudence once Helya left. "She hates you. Jealousy's a disease."

Prudence sighed. "I didn't do anything."

"Exactly. That's what makes it worse."

By early evening, they returned to The Keeper's Quarters to change. Uncle Mulo had made a pot of bean stew and shared it with three other workers. As Prudence sipped her tea, she noticed a strange bitterness.

"This tastes... weird," she murmured.

"Let me try," Priscilla said, taking a sip. She spat it out. "That's not normal. Prudence, stop drinking it."

Prudence set the cup down, her stomach already swirling. "I feel lightheaded."

Outside the quarters, hidden in shadow, Prince Alric stood silently. He had witnessed a moment in the kitchens earlier Helya dropping a small vial into a clay jar near the tea.

Now, he stepped inside.

"Prudence?"

The workers turned, startled. It was rare for the crown prince to enter the servant's quarters.

"Y-yes, Your Highness," she said, standing on shaky legs.

He glanced at the cup. "Did you drink this?"

"Just a little."

"You need to rest. Immediately. Priscilla, help her. And don't let her drink anything else tonight."

Priscilla obeyed without question. Alric turned to Mulo.

"Watch her."

Outside, Alric found Helya washing dishes. He cornered her without a word.

"I know what you did," he said calmly, but his voice dripped with threat.

Helya dropped a plate. "I...I don't know"

"You poisoned a servant of the royal household. A crime punishable by death."

She fell to her knees. "Please, I didn't mean"

"Leave. Tonight. Say you're ill. If I see your face tomorrow, I'll see to it that your body is buried without name or honor."

She didn't protest. By nightfall, she was gone.

Moonlight and Silence

Later that night, Prudence lay in bed, her head on Priscilla's lap.

"I'm okay," she whispered.

"You scared me," Priscilla replied.

Prudence looked toward the tiny window. The moon hung above the palace towers.

"Why would anyone want to hurt me?"

Priscilla hesitated. "Because you shine. And some people hate light."

In his chamber, Alric stood by the window, watching the lights of the workers' quarters. His mind was not on war or diplomacy tonight, but on the girl with the red ribbon and the shadow that almost took her.

He would not let it happen again.