Crowned in Crimson Cinders

Chapter 27: The Plan

We trained for only a few hours. I had wanted to keep going until nightfall, but Brock advised against it. He said I'd drain myself and wouldn't have anything left if I needed to defend myself during the mission. I hoped I wouldn't have to.

Brock escorted me back to my room, but returned an hour later with dinner. I didn't ask where he got it or how—some things are better left unquestioned.

"Figured you would be hungry," was all he said when he arrived.

"Are you going to eat?"

"I already did," was all he said, though I couldn't figure out if he was lying or not.

After he left, I changed into the clothes he had brought too. Black pants, a shirt, boots, and a cloth mask to cover my face. None of these things existed in my wardrobe, which made sense. This wasn't the kind of attire a princess was ever expected to wear.

The clothes felt wrong on my body. I've only worn pants when I ride and even those times were a rarity. The unfamiliar fabric clung to me in strange ways, making me feel like an impostor in my own skin.

Getting into the dungeons wouldn't be the hard part. The real challenge would be escaping before the next shift of guards arrived and discovered the others unconscious. If they raised the alarm, everything would fall apart.

I didn't want to think about what would happen if I got caught sneaking around the castle at night, dressed in black and accompanied by Darian, the man my people already despised. The rumors, the betrayal, the disgrace—it would be unforgivable. But I couldn't focus on that now. There was a job to do.

While sifting through the bag Brock had given me, I noticed something I had missed earlier, a bundle wrapped in cloth. Inside were a pair of daggers, simple but deadly. I wasn't sure if bringing them was wise. I had never used a weapon before. I was more likely to stab myself than anyone else.

The sun began its slow descent, and I watched from my window as it melted into the ocean, painting the sky in brilliant pinks, oranges, and purples. It was a breathtaking sight—one last moment of beauty before the chaos to come.

Soon after sunset, a knock echoed through the room. I hesitated before answering, anxiety clawing at my chest. I wasn't sure I was ready. But I had to be. For my kingdom. The sooner we uncovered this murderer, the sooner we could stop the bloodshed.

I opened the door and found Darian on the other side. He was dressed in black too, with daggers at his waist and probably more hidden beneath his sleeves. A sword hung at his side. Brock must've gotten it for him from the training arena earlier today.

The sight of him triggered an unwelcome memory. Our kiss resurfaced in my mind again. It felt like a lifetime ago, though it had only been a day or two. If I was ever going to tell him it had been a mistake, it had to be now.

"Aleah," he said quietly, "may I come in?"

"Of course," I said, stepping aside. "Please."

He entered slowly, watching me like he was waiting—hoping—I'd say something. I turned to face him.