Royal, The Forgotten Heir

Chapter 2: The Unseen Threat

The cheers of the crowd still echoed in Seraphina's ears as she stood in her new chambers, overlooking the palace gardens. The people of Valeria had welcomed her with open arms, but she couldn't shake the feeling that danger lurked in the shadows. Her father's warnings weighed heavily on her mind.

Her room, though richly decorated, felt foreign and imposing. She missed the simplicity of her former life, where she could roam the countryside without the burden of royal expectations. But now, she had a responsibility to her family and kingdom.

A knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. It was Elara, her lady-in-waiting, a young woman with kind eyes and a calming presence.

"Princess Seraphina, your brother requests your presence in the library," Elara said with a warm smile. "He says it's urgent."

Seraphina nodded, her curiosity piqued. "Thank you, Elara. I'll go at once."

The library was one of Alexander's favorite places, a sanctuary filled with ancient tomes and hidden knowledge. As she entered, she found him engrossed in a large map spread across a mahogany table.

"Alexander, what is it?" Seraphina asked, approaching him.

He looked up, his expression grave. "I've been reviewing our intelligence reports. There are troubling signs. Increased movement along our borders, whispers of rebellion within the city. We must be prepared."

Seraphina leaned over the map, tracing the areas Alexander had marked. "Do we have any idea who is behind this?"

Alexander shook his head. "Not yet. But I have a contact who might help us. An old friend of our mother's, someone who has remained in the shadows but has eyes and ears everywhere."

"Who is this contact?" Seraphina asked, intrigued.

"Her name is Lady Evelyn," Alexander replied. "She lives in the outskirts of the city, under a false identity. I plan to visit her tonight."

Seraphina's eyes widened. "You can't go alone. It's too dangerous."

Alexander smiled faintly. "I wasn't planning to. I want you to come with me. It's time you saw more of our kingdom, and I trust you."

Seraphina felt a mixture of apprehension and excitement. "Alright. I'll go with you. What do we need to do to prepare?"

"Meet me at the stables at midnight," Alexander instructed. "We'll go in disguise. The fewer people who know about this, the better."

The rest of the day passed in a blur of preparations and palace duties. As night fell, Seraphina dressed in simple, dark clothing, her heart pounding with anticipation. She met Alexander at the stables, where two horses were saddled and ready.

"Are you ready?" Alexander asked, his voice low.

Seraphina nodded. "Let's go."

They rode out under the cover of darkness, the palace receding into the distance as they made their way through the winding streets of Valeria. The city was quiet, its inhabitants asleep, unaware of the clandestine mission underway.

The journey to Lady Evelyn's took them through narrow alleys and deserted marketplaces. Seraphina marveled at the city's hidden beauty, the way the moonlight cast a silvery glow on the cobblestones.

Finally, they arrived at a modest cottage on the outskirts. Alexander dismounted and knocked on the door, a specific pattern that seemed to hold a secret meaning. Moments later, the door creaked open, revealing a woman with striking silver hair and piercing blue eyes.

"Alexander, it's been too long," Lady Evelyn said, embracing him.

"It has, Evelyn," Alexander replied warmly. "This is my sister, Seraphina."