**WARNING!** Heavy use of language and violence is present. Some scenes may not be suitable for younger readers.
This book, "Regal Rift," is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidenta...
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Rhys arrived at the hidden passage connecting the outskirts of the castle to the outside world.
The passage is dimly lit by scattered torches, with stone walls covered in moss and vines, creating an eerie, secluded atmosphere.
Rhys made his way through the winding passage that he and Prince Lyxander often traversed during their secret journeys outside the castle.
The dim light of scattered torches cast long shadows on the stone walls, covered in moss and vines.
The familiar path felt different tonight, more sinister, as if it were conspiring with him.
He reached a secluded alcove where the passage widened slightly, forming a small, hidden chamber.
This was the agreed-upon meeting place, far enough from the main castle to avoid detection, yet close enough to remain within reach.
Rhys stood in the center, his ears straining for any sound in the oppressive silence.
Moments later, the soft shuffling of feet echoed through the passage. Cloaked figures emerged from the darkness, their hoods pulled low over their faces.
They moved with the quiet stealth of those accustomed to secrecy.
One by one, they approached Rhys, forming a semicircle around him.
"Lord Rhys," the first conspirator greeted, bowing his head respectfully.
Rhys acknowledged the greeting with a curt nod, his eyes cold and calculating.
"Report," he commanded, his voice barely above a whisper, yet filled with authority.
The second conspirator stepped forward, pulling a small, sealed envelope from within his cloak.
"Instructions from our benefactor," he said, handing the envelope to Rhys.
"They detail our next steps for the celebration."
Rhys took the envelope, breaking the seal with a quick motion.
As his eyes scanned the contents, his expression remained impassive, though a flicker of satisfaction passed through his eyes.
He quickly folded the paper and burned it with the flame of a nearby torch, ensuring no trace remained.
"We proceed as planned," Rhys stated, his voice steady and unwavering.
"Ensure all operatives are in place. There can be no mistakes."
The first conspirator nodded, his face set in grim determination.
"And the prince? Does he suspect anything?"
Rhys allowed a cold smile to play on his lips, devoid of any warmth.
"No. He trusts me implicitly. It's almost too easy."
The conspirators exchanged glances, their respect for Rhys's cunning evident in their eyes.
As they prepared to leave, Rhys held up a hand, stopping them.
"Remember," he said, his voice low and intense, "The future of this kingdom rests on our success."
The second conspirator paused, meeting Rhys's gaze with a mixture of determination and respect.
"Understood, Lord Rhys. We will be ready."
With that, the conspirators slipped back into the shadows, disappearing as silently as they had arrived.
Rhys watched them go, the flickering torchlight casting eerie shadows that danced on the stone walls.
Left alone, Rhys moved deeper into the passage, stopping at a spot where he and Lyxander often paused during their secret excursions.
He leaned against the cold stone, the familiar setting a stark contrast to his dark thoughts.
The prince's anticipation for the celebration replayed in his mind, a cruel irony that fueled his resolve.
He pulled the sword from his cloak. It was a gift from King Eirian, a token of misplaced trust. He examined its gleaming blade under the faint light of the chamber.
It symbolized the king's faith in him, a faith he would soon betray.
The weight of the sword felt both empowering and burdensome in his hand.
He placed the sword back into his cloak, extinguished the nearest torch, and let the darkness envelop him.
In the silence, he whispered to himself,
"Soon, everything will change."
With one last look at the familiar passage, Rhys turned and walked away, his footsteps echoing softly, blending into the shadows that cloaked his every move.
As Rhys stood alone in Prince Lyxander's chamber, his mind focused on the task ahead, he couldn't help but reflect on the subtleties of his newfound role.
No one had noticed his absence as Prince Lyxander made his way to Master Ellias's study chamber, a fact that both pleased and unnerved him.
It was a testament to his skill and discretion, yet it also served as a reminder of the delicate balance he would need to maintain in the days to come.
As the prince's trusted guard, Rhys had to ensure that his movements went unnoticed, even as he pursued his own agenda in the shadows.
With a sense of quiet satisfaction, Rhys tucked away the realization that his absence had gone unnoticed.
It was a small victory, but one that bolstered his confidence as he prepared to set his plans into motion.
Alone in Prince Lyxander's chamber, Rhys took a moment to collect his thoughts. He entered the prince room as he waited for his arrival.
Rhys moved to the center of the chamber, his footsteps echoing softly in the quiet space.
He glanced around the room, taking in the familiar surroundings with a sense of detached calm.
As he stood by the window, gazing out at the moonlit courtyard below, Rhys's mind raced with thoughts of the upcoming celebration.
Lost in thought, Rhys was surprised by the sound of approaching footsteps.
"Rhys," Prince Lyxander called out, his voice breaking the silence.
Turning to face him, Rhys met the prince's gaze, awaiting his command.
"Rhys, I have an order for you" Prince Lyxander began with a smile,
"You are one of the few people I trust that's why I want you to be by my side when my father presents me with the Eldorian sword. Your presence would mean a great deal to me."
Rhys's expression remained composed, hiding any hint of surprise or emotion.
"Of course, Your Highness," he replied with a nod, his voice steady despite the rush of satisfaction he felt at the prince's trust.
" I will let you take a rest now, Your Highness."
As Rhys leaves Prince Lyxander alone, he allowed himself a small, knowing smile.
The prince's words only reinforced his position and fueled his determination to carry out his plans.
Alone once more, Rhys resumed his preparations, his mind already racing with strategies and contingencies for the upcoming celebration.
With the prince's trust secured, Rhys knew he held the key to unlock the kingdom's future and shape it to his own design.
This moment of solitude was exactly what he needed to finalize his plans. A perfect opportunity to set his own schemes in motion.
