Living Like a Mouse? How About a Lion?

The Queen's Threat

Sitting alone in my room, I couldn't stop replaying the conversation with the queen over and over in my head. Her threat had been clear as day, though laced with all the polite venom you'd expect from someone of her stature. But I wasn't stupid. The moment I turned my back, she'd have her daggers out, waiting for the right opportunity to drive them into mine.

Lovely. 

Just what I needed—a royal snake lurking in the shadows.

I glanced around the room, fingers tapping restlessly against the armrest of the chair. Sure, it was a grand room—too grand, really—but what good was it if I was going to be a target the second I stepped out of it?

No, I wasn't about to sit around and wait for her to make the first move.

She's coming for me? 

I'll get to her first.

Without wasting another second, I shot up from my seat. I knew exactly where I needed to go. There was only one person in this palace as dangerous as the queen, and lucky for me, he was on my side. Or, at the very least, he needed me as much as I needed him.

Grabbing my cloak, I dashed out of the room, ignoring the servants who looked like they wanted to ask where I was going. I didn't have time to explain—this was a matter of survival. If the queen was going to come after me, I had to make sure Callisto was ready to strike before she did.

It didn't take long to find his office. The guards outside the door gave me a curious look, probably wondering why I was marching in like I owned the place, but I didn't stop to explain. I shoved the door open and stormed in.

"OUT!"

That was all I said. And to my satisfaction, every one of his advisors, attendants, and whatever else scurried around in there scattered like mice. They didn't need a second warning.

The door clicked shut behind the last of them, leaving just me and Callisto in the room. He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.

"Well," he drawled, leaning back in his chair, "you're in quite the mood today."

Oh, you have no idea.

I didn't waste time with pleasantries. "We need to talk."

Callisto didn't move, still lounging in his chair like he owned the world. Maybe he did, in a way. "About?"

"The queen," I spat. "She threatened me."

That got his attention. He sat up straighter, his expression darkening. "What did she say?"

I could still hear her cold, smug voice in my head. "She told me not to make an enemy of her. But let's be honest—she already sees me as one. We both know she's going to come after me."

Callisto didn't say anything right away, but I could see the wheels turning in his head. He wasn't the type to be easily rattled, but he also wasn't stupid. He knew exactly what kind of game the queen was playing.

"She's always been like that," he finally said, his voice quieter now. "She sees anyone who threatens her hold on power as an enemy. And you, my dear Penelope, are now very much in her sights."

Gee, thanks for the reminder.

"So what are we going to do about it?" I demanded, pacing in front of his desk like a caged animal. "Because I'm not about to sit around waiting for her to make a move."

Callisto watched me for a moment, then stood, walking around the desk to stand in front of me. His presence was commanding, as always, but I wasn't in the mood to be intimidated.

"We," he said slowly, "are going to make sure she doesn't get the chance to act. But first, we need to assess the situation. She won't go for you directly—not yet, anyway."

Oh, great. 

So she's just going to play mind games until I crack?

"She'll probably try to undermine you," he continued, his gaze sharp. "Spread rumors, plant seeds of doubt among the nobles. Turn them against you before you even realize what's happening."

"Let her try," I snapped, folding my arms. "I don't care what they think of me. But if she thinks I'm going to let her walk all over me, she's dead wrong."

Callisto smirked, clearly enjoying my fire. "That's what I like to hear.  If we act rashly, she'll use it against us."

"So what's your plan?" I asked, narrowing my eyes.

He didn't answer right away, instead walking back to his desk and opening one of the drawers. He pulled out a small map of the palace grounds, spreading it out on the desk.

"We need to secure our position," he said, tapping the map. "Make sure we have eyes and ears everywhere. If she's going to make a move, we'll know about it before it happens."

Spies, of course. 

How very royal.

"And what do I do in the meantime?" I asked, leaning over the map. "Just sit pretty and wait for your people to bring back information?"

"No," Callisto said, looking up at me with that dangerous gleam in his eyes. "You're going to keep doing exactly what you're doing."

I frowned. "And what exactly am I doing?"

"Being unpredictable," he replied with a smirk. "That's your greatest weapon. The queen doesn't know what to expect from you, and that terrifies her. So keep her guessing."

Oh, I can definitely do that.

"Fine," I said, straightening up. "But I'm not waiting for her to make the first move."

Callisto's smirk widened. "I wouldn't expect you to."

I turned to leave, but paused at the door, glancing back at him. "And Callisto?"

"Yes?"

"If this goes south, I'm holding you personally responsible."

He chuckled, clearly amused. "Noted."

With that, I left his office, my mind racing. The queen thought she could intimidate me? She had no idea who she was dealing with.