Behind the Royal Mask

Lover's Quarrel

Beatrice moved quickly through the grand corridors of the castle, her mind racing, still reeling from the news about Lord Percival's death. She didn't stop until she reached her chambers, where she found Elara tidying up.

"Where is Prince Caelon?" Beatrice asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

Elara looked up, eyebrows raised. "He went out earlier this afternoon for some fresh air."

Beatrice's thoughts shifting immediately. "And Alaric? Where might he be?"

"He's likely in his office," Elara replied, watching her with curious eyes. "You seem troubled, my lady."

But Beatrice was already turning, her mind fixed on reaching Alaric as quickly as possible. She strode down the hallway, nearly colliding with a guard stationed outside the office doors. The guard glanced at her with mild surprise before ducking inside, and after a short exchange, he nodded and opened the door, allowing her entry.

Inside, the air was tense, weighted with unspoken thoughts. Alaric was pacing near the fireplace, his brows drawn together in a look of deep worry. Cedric sat in a nearby armchair, his usual lighthearted expression replaced by a somber loo.

At the sight of her, Alaric exhaled, his shoulders relaxing slightly. "You're safe," he said, his voice carrying a mix of relief and tension.

Beatrice closed the door behind her, stepping forward. "I heard about Lord Percival's... demise. A fall from a window? It seems too coincidental." Her gaze shifted between Alaric and Cedric, her expression hard.

Alaric nodded, his face darkening. "Yes. We just received the report an hour ago. The details are unclear, but it seems suspicious."

"My lady," Cedric said. "You were investigating Lord Percival, weren't you?"

Beatrice's gaze flicked to Cedric, catching the concern in his eyes. "Yes," she replied, her voice steady but troubled. "He confessed that Caelon is planning to take over the throne." She paused, searching Alaric's face.

"There was supposed to be a secret meeting of nobles who side with Caelon tomorrow. Derin and I were to go into the meeting with Percival to know more but he..."

"I have a feeling that Caelon got to him," Cedric said quietly. 

"But how could he have known that we were looking into Percival?" Alaric pressed. 

Beatrice swallowed, her thoughts lingering on the fact that one of the members of Vigil could have been the spy.

"Alaric, me, Beatrice and Derin were the only ones who knew about this," Cedric frowned. 

"When you conversed with Percival, was there anyone around?" Alaric asked Beatrice.

She shook her head. "Just me and Derin. But we can't rule out the possibility of someone eavesdropping on us?"

"Right," Cedric nodded. "No doubt Caelon would have planted some of his men in Percival's household to keep an eye on him."

Alaric's jaw tightened, his gaze fixed on the ground as he absorbed the information. "This means we need to be even more cautious. Caelon's reach is longer than we thought."

Beatrice met his eyes. "And if he's willing to take out his own allies at the slightest sign of disloyalty, he'll stop at nothing to secure the throne. We can't underestimate him."

"It's so messed up," Cedric said, slumping against his armchair. "Your cousin has his own kingdom to run. Why does he want to overthrow you? Wouldn't it raise suspicions among other two kingdoms?"

"Unless they are in this with Caelon," Alaric said quietly. It was burdening to know that everyone out there was trying to take over his kingdom. By any means.