I leaned in closer, curiosity fully piqued. “Alright, what’s the plan, genius?”
Surya’s grin didn’t falter. “Simple. We slip in through the servants' corridor, keep low, and make sure we’re not seen. I’ve heard the generals and ministers are supposed to discuss some important matters involving the kingdom’s borders and… other secrets.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Other secrets?” The prospect of getting even a hint of palace intrigue, something beyond washing uniforms and dodging punishment, was just too good to pass up.
“Yep,” he replied, his eyes gleaming with the thrill of breaking yet another rule. “And maybe if we’re lucky, we’ll catch a glimpse of a few faces who have a habit of staying in the shadows.”
“Sounds like you’ve thought this through.” I bit back a grin, already feeling the excitement growing. “So, what time?”
“Just after the evening meal,” he whispered. “The guards will be a little more relaxed, and most of the nobles will be busy in the main hall.”
I nodded, the plan forming in my head as Surya explained the details. “Fine,” I agreed. “But if we get caught—”
“We won’t,” he interrupted, his confidence solid. “As long as you stick close to me and keep quiet.”
“Stick close to you?” I scoffed, nudging him with my elbow. “Just remember who stole that roll right out from under that man’s nose, thank you very much.”
He laughed, the sound soft but genuine. “True. I guess tonight, we’ll see who the better thief is.”
Oh boy, Who was gonna tell him?!
Not me. (Winks.)
-
When night fell, I found Surya waiting for me near the kitchens, his expression serious but his eyes glinting with excitement. We didn’t say much as we moved through the dimly lit halls, our footsteps soft, breaths steady. The palace felt almost eerie at night—grand yet empty, with shadows stretching long across the floor.
Finally, we reached the narrow servants' corridor. Surya pressed a finger to his lips, signaling me to stay quiet. I nodded, feeling my own pulse quicken as he eased open the door to the northern wing.
Inside, voices drifted from a room down the hall, low and serious. Surya tilted his head, gesturing for us to stay close to the wall as we crept forward.
The voices grew louder. I could make out a few words here and there—something about defenses, border threats, and… the queen.
I exchanged a quick, wide-eyed look with Surya.
One of the voices spoke up, firm and familiar—it was the General. “The situation is delicate. If this prophecy spreads among the people, their loyalty could waver. They need to see their queen as invincible, untouchable.”
Another voice replied, one I didn’t recognize. “And if the prophecy is true? If she is in danger—”
“Then we act as required to protect the kingdom,” the General interrupted. His voice held no hesitation, only cold resolve.
I felt a chill run down my spine. The prophecy… the queen’s life at stake. It was all real. And whatever these men were planning, it wasn’t for her to know—or for us to know, for that matter.
Surya’s hand brushed against mine, a silent reminder that we were on dangerous ground. But I couldn’t look away, my ears straining to catch every word.
Just then, the General’s voice rose again, sharp and commanding. “No one beyond these walls should ever learn of this. If anyone does—”
A sudden loud crash from behind us made my blood freeze.
YOU ARE READING
HOOR
Historical FictionGayatri is a skilled thief whose only goal is to become the richest person in the world. She sets her sights on stealing a famous Indian painting worth 100 million dollars. When she finally gets her hands on the painting, she is unexpectedly transp...
