First message
Rain lashed the infirmary windows long past midnight when the youngest prince slipped inside, smiling like he had come for tea
Hunting accident Aeric announced, dropping onto a cot. Blood soaked through his sleeve
She did not laugh. She rarely did around him.
The healer cut the fabric away, revealing a clean, deep wound. No boar had done this. Only a blade.
Aeric watched her hands work, steady and unhurried, and felt the strange quiet she always brought. Lies came easily to him. With her, they tasted wrong.
Across the castle, Ambrose slept, unaware his spymaster had nearly died tonight. Orion paced the walls, already suspecting
You're staring, Your Highness she murmured, threading the needle
You're the only one in this castle who doesn't flinch when I smile He winced as the needle bit I find it fascinating
Thunder rolled. Somewhere below, a guard found a body
She tied off the last stitch and met his eyes, and Aeric realized he wanted to tell her the truth