Where is she?

The palace corridors echoed with hushed whispers, like the rustling of leaves before a storm. Priya, fueled by suspicion and a growing sense of unrest, confronted Bella in a dimly lit hallway. Accusatory eyes met hesitant ones.

Priya, her eyes narrowed into slits, pointed an accusatory finger at Bella. "You can't fool me, Bella. I know you're the mastermind behind Mulan escape. Admit it!"

Bella, taken aback by the sudden accusation, stammered in disbelief, "What? No! Why would I help her escape? What do I gain from that?"

Priya, relentless in her pursuit of the truth, stepped closer, her voice dripping with suspicion. "I've seen you talking to her, whispering in corners. You're up to something, and I won't let you harm the order of this palace."

Bella, defensive and frustrated, retorted, "I talk to many people, Priya. It doesn't mean I'm plotting an escape. Your paranoia is clouding your judgment."

Priya's face reddened with anger, and she took an aggressive step forward. "Don't play innocent with me, Bella. I've had enough of your deceit. Admit your involvement, and maybe the consequences won't be as severe."

Bella, maintaining her composure, shot back, "I don't need to admit to something I haven't done. Mulan's choices are her own. If you're so concerned, investigate properly."

The exchange grew heated, the words they hurled at each other becoming sharp daggers in the strained atmosphere. Tensions peaked, and suddenly, the verbal sparring escalated into a physical clash.

Priya, overcome by suspicion and anger, shoved Bella, and chaos ensued. The echo of their scuffle reached the ears of palace guards, who rushed to intervene. They pulled the feuding women apart, each shooting daggers at the other, their expressions a mix of anger and defiance.

Guard 1, sternly addressing them, "What's going on here? This behavior is unacceptable."

Priya, still seething, pointed at Bella. "She's colluding with Mulan to disrupt the palace order. I won't stand for it."

Bella, defending herself, insisted, "I'm not colluding with anyone. Priya's accusations are baseless."

Guard 2, assessing the situation, spoke with authority, "This will be reported to the palace authorities. Until then, both of you, cease this hostility."

Saying that the guards left.

The exchange grew heated, the words they hurled at each other becoming sharp daggers in the strained atmosphere. Tensions peaked, and suddenly, the verbal sparring escalated into a physical clash. Priya, overcome by suspicion and anger, shoved Bella, and chaos ensued.

Palace guards, alerted by the continuous commotion, rushed to intervene. They pulled the women apart, each shooting daggers at the other, their expressions a mix of anger and defiance.

The guards escorted Priya and Bella separately, leaving the dimly lit hallway in a state of tense quiet. As they were led away, the palace whispers intensified, fueled by the rumors of the confrontation. The news of the clash reached the ears of the palace authorities, prompting an urgent meeting to address the escalating tensions.

In a chamber adorned with opulent tapestries and flickering candlelight, the palace authorities gathered. High-ranking officials exchanged concerned glances as they prepared to interrogate Priya and Bella.

Magistrate Roderick, a figure of stern authority, addressed the accused. "We have heard disturbing reports of a confrontation between Priya and Bella. Each of you will have the opportunity to present your case."

Priya, determined to expose what she believed to be a conspiracy, spoke first. "Your Excellency, Bella is involved in a plot with Mulan to disrupt the harmony of the palace. I caught them whispering in secret, and I am certain Bella is the mastermind."

Bella, standing tall and composed, countered, "Your Excellency, I am innocent of these accusations. Priya is letting baseless suspicions cloud her judgment. I have no reason to plot against the palace."

Magistrate Roderick, a seasoned adjudicator, listened intently to both sides. "This is a serious matter. We will conduct a thorough investigation. Until then, Priya and Bella, you are to refrain from any further conflicts. Dismissed."

As Priya and Bella left the chamber, their eyes locked in mutual defiance, the palace was left in suspense. The outcome of the investigation would not only determine their fate but also cast a shadow over the already tumultuous atmosphere within the palace walls.

The news of the clash between Priya and Bella quickly made its way to the ears of Nunew, the master of the palace. The palace servants, always keen observers of the unfolding drama, couldn't resist sharing the tale of the confrontation that had disrupted the usual peacefulness.

One of the servants, a discreet figure with a flair for gossip, approached Nunew with a bow. "Your Excellency, there has been a disturbance between Priya and Bella. A heated confrontation, they say."

Nunew, seated on his ornate throne, raised an eyebrow. "Disturbance? Explain."

The servant, eager to relay the details, began, "Priya accused Bella of colluding with Mulan to disrupt the palace order. The guards had to intervene to quell the altercation."

Nunew, his expression darkening, leaned forward. "Is this true? Bella, colluding with Mulan? Bring them to me. I'll get to the bottom of this."

The servant hurriedly complied, fetching Priya and Bella to stand before Nunew. The tension in the air was palpable as the accused awaited the judgment of their master.

Nunew, his gaze stern and unwavering, addressed them, "Explain yourselves. What is the meaning of this confrontation? Priya, why do you accuse Bella of collusion?"

Priya, resolute in her conviction, spoke with urgency, "Your Excellency, I witnessed Bella talking to Mulan in secret. I believe they are plotting against the palace. I couldn't let such treason go unnoticed."

Bella, maintaining her composure, retorted, "Your Excellency, I am innocent. Priya's suspicions are unfounded. I have no reason to plot against the palace."

Nunew, contemplating the conflicting accounts, commanded, "I will not tolerate fight within my palace. A thorough investigation will be conducted. In the meantime, both of you must stop your endless and meaningless fighting. Guards, ensure they follow my orders."

As Priya and Bella were escorted away, Nunew brooded on the potential threat to his authority.
Few minutes after the women were taken away, the door was pushed open and Steve entered.
Now, Steve has some romantic feelings for Bella.

Steve, his presence commanding attention, entered the room with a concerned furrow on his brow. The murmurs of palace intrigue had reached even his ears, and he couldn't ignore the disturbance within the usually quiet halls.

Nunew, acknowledging Steve's arrival, inquired, "What brings you here, Steve? Have you heard about the fight between the two ladies?”

Steve, choosing his words carefully, replied, "yes, Nunew, I overheard about the clash between Priya and Bella. I felt it necessary to offer my assistance and insights."

Nunew, intrigued by Steve's earnestness, gestured for him to continue. "Speak, Steve. What insights do you have?"

Steve, his gaze momentarily meeting Bella's, spoke with a subtle urgency, "I think, there might be more to this than meets the eye. I have observed a growing tension, and it extends beyond mere accusations. Emotions are running high, and if left unchecked, it could lead to further fight within the palace."

Nunew, sensing the gravity of Steve's words, nodded thoughtfully. "Continue, Steve. What do you propose?"

Steve, hesitating for a moment, chose his words with care. "Well, Nunew, considering my position in the palace affairs, I request your permission to investigate discreetly. If the servants keep fighting among them, it could jeopardize the stability of the palace, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to maintain order."

Nunew, appreciating Steve's loyalty and dedication, granted his request. "Very well, Steve. Investigate the matter discreetly, but report directly to me. I want to know the truth behind this unrest."

Steve, acknowledging the responsibility bestowed upon him, bowed respectfully. "Thank you, Your Excellency. I will do my best to uncover the truth and ensure the peace of the palace is preserved."

As Steve left the room, the air was thick with tension and uncertainty.