Chapter 16

The moon hung low in the night sky, casting a silvery glow over the kingdom. In the dimly lit corridors of the castle, whispers of secrets and shadows danced through the halls. I found myself  standing before Prince Rowan's bedroom door. I took a deep breath and pushed it open, the soft creak of the hinges echoing in the quiet.

I could not sleep and so I decided to see if he was awake. If he could somehow lessen my fears.

Prince Rowan, sat by the window, his eyes distant as he gazed at the stars. It was still a wonder seeing him walk, seeing him move around as I remembered how I used to carry him everywhere.

"Ariadne," Rowan greeted, his voice a warm rumble in the stillness. "What brings you here at this hour?"

I stepped closer, my eyes reflecting the concern I felt. "Your highness, I am worried about you. How long do you intend to keep the good news of your recovery a secret?" I asked gently.

Prince Rowan sighed, his fingers drumming on the wooden armrest of his chair. "Is that what kept you awake?"

I nodded my head.

"Yes. I don't understand why you want to hide it."

"I don't intend to hide it forever. The annual banquet is coming up in a few days. I plan to make my announcement then."

I remembered the annual banquet. Back when I used to work in the palace it was a big event. Now I wasn't sure I remembered what it was about again, but I knew it was very important.

"Why till then?"

I asked and he shrugged.

"You'll understand soon enough. Until that moment, we must prepare."

I nodded, it was a grand affair where nobles and dignitaries from across the realm gathered. Showing himself at a time like that would definitely be a surprise to many. "How do we get ready then?"

"I am sure we would need to get proper clothes for you. And many other things..."

A spark of mischief lit Prince Rowan's eyes. "Oh don't you worry about that Ariadne. I have a secret stash of money hidden in my former chambers. We can use it to acquire everything we need for my reappearance."

"I'm going to go and get it this night. This is around the time most of the guards in the castle relieve themselves for a few hours. And I've heard my former chambers is notorious for being unguarded. I have to go soon."

"Leave here?!?! I'll come with you."

I replied quickly.

Prince Rowan shook his head.

"No, you should stay here and wait for me."

"I think I'd be safer wherever you are your highness." I protested.

"Besides, your legs aren't strong enough yet. You're going to need me," I added, my worry evident.

Prince Rowan's expression softened. "Alright"

With a nod of agreement, Prince Rowan and I began our preparations. We dressed in black, our dark attire blending seamlessly with the shadows of the night. Silently, we navigated the labyrinthine corridors of the castle, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement.

As we approached the Crown Prince's chambers—now occupied by Rowan's stepbrother, Prince Lucian—the air grew heavy with tension. Rowan paused at the door, his hand resting on the cold metal handle.

"Are you ready?" he whispered.

I nodded, my resolve unwavering. "Let's do this."

With practiced stealth, we slipped into the chamber. The room was a stark contrast to Prince Rowan's present abode, it was five times larger than Prince Rowan's present chambers and it was filled with opulent furnishings and rich tapestries that reflected Lucian's lavish tastes. Prince Rowan moved with surprising agility, his determination fueling his every step. He led Ariadne to a hidden panel behind a bookcase, revealing a small compartment stuffed with gold coins and important documents.

"We need to hurry," Prince Rowan murmured as he gathered the items.

Just as he secured the stash, voices echoed from the hallway. Panic surged through me, But Prince Rowan quickly led me to a hiding place. Behind a large tapestry depicting a battle scene, we concealed themselves, their breaths shallow and quiet.

The door to the chamber swung open, and the familiar voices of Crown Prince Lucian and his mother, the king's royal  concubine, filled the room. Their conversation was heated, each word dripping with malice.

"You must understand, Mother," Lucian hissed. "If Rowan ever walks again, it will ruin everything we've worked for."

"Why are you so worried about him now? He hasn't been much of a problem for years now."

"My instincts tell me that something is wrong. First they give him a wife, then his steward goes missing."

"Patience, Lucian," his mother replied, her tone cold and calculating. "All this do not mean anything. Rowan will never return to the throne."

My heart pounded in my chest as I glanced at Rowan. His face was pale, his jaw clenched in silent fury. The reality of the our danger settled over them like a suffocating blanket.

"And what if he has an heir? Should his new bride give him a son? What will happen then?"
Lucian demanded, his frustration evident. "That will be the end for me. For us. Because whatever child that cripple has will be the new Crown Prince!"

A sinister smile curled on the concubine's lips. "So that's what you're worried about?! Rowan having an heir? That will never happen."

"Accidents happen, my son. Rowan and his lovely new wife can disappear as fast as we want them too with one word from me. A fall from a horse, a sudden illness. We will make it look natural. No one will suspect a thing."

Prince Rowan's fists tightened, and I placed a calming hand on his arm. We had to remain hidden, had to stay silent, or our plan would be doomed.

Lucian paced the room, his agitation palpable. "We need to act fast then. The banquet is in a few days."

"Leave it to me," his mother assured. "I will ensure Rowan and his wife Lady Isabelle do not live to see that banquet."

The weight of their words hung heavy in the air as Lucian and his mother finally left the chamber, their plotting voices fading into the distance. Prince Rowan and I waited several agonizing minutes before daring to move.

"We need to get out of here," I whispered urgently.

Prince Rowan nodded, his face a mask of determination. "We have what we came for. Let's go."

With renewed urgency, we retraced their steps through the darkened halls, every creak and whisper amplifying my fear. We made it back to Prince Rowan's chamber without incident, collapsing in relief once the door was securely shut behind them.

"We have to be more careful," Prince Rowan said, his voice tinged with a mixture of anger and resolve. "Lucian and his mother are more dangerous than I realized."

I nodded, my mind racing with the implications of what we had overheard. "After everything that has happened to you. They still won't let you be."

"How can your stepmother be so cruel?!"

Prince Rowan shook his head.

"She was never a mother to me. She always made it clear she never considered me her son. So I am not surprised."

I shook my head.

"Your stepbrother is already the Crown Prince. What else does he want? Why does he want to take your life?"

Prince Rowan shrugged.

"He wants to make sure that I would never have any other claim to the throne... even after all these years he's still insecure."

Prince Rowan chuckled.

"I had no idea I rattled them so much."

"Now that you know their plan. What will you do?!"

I asked him.

Prince Rowan's eyes met mine, a steely determination shining within them. "We prepare for the banquet. But first, we must be ready for whatever they throw at us."