Evelyne remained in the stables long after Rylen disappeared, her thoughts tangled in knots she couldn't undo. His words echoed in her mind—war is coming... you won't be standing at Kieran's side—you'll be standing in his way.

What did he mean?

She had spent her entire life being groomed for this role—her engagement to Kieran was supposed to secure peace, not end in war. Yet Rylen's warning unsettled her in a way she couldn't ignore.

A sudden gust of wind rustled the leaves outside, snapping her back to the present. She couldn't afford to linger. If anyone found her sneaking out of her chambers at this hour, there would be questions—ones she wasn't ready to answer.

With a deep breath, she steadied herself and turned back toward the castle.

—

By the time Evelyne slipped through the hidden servant's corridor and returned to her chambers, the palace was silent. Moonlight filtered through the arched windows, casting silver streaks across the stone floor.

She pressed her back against the door, exhaling sharply.

She needed more information.

Rylen Ashford was a name spoken in fear and disdain within the palace walls. Kieran himself had called him a traitor. But if he was truly an enemy, why had he risked coming here to warn her?

And why did she believe him?

Evelyne moved to her desk and lit a candle, watching as the flame flickered to life. Her fingers traced the edges of an old map of Velmora and its neighboring kingdoms. She studied the northern border—the same place Mira had mentioned earlier.

If Rylen had been spotted there, then something was happening beyond the walls of her father's kingdom. And she needed to know what.

A knock at the door startled her. She quickly blew out the candle, her pulse spiking.

"Your Highness?"

Mira.

Evelyne sighed in relief before crossing the room to unlock the door. Mira slipped inside, closing it swiftly behind her.

"I saw you weren't in your chambers," Mira whispered. "Where did you go?"

Evelyne hesitated, considering how much to reveal. "The stables."

Mira's eyes widened. "You—" She lowered her voice further. "You saw him, didn't you?"

Evelyne didn't answer, but the look in her eyes was enough.

Mira exhaled, her expression shifting to worry. "If Prince Kieran finds out—"

"I know," Evelyne cut in. "But I need to understand what's really happening, Mira. Something isn't right."

Mira bit her lip, clearly torn. "Did he tell you anything?"

Evelyne hesitated before nodding. "He said I was in danger. That Kieran isn't who we think he is."

Mira frowned, then stepped closer, lowering her voice even more. "I wasn't sure if I should say anything, but... I overheard something today."

Evelyne's stomach tightened. "What?"

Mira cast a glance at the door before speaking. "Two of Kieran's men were talking near the kitchens. They mentioned something about Valdora's army... about them moving sooner than expected."

Evelyne's breath caught. "That doesn't make sense. The treaty isn't even finalized yet."

Mira nodded. "Exactly. But they were speaking as if an attack was already planned."

A cold sensation crept down Evelyne's spine. War is coming.

Had Rylen been telling the truth all along?

Evelyne clenched her fists, her mind racing. If Valdora was preparing for war, then Kieran had been lying to her this entire time.

Which meant she had a choice to make.

She could continue playing the role expected of her—obedient princess, dutiful bride.

Or she could find Rylen Ashford again.

And learn the truth for herself.