*****

Iris stared at the corner, her thoughts drifting. She mumbled to herself, "Oh, I remember meeting Kyrell and Magnus there... I need to find a way to avoid them."

As Iris rounded the corner, expected hands seized her shoulders, wrenching her backward and pressing her against the cold stone wall. Her gaze, sharp and unamused, darted between the two men before her-Kyrell and Magnus, the very men who had played a significant role in turning her life upside down.

Magnus's eyes, those piercing blue eyes, held a unique intensity that sent shivers down Iris's spine, a sensation she despised.

"Bella?" Magnus's lips curved into a smile, but the warmth in his expression vanished the moment his eyes met hers. His voice cracked with disbelief, his grip on her shoulders tightening as he stared at her, his features contorted with shock and confusion. "Why are you here?!"

"What's it to you?" Iris tried to wrench her arm free, but his grip only tightened on her shoulders.

He leaned closer, his eyes warm yet intense. "You remember me, don't you?"

Iris averted her gaze, her voice icy. "So what if I do?"

Magnus's jaw clenched, though he forced a strained smile. "Iris... I can't believe you're here. How did you-" He paused, the realization dawning on him. His tone shifted, growing both sorrowful and accusatory as his grip tightened. "You married Lucious? My half-brother?!"

Iris remained silent, enduring the weight of Magnus's discontented stare. Nearby, Kyrell observed the exchange with a smirk. "Easy now, Magnus," he interjected smoothly. "Let us not forget our manners. Allow me to introduce myself. I am Kyrell, the sovereign of Nightshade and brother to Queen Isabella."

Iris nodded, irritation flickering in her eyes, her only desire to escape their presence. Kyrell moved closer, and Iris's eyes widened, sensing his intentions. Just as Kyrell's hands reached for her waist, she jerked away from Magnus's grip, staring at both men in shock. Terror and frustration coursed through her; their strength rendered her powerless, a petite woman at their mercy. She loathed it.

Kyrell's chuckle filled the air, a mockery of her swift reaction. Iris scowled but forced herself to remain composed. 'I mustn't anger him,' she thought. 'I need to befriend him, play along. If I fail now, I might not get another chance.'

"I... I should leave," Iris mumbled, her voice barely audible as she turned away, not daring to look back.

Kyrell and Magnus watched her retreat. Magnus's face was a mix of sadness and anger, while Kyrell's remained a mask of indifference.

"You're interested in her... Is it her? The woman you have been searching for endlessly?" Kyrell's gaze bore into Magnus, curiosity laced with a hint of amusement.

Magnus nodded, his fists clenched tightly at his sides, his very breath simmering with anger.

Iris retreated to her room, her steps heavy with the weight of the day's events. She settled on the edge of her bed, letting out a heavy sigh. "At least I escaped being touched by him. I can't even bear the thought of it, let alone becoming his plaything," she murmured to herself.

Catching her reflection in the mirror, she stared intently. "What are you doing, Iris? How can you protect your people? Rosetta needs you!" Frustration overwhelmed her, and she clutched her head in despair.

In the corrider, Magnus shook his head, his voice a whisper of sorrow. "Who could have foreseen such a turn of events? Iris, married to my brother?!"

A smile played on Kyrell's lips as he patted Magnus on the shoulder. "Well then, have her divorce him. She'll be yours. Or do what I usually do and be done with it."

Magnus turned to him, wide-eyed in shock, his thoughts racing.

In the dead of night, Iris stirred in her sleep, beads of sweat clinging to her forehead.

In the dream, she ran desperately, knights in heavy armor pursuing her, their arrows whistling through the air.

With a gasp, Iris awoke, her hands trembling. She reached for the nearby candle and struck a flint, igniting its wick. The flickering flame cast a dance of shadows across the room. To shake off the lingering fear, she rose from her bed and, holding the candle aloft, quietly left her chamber.

Stepping into the cool night air, Iris found herself in the courtyard. The darkness wrapped around her like a cloak, the only light coming from the faint glow of the moon. In the distance, the familiar silhouette of the metal swing stood out, illuminated softly by the moonlight.

As Iris approached the swing, she noticed a group of children huddled together, their animated chatter filling the crisp night air. The moment they saw her, their voices fell silent, and curious gazes turned her way.

With a gentle smile, Iris continued toward them, the soft glow of a nearby lantern casting a warm light upon her features. The children's wide eyes reflected the flickering light, their earlier conversation forgotten as they exchanged glances, hesitant smiles slowly spreading across their faces.

"Am I interrupting? I can leave if you want," Iris said, her gaze drifting over the children. Her eyes sparkled with recognition as she identified familiar faces, memories of their names.

The children beamed, their enthusiasm evident as they shifted to make room for her on the swing. Taking a seat, Iris settled in, the creaking wood and the scent of damp earth grounding her in the moment. She looked at the children with a playful glint in her eye and asked, "Is this discussion centered around me?"

In unison, the children nodded, their excitement palpable. Intrigued, Iris leaned in slightly, her curiosity piqued. "What's going on?" she asked, her voice a soft murmur in the night.

Felix answered, "We've scoured every nook and cranny, but the letters remain elusive. It's likely someone else has them. Our next move is to covertly retrieve them."

Iris mulled over the plan for a moment before nodding in agreement. "So, who's the first target?"

"It's Mia's aunt," Milo replied, his voice low and determined, barely more than a whisper.

Iris glanced at him, a faint smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "If you get caught, just blame it on me, okay?"

They shook their heads in unison, their loyalty unwavering. This unexpected solidarity made Iris chuckle softly. She drew her legs closer to her chest, the fabric of her simple muslin dress rustling softly, and gazed up at the darkened sky, lost in her thoughts. The children observed the shift in her expression, sensing a hint of sadness that lingered beneath her smile. Olive, unable to contain her curiosity, spoke up.

"What is on your mind?" she asked, her voice gentle and concerned.

"A person," Iris replied, her gaze still fixed on the heavens above. Then, she shifted her attention down to Olive and offered a reassuring smile.

"Who is this special person?" Felix asked, his curiosity piqued as he leaned in closer.

Before Iris could respond, Felix continued, his words tumbling out in a rush of anticipation. "Wait, forget that. The real question is, why is this person occupying your thoughts?"

"Special person?" she repeated, her mind drifting back to distant memories. She shook her head, emotions swirling within her like autumn leaves caught in a gust of wind.

"Not special anymore," she murmured, a heavy sigh escaping her lips as she closed her eyes.

The children watched her intently, their eyelids growing heavy with drowsiness.

As time passed, they fell asleep in each other's laps, their soft breaths mingling in the quiet room. Iris stared at the moon, its silver light casting a gentle glow over their slumbering forms. "Fleeting," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

After the maids escorted their children back to the servants' quarters, Iris made her way to the royal kitchen. Her stomach growled with hunger, and as she entered, she took in the empty space. Not a single maid was in sight. She scanned the room for food, but the pots were all bare. Her eyes finally settled on a basket of vegetables and fruits. Lacking the energy to prepare a meal, she grabbed an apple. The crisp crunch of her first bite echoed in the silent kitchen as she moved toward the dining table.

Sighing with satisfaction as she chewed, she sank into a chair, taking another hearty bite.

The sudden sound of footsteps startled her, sending a chill down her spine. Unwelcome memories surged back-those times she had crept into the kitchen to fend off hunger, always fearful of being caught by the vigilant maids.

"It's not time for that yet. The queen is unaware of my feelings for His Majesty, so the maids won't pester me. I must stay composed," she reminded herself, inhaling deeply to regain her composure. With a sense of urgency, she took another bite of her apple, the crispness filling her mouth as she struggled to chew quickly. She rose to leave, but a tall figure entering the room halted her in her tracks.

Magnus stood before her, his intense gaze locking onto hers. His eyes lingered on her full cheeks, and Iris felt a wave of unease wash over her. She tried to chew faster, swallowing hastily as she attempted to brush past him. Yet, before she could move any further, his hand suddenly seized hers.

Her eyes widened in shock.

Magnus, his grip firm yet unexpectedly gentle, held her hand as he closed the distance between them. The space narrowed until only an inch separated their bodies. Iris's breath caught in her throat, panic surging within her as she instinctively retreated, her back pressing against the unyielding surface of the wall.

Her heart raced within her chest, a rapid drumbeat echoing the tumult of her emotions as Magnus deftly captured her other hand, effectively pinning them both against the cool expanse of the stone wall. The sensation of being trapped sent a shiver down her spine, her pulse quickening with a mix of apprehension and uncertainty.

Leaning in near her ear, Magnus parted his lips to speak, but before he could utter a word, Iris's eyes widened in alarm. "You-you! Don't!" she snapped, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and defiance.

Magnus, taken aback by her sudden outburst, released her hands. She pushed him away with a surge of anger and stormed down the corridor.

As she neared her chamber, the heavy door loomed ahead. Her mind buzzed with questions, each one adding to the whirlwind of thoughts. 'Since I came back in time, and Isabella hasn't even discovered my feelings for Lucious yet. It's too soon for Magnus to take action.'

She stumbled, thoughts overwhelming her, and regained her balance by pressing a hand against the cold wall. Her breath came in quick, shallow gasps as she closed her eyes, seeking to calm the storm of her emotions.

Entering the room, she sat on the bed, her gaze alighted upon the intricately carved wardrobe. With a graceful motion, she rose from her seat and approached it, the rich wood warm beneath her fingertips as she swung open its ornate doors. Within its depths, carefully nestled among the sumptuous array of garments, lay two books, hidden away with purpose.

A gift from her beloved brother, caught her eye first, its significance weighing heavily upon her heart. But it was the second book that drew her attention next-a diary, its pages filled with the whispered dreams and secret desires.

She reached for the diary, closing the wardrobe with a soft, reverent touch before securing the door and drawing the lush velvet curtains closed. Alone in the cocoon of her royal chambers, she sank onto the bed, the plush cushions enveloping her in an embrace.

Closing her eyes, she inhaled deeply, savoring the scent of parchment and delicate perfume that lingered in the air.

With a steady hand, she opened the diary..

On that seemingly ordinary night, the palace's tranquility was shattered by a gruesome, unexpected event. The moon, with its crimson glow, cast a haunting light over the world below, transforming the usual hum of activity into an eerie stillness.

Inside the palace, guards patrolled with unwavering vigilance, their keen eyes darting to every shadowed corner. The Seven Star Knights, renowned for their prowess, stood resolutely outside the chamber, their presence an imposing barrier against any would-be intruders.

Beneath the blood-red sky, trees swayed ominously in the heavy wind, their branches creaking under the weight of the impending storm. Petals were torn from delicate blooms, scattering like ruby raindrops upon the cobblestone paths, adding an unsettling beauty to the night.

Amidst the unsettling atmosphere of the dimly lit palace, a maid emerged from the kitchen, her simple gown rustling softly as she carried a basket of fruits. The patrolling guards, clad in worn leather armor, halted her progress, their suspicion clear in their narrowed eyes. They scrutinized her and her basket, each fruit examined meticulously under the lantern before they reluctantly allowed her to continue toward the concubines' quarters.

Once the guards resumed their patrols, the palace descended into an eerie silence, broken only by the soft rustle of leaves outside and the distant, mournful howl of the wind. Unbeknownst to the slumbering inhabitants, a pair of eyes blinked open in the darkness, heralding the beginning of a nightmarish ordeal that would shatter the palace's peace forever.

These were eyes that could strike fear into even the most haunting of spirits. With a graceful movement, the tall figure rose from the bed, her slender fingers deftly lighting a candle with a pale hand. These hands, though delicate in appearance, had wielded power over countless souls, forcibly removing them from their mortal vessels. And within her chest beat a heart as dark as coal, instilling fear even in the depths of the underworld.

Iris closed the book, the sound of the wind battering the windowpane. Rising from the bed, she moved to shut the window, but her hand paused on the latch. Her gaze fell upon the maid below, carrying a basket brimming with fresh fruit. It was a familiar sight, as Marriott often indulged in late-night snacks.

With a sigh, Iris stared out the window, letting her eyes close for a moment. Despite the tumult outside, a strange calm settled over her. The curtain, caught in the breeze, brushed softly against her face as the wind continued to sweep into the room.

Clutching the candle, the tall figure moved with deliberate slowness, her long gown trailing behind her like a cloak of shadows. The wax dripped onto her thumb, yet she did not flinch. Finally, she halted before a chamber guarded by seven-star Knights, her presence commanding attention. Her pink, glossy lips spread wide in a sinister smile as the Knights bowed their heads in deference. With a graceful motion, she raised her hand, signaling for them to rise. Her other hand opened, fingers splayed, and she blew a fine powder into the air, the particles catching the dim light of the corridor and shimmering like tiny stars.

Instantly, the Knights collapsed onto the floor, overcome by the effects of the powder. Even those further away succumbed to its influence, falling flat with a thud.

A smug smirk played across her face as she pushed the heavy door open, the iron hinges creaking in protest. Stepping inside, she tossed aside the candle, its flame flickering dangerously close to the curtain. In a swift, practiced movement, her hand swept through the air, casting a silent spell that extinguished both the candle's flame and the nascent fire on the curtain.

With an air of effortless grace, she approached the bed, lifting the woman into her arms with ease. Carrying her out of the room, she moved with purpose, her steps unhurried yet determined, leaving chaos in her wake.

Footsteps approached, and Iris's eyes fluttered open. She peered down to see a tall figure entering the courtyard, cradling a maid in her arms. The palace guards, stationed at the gate, slumped to the ground, overcome by the powder she had deftly blown in their faces. With a swift exit, she vanished into the night.

Wide-eyed, Iris's mind raced back to the gruesome murder that had shaken the palace, now repeating itself. Iris raced through the corridors, her breath quickening with each stride.

She had to intervene, to halt these killings.

It was imperative, the only path to forge significant change for the future.

*****

𝐷𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑒𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒, 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡, 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑠𝒉𝑎𝑟𝑒 𝑚𝑦 𝑤𝑜𝑟𝑘 ♡

/ᐠ - ˕ -マ