Chapter 13: The Hidden Conspiracy

It had been five days since King Henry's shocking announcement. While the kingdom was in turmoil, Adrian took matters into his own hands, disguising himself and secretly meeting with servants from rival kingdoms to gather information. Meanwhile, Aria embarked on her own mission, determined to find out who was manipulating King Henry and why he had abruptly resigned.

Her first course of action was to seek answers from Queen Erieana. However, the Queen had not spoken to the King in years and had no knowledge of his recent decisions. Frustrated but not deterred, Aria decided to dig deeper.

Befriending Manager Vircel, she offered to help him with his paperwork, knowing that the palace officials were emotionally exhausted. Vircel, though initially hesitant, accepted her assistance. As she organised his papers, she noticed some open maps and cryptic documents.

"What are these?" Aria asked, feigning curiosity.

Vircel sighed and shook his head. "They are none of your business, just important records for the King's plans—plans to strengthen his power and establish educational institutions for men. He was changing, you know. After years of yearning for his son, he wanted to fulfill at least one of Adrian's dreams—to educate the society. But... suddenly, he changed his mind."

Aria sensed that Vircel was hiding something. That evening, she secretly interrogated several palace officials, cross-referencing their statements. Each account contained contradictions, heightening her suspicion that something sinister was at work.

Aria returned to the cottage, determined to find more evidence. She sought Rogers and Peter's assistance in gathering information, including any overheard conversations. Despite being unaware of their true identities, Peter's unwavering loyalty to the kingdom made him an invaluable ally. As the palace's oldest resident, he was well-versed in every secret passage and conversation.

Meanwhile, Kendalina and Leisha worked to decipher old scrolls and royal records. Their research bore fruit when Leisha revealed a crucial piece of information.

"Two days before the King's announcement—on the night of Marina's wedding—some rival kings attended the ceremony," Leisha explained. "The guards were discussing it this morning. Two kings from wealthy lands delivered a letter to King Henry after the celebration. That letter might contain something useful."

Aria's heart pounded. If the letter held significant information, she needed to find it.

Aria moved stealthily through the dimly lit palace corridors that night, her heart pounding. She approached the King's private chamber and cautiously entered. A candle flickered on the desk, illuminating a few scattered documents. Her gaze focused on a sealed letter addressed to the King.

Opening it carefully, she read:

Beware, Your Majesty. A traitor lurks within your palace, using Prince Adrian's name to weaken your rule. If you do not act, your kingdom will crumble.

Aria's breath tightened. Someone knew Adrian was still alive. Could these be the same people that attempted to kidnap him? Another letter caught her eye, this time bearing Queen Erieana's royal seal. Her pulse quickened. If the Queen had been receiving similar warnings, she might have known more than she revealed.

That evening, Aria requested a private audience with Queen Erieana. She showed her the letter, observing the Queen's expression carefully.

"How did you find this?" the Queen asked, her face unreadable.

"I admire you," Aria said boldly. "I know what you're trying to show the world isn't true. You're not ignoring everything. So why all this confusion?"

The Queen smiled, a glint of sadness in her eyes. "Because someone within this palace—someone close to me—wants both Adrian and the King dead. I played along until I could find the real traitor who joined hands with our enemies."

Aria took a deep breath. "I know Prince Adrian is alive, and I promise to bring him back. But he won't return until it's safe—for him and for the King."

For the first time, Queen Erieana's walls crumbled. She pulled Aria into a hug. "You are family now." Then, with newfound determination, she summoned her royal spies to dig deeper into the conspiracy.

As fate would have it, King Henry, who had never been to the Queen's chambers, had approached the room to discuss a previous letter she had received. After overhearing their conversation, he stepped inside, surprising them.

"I heard everything," he stated firmly. "You may sit."

Neither woman moved.

King Henry's gaze landed on Aria. "Who are you? And why are you so interested in my affairs?"

Without hesitation, Aria told him everything.

To determine her worth, the King questioned her knowledge of the kingdom, including history, politics, and diplomacy. Aria responded with sharp intellect, impressing him. She explained how internal and external forces were conspiring against him.

The King, though sceptical, acknowledged her courage. "You intrigue me, Aria. We shall see if your words hold merit."

Later that night, Aria paced outside the cottage, her thoughts racing with concerns about the King, the traitor, and Adrian. Adrian, miles away, discussed his findings with the monk while feeling an increasing desire to see Aria.

He fought the impulse, but he eventually found himself at her doorstep.

As he turned to leave, Aria's voice stopped him. "Where are you going? When you've come this far to see me, why not stay?"

Adrian hesitated. Aria approached him and gently touched his hand, making his heart race. "Come inside."

By the fireplace, the flickering light cast warm hues on their faces. Aria, still holding his hand, whispered, "I promised your father today—we'll find the truth. The traitors will be punished."

Adrian swallowed hard. "I don't understand this feeling... but when you say you love me, it scares me. Because, for the first time, I want to believe it."

Before she could respond, he relayed his findings, which included coded messages exchanged between specific ministers and a suspicious change in the palace's trade routes. Aria absorbed the information and promised to act.

Their eyes locked. He leaned in slightly. She tightened her grip on his hands, drawing closer—

"Aria!" Rogers' urgent voice cut through the moment. "Guards are approaching!"

Aria groaned. "Not again! Next time you come, I won't let you leave until morning."

Adrian chuckled, his cheeks tinged red. "You are crazy." Then, with a teasing smirk, he disappeared into the night.

"If I had not been around and seen you and your boyfriend romancing, you would have been caught!" Rogers teased.

"He's not my boyfriend. Use some appropriate language; we are in the medieval era!" Aria responded shyly.

"I see, Princess Aria" Rogers replied as they both chuckled.

...

The palace was not as peaceful as the natural surroundings.

A shadow entered Queen Erieana's chamber, a dagger ready to strike. As the assassin lunged, a firm grip stopped him.

It was Aria.