Chapter 14: Shadows in the Dark

Aria lay in bed, a contented smile on her lips. The day had been hectic, but for once, she felt at ease. Just as she was about to close her eyes, a thought occurred to her: Adrian had provided her with vital details about the kingdom's conspiracies. Her eyes flew open. This was important. Queen Erieana needed to know.

She rose quickly, draped a cloak over herself, and slipped out of her chambers. The corridors of the palace were dimly lit, casting eerie shadows on the walls. The preparations for Princess Marina's arrival would begin early in the morning, making this the ideal time to speak with the Queen. Furthermore, the Queen had dismissed all of her guards and assistants while secretly investigating the origins of the treacherous letter. Aria believed that the timing could not have been better.

As she approached the Queen's chamber, she came to a sudden halt, her breath catching in her throat. A dark figure entered the Queen's room. A cold shiver went down her spine. An assassin.

Her heart pounded violently against her ribs, but she forced herself to concentrate. She had only learned a few basic self-defense techniques as a child, nothing comparable to a trained killer. But her instincts screamed for her to act quickly.

Without hesitation, she dashed forward and barged into the room.

The candlelight flickered wildly as the assassin lunged at the Queen, his dagger poised for a fatal strike. Aria responded instinctively. She grabbed a heavy bronze candlestick from a nearby table and swung it with all her strength. The attacker dodged, but the force of the blow knocked them off balance.

"Guards!" Queen Erieana's voice rang through the chamber.

The assassin turned, temporarily distracted. Aria seizes the opportunity and tackles them, knocking them both to the ground. The struggle was fierce. The assassin was stronger, but Aria was unwavering. She clawed at the mask, her fingers gripping its edges. With a final pull, the disguise came off.

Gasps filled the room.

"No..." Queen Erieana's voice wavered. "It... it can't be."

Aria froze as she stared into the face of Queen Selene, Erieana's own sister—one of King Henry's other wives.

"Why?" Erieana's voice trembled as she took a step forward, disbelief etched on her features. "You... you are my sister."

Queen Selene laughed bitterly, her eyes burning with unspoken rage. "Sister? Do not mock me, Erieana. You were always the favored one. Even after he married me, I was nothing but a shadow in your presence. And Adrian—" her lips curled in disgust, "he was the only heir, while my daughters... never even had a chance."

Aria's stomach clenched.

"You tried to kill Adrian?" she whispered.

Selene's eyes flickered with something dark. "Yes. I wanted to take everything from him, just as he took everything from me. The King forced me into this marriage. I thought I would hold power, but no, it was always you and Adrian."

Erieana's hands clenched into fists. "You would kill your own family for revenge?"

Selene sneered. "This is not over. I am just a pawn in a larger game."

The guards finally stormed in and seized Selene. King Henry arrived moments later, his face filled with rage. He personally interrogated her, demanding the names of her allies, but she refused to abandon them.

Before being taken away, she smirked. "The real threat is yet to come."

The entire palace was placed under high alert. But Aria knew one thing: the battle was far from over.

In the dead of night, Adrian could no longer stay away. The news of her mother being attacked spread like fire in the nearby villages and eventually Adrian heard too.

Learning about the attempt on his mother's life sent him into a storm of emotions. He had to see her, even if it meant risking his safety.

Wrapped in a dark cloak, he sneaked into the palace, navigating the hidden passages like a shadow. As he approached his mother's chamber, a soft voice stopped him.

"Adrian," Aria whispered from the shadows, stepping into his path.

His eyes met hers, and for a moment, all the chaos around them faded.

"You shouldn't be here," she said, concern laced in her voice. "It's too dangerous."

"I need to see her," he replied stubbornly. "I can't—"

"I understand," Aria interrupted softly. "But your life is at greater risk now than ever before."

Adrian sighed, but he pressed forward. Aria relented, following him inside.

The moment Erieana saw her son, she broke down. "Adrian..."

"Mother," Adrian whispered, rushing to her. He fell to his knees before her, grasping her hands. "I'm so sorry I wasn't here."

Erieana cupped his face. "No, my son. You did what you had to do. And now, you must continue to fight."

Aria stood near the doorway, not wanting to intrude. But then Erieana turned to her. "Come inside, my child."

Aria hesitated before stepping forward. Erieana pulled both of them into a warm embrace. As Adrian's hand rested on her shoulder, a shiver ran down Aria's spine—an unfamiliar yet strangely comforting feeling.

"Take care of him," Erieana whispered to Aria. "Promise me."

"I will," Aria said softly.

Later that night, Adrian and Aria stood beneath the vast sky. The moon cast a silver glow on them.

"I don't know what's going to happen," Aria admitted, staring at the stars. "After all of this... after you reclaim your throne... I might be sent back to my time."

Adrian turned to her, eyes searching hers. "And if that happens?"

She swallowed. "Then whatever is between us... ends." She took a deep breath. "But I will always love you, Adrian. No matter what."

He stepped closer, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Then I'll do what it takes to change the present so the future can be rewritten."

Adrian brushed away a tear that slipped down her cheek. He leaned in for a gentle kiss on her forehead. Aria was shocked. She never expected such a gesture from Adrian, who didn't even express his emotions as openly as she did.

"For now," he whispered, "let's fight for the future we want."

The next day, Rogers and Kendalina discovered documents that linked several court officials to rival kingdoms. Leisha, despite her goat form, proved invaluable in gathering information. Rogers was impressed and said, "You're the most useful goat I've ever met." While they were sharing this adorable moment, they noticed Adrian approaching. Finally, Aria and Adrian, on the advice of the old monk, decide to reveal Adrian in front of Kendalina, Rogers, Leisha, and Peter in order to work more efficiently in finding the conspirators. While Peter hugged him, Kendlina bowed in respect. Aria blushed as Rogers shook hands with him. Kendalina's expression became serious after the discussion. "According to these documents and on the basis of what Queen Selene said, the traitors are nearby and the next attack is set for the full moon—two days from now."

Aria exchanged looks with Adrian. Time was running out.

The battle had only just begun.