The evening air was warm and welcoming. A gentle breeze swept through Ariel's hair, making it sway softly in the glow of twilight.

  She sat quietly on the balcony of her room, gazing across the other part of the east wing and the beautiful garden below.

  "Aaah…" she sighed. "Is this real, or am I just dreaming?"

  "It's as real as it will ever be," Raymond chimed beside her, taking a sip of his tea. "So you'd better get used to it—because I need your full concentration on this one."

  Ariel looked at him, arching a brow. "Do I really have a choice? You've practically forced me to focus on this, treating me like some teenage girl who gets grounded just for looking at a boy. Unbelievable."

  Raymond chuckled. "That's what you get for being a reckless adult?teenager. Although, I must admit—I'm impressed with how things have progressed so far. With only a few encounters, you already have the dragon wrapped around your finger. It's only a matter of time before he's completely hooked on you, and you finally become queen of his castle—with world dominance cradled in your palm."

  Ariel snorted. "Oh, Father, please… spare me the theatrics. We both know it's not that easy. Besides, what you saw was an accident—it wasn't some romantic play. The scumbag had the audacity to sneak into my room and claim I'd fallen blindly for him like some na?ve little girl. I made it perfectly clear that I would never fall for him, even if I were chosen as his Crown Princess. The man is perverse and arrogant. Definitely not my type of uncharted waters. I hate arrogant fools who think they can control everything just because they have power. It's truly sickening. Blaah…"

  Raymond chuckled. "That's my girl. Nerves of titanium steel and a pure heart for gentle equality—that's what I admire about you."

  He paused, finishing the last drops of his tea and setting the cup back on the small table. His gaze turned serious.

  "And I hope you stay that way, without wavering. The Bridal Selection is a war, not a competition. Many women will come prepared with theatrics, our dear old sabotage schemes, and every trick in the book. You must be ready for anything—and I mean anything. I've already heard that some of our enemies are placing their own candidates in the Selection. They'll do whatever it takes to sabotage you, to make sure you lose.

  You're fortunate to have the Queen Dowager on your side. She'll do everything in her power to help you win and protect you. But you must stay alert. Don't give them the chance to gain leverage against you. Got it?"

  Ariel smiled faintly and nodded. "I got it, Father. And I promise I'll be careful. This Selection is also a breeding ground for my revenge. So I'll do my very best to make sure I'm chosen—and I won't let anyone gain leverage against me. That, I will definitely ensure." Her eyes glinted with fiery resolve.

  Raymond hummed. "Mmm… that's good. I'll keep an eye on you as well, so don't worry. Everything will be fine."

  Ariel smiled. "Thank you, Father."

  Raymond returned the smile. "It's okay, Ariel." He rose from his seat. "Well, I'd better leave you to rest. Tomorrow is going to be a big day, and you need your strength. I also need to wish the Queen Dowager goodnight—with that vintage whiskey—otherwise I won't hear the end of it." He chuckled.

  Ariel laughed softly as she stood too. "It's okay, Father. I'll see you in the morning. Have a good night."

  Raymond leaned in and kissed her cheek. "Good night, sweetheart."

  He turned and left the balcony, disappearing from her room.

  Ariel smiled as she watched him go.

  She turned to pick up the tea cutlery and carry it inside when a sudden whooshing sound brushed past her.

  Ariel froze.

  She lifted her head, scanning the space for movement—but saw nothing.

  Her gaze shifted to the pillar, where a tiny arrow was lodged deep into the wood.

  She gently set the cutlery back on the table, then approached the pillar and pulled the arrow free.

  Examining it closely, she noticed a sparrow engraving etched into the tip. A small piece of paper was tied around the shaft.

  She untied it and unfolded the note. Only four words were written in bold, tiny letters:

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  "Slovak is in the palace."

  Ariel smirked. She snapped the arrow in half, ripped the paper into pieces, and tossed them into the bin.

  "What are you up to, Slovak?" she murmured under her breath.

  She gathered the cutlery once more, stepped inside, and closed the balcony door firmly. Locking it, she drew the curtains shut, sealing the room against the night.

  As soon as she closed the curtains, a figure clad in green and black materialized from the shadows.

  They moved silently toward the bin, poured a strange liquid over the arrow and paper fragments, and watched as they dissolved into ash. Without a sound, the figure melted back into the darkness.

  Unbeknownst to them, another presence lingered. Hidden quietly in the garden shadows, a figure dressed in black and gold had been watching.

  Only when the first figure slipped away did the second stir, moving stealthily toward the far side of the east wing.

  ...........

  Meanwhile, in Daniel's study office…

  The air was thick with tension—so heavy it could almost be tasted.

  Daniel's eyes were locked on the man seated before him, a faint crimson hue bleeding into his golden gaze. The beast within clawed to be released, but he couldn't afford to reveal himself. Not yet.

  He suppressed it with all his strength as he stared at one of his sworn archenemies.

  Ezekiel Slovak.

  It took everything in him not to lunge across the desk, seize the scumbag by the throat, and rip his head clean off.

  Ezekiel, however, seemed unfazed. He could feel the tension boiling between them, but he didn't care. What he had come to discuss was far more important than their petty feud. He wanted to make it clear that he was done playing games with this beastly child of Monalisa.

  He hated them both to the core—and was simply waiting for the right time to tear Daniel down and finally claim his revenge. But one thing held him back, something that needed to be cleared away before he could.... strike.

  Ezekiel sighed and began. "My apologies once again for coming to you at this hour. But I have something important to discuss. And I'm sure you already know what it is."

  Daniel's eyes narrowed, his voice low and sharp.

  "Blake."

  Ezekiel only smirked, offering no reply.

  Daniel exhaled and leaned back in his seat. "I thought I made it clear that it wasn't my choice, but his. So I don't understand why you're coming to me instead of going to him. What? Do you think I'm the one tying him down to my side? Or do you simply want to use me to convince him to choose another path—one that is, more or less… destructive?"

  Ezekiel chuckled lightly. "Your Highness, you truly are intriguing. But no—I'm not that shallow. I am more than capable of taking care of my own son, thank you very much. What I don't appreciate is…" He leaned forward, his eyes narrowing. "…using him as a scapegoat for your little troubles. That, I will not tolerate. So I suggest you help me get on the same page with him. Otherwise, this issue will not be taken lightly."

  Daniel snorted and leaned forward, his voice low and dangerous. "Are you threatening me, Lord Slovak? Because if you are, I suggest you think carefully before doing something you'll regret."

  Ezekiel smiled, leaning back in his chair with deliberate ease. "Not at all, Your Highness. I wouldn't dare threaten the Crown Prince of this kingdom. I know exactly what would happen if I ever tried. Consider this instead… a father worried about his son's wellbeing."

  Daniel snorted. "And what makes you think that you and I will ever agree to be on the same page just because you're worried about your son? I don't believe we share any kind of bond that would lead us to an agreement. So what makes you so sure?"

  Ezekiel smirked. "Oh, I beg to differ, Your Highness. I believe you and I share the same sentiments when it comes to relationships like these because…" He paused, leaned forward, and whispered, "You, yourself, must know what it feels like to lose someone you hold very dear inside your heart. Right?"

  Daniel froze.

  "So I suggest we agree to be on the same page—unless the unfortunate incidents will occur again. And we both don't want that, now do we?" Ezekiel continued, his smile widening.

  Daniel glared at him, fists clenched tight on his lap until his knuckles turned white.

  He felt fury boiling inside him after Ezekiel spoke, that mocking smile playing on his lips. The bastard had struck a nerve. And he was reveling in it.

  'You bloody bastard! You fucking scumbag! I swear I'll burn you to hell! Mark my words—I will burn you!' Daniel roared inside his mind. The beast raged within, clawing at its cage, on the verge of breaking free. He couldn't let that happen. Not yet.

  Instead, he forced a smile. "Of course, Lord Slovak. I do know what it feels like to lose someone you hold dear. But in this case, unfortunately, I can't help you. So I kindly suggest you speak to your son—because the dagger is in his hands. He is the one who will choose how to use it. Not me. So…"

  Ezekiel studied him intently, as if searching for something in his eyes, before exhaling and leaning back in his seat. "Alright, Your Highness. I understand. I will speak to my son and be sure to convince him to choose a.. better path. So, if you'll excuse me." He rose from his chair. "Thank you for your time. I will be taking my leave now." He bowed.

  "Good luck with your Bridal Selection season. I truly hope you find a… worthy partner to rule by your side and help the kingdom prosper."

  Daniel hummed in response. "Thank you, Lord Slovak. I will keep your kind wishes in mind. Rest assured—my Queen will be a beautiful Lover's Rose. And she will serve both me and the kingdom well."

  Ezekiel smiled faintly. It was a warning.

  The Lover's Rose was a rare and sacred flower, its petals dark crimson streaked with gold. Legend said it was a gift bestowed upon the first King of Flambodia by the Heavens—a token of eternal love. Beautiful, yes, but also the deadliest flower in the world. A single prick from its thorn could send a person to their grave in mere minutes.

  A beautiful, deadly rose.

  And Daniel had just warned him that the Crown Princess would be exactly that—radiant, alluring, but lethal to those who underestimated her. Ezekiel smirked. Well, isn't he going to be in for a big surprise.

  His smile widened. "Well, I am glad, Your Highness."

  He turned and walked toward the door, glancing back over his shoulder with a dark smirk before exiting and closing it behind him.

  The moment Ezekiel left, Daniel seized the landline phone from his desk and hurled it to the floor. His body writhed with anger, his eyes now a deep, bleeding crimson.

  "Stinger!" Daniel called out.

  A figure in black and gold materialized from the shadows.

  "Yes, Your Highness," he replied, bowing his head.

  "Find out who told Lord Slovak about Blake's attack in the palace! If you don't drag them here into my presence, then I will deal with you myself!" Daniel roared.

  "Yes, Your Highness. I will see to it immediately," Stinger said before dissolving back into the shadows.

  Daniel growled beneath his breath. "If you think you can get your way with me, Lord Slovak… then I have a surprise for you. And I'll make sure it's something you'll enjoy. Very… very much."

  Just then, a dragonfly shimmered into existence from the shadows, hovering silently behind him.

  He took a deep breath and sighed. "What do you have to report?"

  The Dragonfly stepped closer. "As per Your Highness's command, I kept an eye on the new guests in the palace. And I am here to confirm that Your Highness was right. Something is off—especially with the Lady. I surveyed the perimeter and discovered she has hidden protection around her. I couldn't even get close. It's a special kind of protection I cannot bypass."

  Daniel hummed, tapping his desk. "Mmm… that's not strange at all. Since she is my grandmother's pawn, she must have tight security around her. Understandable."

  "Yes, but… she received a secret message from somewhere," the Dragonfly said.

  Daniel froze. "A secret message, you say?"

  "Yes. And as soon as she read it, a figure slipped from the shadows and burned the contents before disappearing again. It is very suspicious."

  Daniel pondered the words for a long moment before muttering, "Very suspicious indeed. What was in that message that needed to vanish so quickly? Mmm… keep an eye on her—very discreetly. Make sure they don't know you're watching, and report back with whatever you find."

  "Yes, Your Highness," the Dragonfly replied before dissolving into the shadows.

  Daniel's gaze drifted to the star?streaked sky outside his window. His voice was low, dangerous.

  "Mmm… what are you up to, Flamingo? Who are you sharing secrets with?"