Episode 4:

The banquet had ended, but a restless tension still lingered over Ardent Palace. Prince Adrian’s mind replayed Lord Darian’s outburst. Internal strife could be just as dangerous as enemies outside the kingdom, and tonight had reminded him of that.

Elara moved quietly along the edge of the ballroom, observing the scattered guests and the ripple of unease left behind. Her gaze drifted toward Adrian, who was deep in conversation with his advisors, his expression tight with focus.

When the last guests had departed, Adrian excused himself and quietly slipped away from the palace, seeking the cool night air. He found Elara in the moonlit gardens, standing near a fountain, her fingers lightly brushing the water’s surface. The soft glow from the lanterns cast shimmering patterns across the stone path.

“Lady Elara,” he said softly, stepping closer but keeping a respectful distance.

She turned, a faint smile on her lips. “Prince Adrian. I didn’t expect to see you out here.”

“I needed a moment to think,” he said, eyes scanning the shadows around them. “Tonight… has left me unsettled.”

Elara nodded, following his gaze. “The unrest in your court is… palpable. More than simple disagreements, it seems.”

Adrian ran a hand through his hair, a muscle in his jaw tightening. “You’re perceptive. It is more than politics. There’s something stirring… inside me. Something I’ve kept hidden, but tonight, I feel it restless.”

Elara tilted her head, curiosity and concern in her eyes. “You mean… a personal burden?”

Adrian’s gaze flicked toward the darkened palace, then back at her. “Yes. I’ve carried it for a long time. It’s… not easy to explain, and it’s dangerous if others were to know. Some nights it whispers. Other times it stirs violently. I keep it contained… as best I can.”

He paused, studying her reaction carefully. “I mention it because I sense it now, responding to forces beyond my control. It feels… urgent.”

Elara stepped a little closer, her hand hovering near his arm. “You don’t have to face it alone. Even a secret this heavy can feel lighter if shared carefully.”

Adrian’s eyes softened slightly, but he shook his head. “Not yet. I need to be certain first. There are truths too dangerous to reveal too soon.” He gestured toward the fountain, letting his hand rest lightly on the stone edge. “Tonight, I only wanted to see… if you could sense it too.”

Her lips curved into a small, understanding smile. “I do. I’ve felt it since our first meeting. Something about you… it’s not ordinary.”

A sudden rustle in the hedges made them both tense. Adrian immediately stepped between her and the shadows, his stance protective.

“Who’s there?” he called, voice sharp but controlled.

A figure emerged, cloaked and silent, eyes gleaming in the lantern light. “Forgive my intrusion, Your Highness,” the voice said, calm but serious. “I bring a warning.”

Adrian’s gaze narrowed, his posture tightening. “A warning of what?”

The figure’s eyes flicked to Elara briefly, then back to Adrian. “There are forces seeking to exploit unrest in Ardent. They aim to disturb what lies within you—something ancient and powerful. Beware those who offer guidance and alliances.”

Before they could ask more, the figure melted into the shadows, leaving only the rustle of leaves behind.

Elara exhaled softly, placing a reassuring hand near Adrian’s shoulder. “We will face it together, whatever comes.”

Adrian’s lips pressed into a thin line, then relaxed slightly. “Perhaps… for now, that will have to be enough.” He allowed himself a brief glance at her, gratitude flickering in his eyes.

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