Chapter 7: The First Thread

Power is not taken by force.

It is given. Unknowingly. Willingly.

All it takes is the right lie, whispered to the right person.

And tonight, I was ready to pull the first thread.

---

The Court’s Game

The halls of Aurelia’s court were full of wolves pretending to be gentlemen. They dressed in silk and gold, but their weapons were words, their battlegrounds the polished floors of the throne room.

They thought I was weak.

A frail prince, a guest with no real power, no influence.

Good. Let them think that.

Because the moment a man believes you are no threat is the moment he lowers his guard.

And I was already weaving my web.

---

The First Move

I met my spy in a secluded hallway near the eastern wing of the palace. She leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed, watching me with those sharp golden eyes.

“You’re early,” she murmured.

I smiled. “I prefer to be ahead of schedule.”

She smirked. “Smart.”

I glanced around. No one else was nearby.

“Do you have what I asked for?” I asked.

She pulled a small parchment from the folds of her dress and handed it to me.

I unfolded it, eyes scanning the neat, efficient handwriting. Details on court alliances, rivalries, shifting loyalties.

And then, at the bottom—one name.

Lord Reynard Valtis.

I smiled.

Lord Reynard was a minor noble. Wealthy, ambitious, and—most importantly—discontent with Gregor’s control over the military.

Perfect.

I tucked the parchment away and looked at my spy.

“You did well,” I said.

She gave me a lazy shrug. “I always do.”

I chuckled. “Modest, aren’t you?”

She grinned. “Modesty doesn’t pay the bills, Your Highness.”

I liked her. She was dangerous, but useful.

And for now, she was mine.

---

A Subtle Manipulation

Later that evening, I entered the court gathering. Nobles milled about, sipping wine, speaking in hushed, poisonous voices.

Gregor was there. He looked… uneasy.

Good.

I moved carefully, never drawing too much attention, but always listening.

Then, I approached Lord Reynard.

He was deep in conversation with another noble when I casually stepped in, offering a polite nod.

“Prince Lucian,” Reynard said, surprised. “I didn’t expect you to join us.”

I smiled. “I enjoy good company.”

Reynard chuckled. “You might be in the wrong place, then.”

I laughed softly, but then lowered my voice just enough that only he could hear.

“I heard an interesting rumor today,” I murmured.

He raised a brow. “Oh?”

I leaned in slightly. “Word is, Gregor has been speaking ill of your influence in the military. Some say he considers you… an obstacle.”

Reynard’s eyes darkened. “Is that so?”

I smiled. “Of course, I’m sure it’s just a rumor.”

I didn’t need to say more.

The seed was planted.

And Reynard, proud and ambitious, would not take the insult lightly.

He would push back. Resist Gregor.

And just like that, Gregor’s hold on the court would begin to crack.

---

Gregor’s Mistake

By the next morning, the shift had already begun.

Whispers spread through the palace. Lords who had once stood with Gregor were beginning to hesitate.

And Gregor?

He was furious.

He stormed through the halls, demanding to know who had started the rumors.

I watched from a distance, amused.

He would find nothing. Because the truth didn’t matter.

Perception was everything.

And right now, the perception was that his control was slipping.

---

Evelyn’s Suspicion

I had just finished my morning tea when I sensed her.

Evelyn.

She was watching me from across the courtyard, standing beneath an archway lined with vines.

I set my cup down and met her gaze.

She tilted her head slightly, studying me.

Then, slowly, she made her way toward me, her dress whispering against the stone floor.

She didn’t speak right away.

Instead, she sat across from me, pouring herself a cup of tea with unhurried grace.

“You seem well-rested,” she said finally.

I smiled. “Shouldn’t I be?”

She hummed. “Strange, considering how chaotic court has been today.”

Ah. She was testing me.

I took a slow sip of my tea. “Court is always chaotic. Is something different?”

Her lips quirked. “You tell me, Prince Lucian.”

A challenge. She wanted to see if I would slip.

I chuckled. “I’m afraid I don’t involve myself in court matters too deeply. I leave politics to those more suited for it.”

Evelyn said nothing.

But her violet eyes never left mine.

She didn’t believe me.

Good. Let her suspect. Let her wonder.

But I wouldn’t give her proof.

Not yet.

She took a slow sip of her tea, then set the cup down.

Then, she smiled.

It wasn’t a warm smile.

It was the kind of smile a predator gives another predator.

Then, without another word, she stood and walked away.

I watched her go, my own smirk curling at the edges of my lips.

She was testing me.

But she had no idea that I was testing her, too.

---

The Web Tightens

By nightfall, Gregor had already made another mistake.

Desperate to regain control, he publicly dismissed one of Reynard’s allies.

A foolish move. It only made him look weaker.

And Reynard?

He was already gathering support.

The court was beginning to shift.

And no one suspected that I was the one pulling the strings.

Not yet.

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