The Stolen Heir’s Bond

The palace shone with golden light.

Kael adjusted the stolen mask over his face as he and Elaria stepped through the grand entrance. The ballroom stretched before them—a sea of nobles in silks and jewels, their laughter hiding knives.

Music swelled from the string quartet, and chandeliers bathed the room in a warm glow. Servants moved between guests with silver trays, and everywhere, guards stood watch.

Kael forced himself to stay calm. This was the most dangerous place he had ever set foot in. But if they wanted to get beneath the palace, they had to blend in first.

Elaria, dressed in a deep blue gown, elbowed him lightly. "You clean up well," she murmured.

Kael smirked. "So do you."

She snorted. "I hate dresses."

"Then why do you look like you were born to wear one?"

She shot him a glare, but a hint of pink touched her cheeks. "Focus," she muttered. "We need to find the entrance to the dungeons."

Kael scanned the room. The palace was built like a fortress, but there were always secrets—hidden doors, forgotten tunnels. They just had to—

"Care to dance?"

Kael stiffened.

A noblewoman had appeared before him, her lips curled into a knowing smile. She wore a crimson mask, her golden hair pinned into elaborate braids. Royalty.

Kael felt Elaria go still beside him.

The woman extended her hand. "It would be rude to refuse."

Kael hesitated for only a second before taking it.

The moment their fingers touched, the woman leaned in. Her breath was warm against his ear.

"I know who you are."

Kael's blood ran cold.

But before he could react, the woman pulled him into the dance.

—

The music swelled as they stepped onto the floor.

Kael's heart pounded. He let instinct guide him, his hands settling at the noblewoman's waist as they moved through the waltz.

"Relax," she murmured. "You're attracting attention."

Kael forced himself to loosen his grip. His eyes flicked to Elaria, who was watching tensely from the edge of the ballroom, ready to act if things went south.

The noblewoman smiled. "She doesn't trust me."

Kael kept his voice low. "Should she?"

The woman laughed softly. "That depends. How badly do you want to see your father?"

Kael stilled.

She leaned closer, lips brushing against his ear.

"There's a passage beneath the east wing. It leads to the dungeons."

Kael's fingers tightened at her waist. "Why are you telling me this?"

The noblewoman spun gracefully in his arms, her crimson dress sweeping the marble floor. "Because the king isn't the only one who wants to see you reclaim your throne."

Kael's breath caught.

She stepped back slightly, her sharp eyes gleaming beneath her mask. "Get caught, and I'll deny ever speaking to you."

The music reached its peak, and Kael pulled her close for the final spin. Their eyes locked.

"Who are you?" he whispered.

She smiled.

"A friend."

The dance ended.

Kael exhaled slowly. He had come here looking for a way in. Instead, a ghost in a crimson mask had handed it to him.

He turned to find Elaria, his pulse still unsteady.

"It's time," he murmured.

They had a way into the dungeons.

And Kael was ready to face whatever waited for him below.