Chapter Ten
The music swelled in the ballroom, a living current of light, silk, and laughter, hiding everything but the truth I sought. Guests twirled and bowed, voices blending into a single hum, a perfect veil for my departure. I lingered at the edge of the balcony for one last survey, eyes scanning the crowd, memorizing guard positions, noting the rotations and lapses in their attention. Every second counted.
The handsome prince I had noticed earlier had disappeared into the throng, his gaze lost among the others. I didn't allow myself a thought for him—only the building I needed to reach, the knowledge I had to uncover. My pulse quickened, the warmth beneath my skin flickering like a candle flame, eager, restless.
Yet, escaping was not simple. Every attempt to move toward the corridors leading outside was blocked by my father's watchful eye. He called for my attention repeatedly, introducing me to the prince's parents, guiding me with polite words and subtle gestures as if preparing me for a life I had not chosen. Each glance, each step I made was scrutinized, making the prospect of leaving almost impossible.
Hours passed like this—careful observation, silent calculation, forced composure. Finally, as the ball neared its end and the last of the visiting nobles began to leave, I saw my chance.
I slipped through a side corridor, heart hammering, hands trembling with the restrained warmth of my power. The palace walls stretched ahead like a labyrinth, and I moved silently toward the gates. Freedom was almost within reach.
Then a sharp voice cut through the night. "Stop!"
A guard, eyes wide in alarm, stepped into my path. I froze. If he captured me, I would be returned to the king, forced to explain where I was going. Panic surged, and with it, the warmth beneath my skin erupted. My hands trembled violently, glowing faintly, and before I could control it, a force exploded outward. The guard screamed, stumbled backward, and fell lifeless before me.
Horror clawed at me. I had never killed anyone before. I had never imagined it. Trembling, I dragged his body to a shadowed alcove and retraced my steps back into the palace, mind spinning, hands still pulsing with the residual warmth of my power. Tonight, escape was impossible.
Back at the ballroom, I forced a calm over my features, but inside, a storm raged. The music continued, candles flickered, nobles laughed as if nothing had occurred. Then I noticed him—the handsome prince whose eyes had met mine earlier that evening. He was approaching, polite, measured, yet concern furrowing his brow.
"Princess Eunice," he said softly, bowing slightly. "I've been looking for you… everywhere. Are you well? Where have you been?"
I barely registered his words. My mind was consumed with panic and frustration, replaying every second of my failed escape, the guard's lifeless body, and the impossibility of my plan. My heart hammered, guilt pressing against every thought. In that state, I answered brusquely, voice sharp, cutting through his concern.
"I am fine," I said, eyes cold. "There is nothing to discuss."
He paused, sensing immediately that something was wrong. His gaze searched me, noticing the tremor in my hands, the subtle tension in my posture, the hint of distress I could not hide. He wanted to ask more, but before he could, I spun on my heel, excusing myself under the pretense of attending to another matter.
My pulse raced, mind spinning with strategy, fear, and the overwhelming need to protect my secret. The thought of escape, of the hidden building, of mastering my powers, consumed every step. The prince's presence, his concern, the connection we had shared—it was all irrelevant now. I had no time for distraction. I had to survive the night, contain the secret of what had happened, and prepare for the challenges ahead.
The warmth beneath my skin pulsed insistently, reminding me that my power could no longer be restrained indefinitely. Tonight had proven I was vulnerable, that mistakes had consequences, and that every action had weight.
The ball ended in a blur, nobles departing in carriages, the city quieting under the silver moonlight. I slipped to my chambers, body exhausted, mind spinning with strategy and fear. I replayed the events over and over, analyzing mistakes, timing, and the uncontrollable force I had unleashed. Soon, my power would awaken fully, and no one—neither palace, prince, nor conspirator—would be able to ignore it. Tonight had been a warning.
Morning came slowly, pale light creeping across the palace. Then the inevitable discovery: the guard's body, hidden poorly despite my careful concealment, was found. Panic rippled through the palace, the king called for council, assuming an attack by enemies seeking to undermine alliances. Whispers ran through the halls: "Rebels? A rival kingdom?"
I kept silent, eyes lowered, hands trembling beneath my sleeves. No one suspected that it had been the princess herself, her powers manifested, uncontrollable and fierce, that had caused the death. The secret was mine alone to bear.
Even as the palace buzzed with questions, I clung to one certainty: I had to learn to control the warmth beneath my skin, master my power, and reclaim my agency. My path remained unchanged: uncover the truth, protect the kingdom, and prepare for the day my destiny demanded action.
The city slept, oblivious to the dangers that had passed in its shadows. And I, trembling, determined, and resolute, began planning the next step. Tonight had taught me many lessons: power was dangerous, freedom was fragile, and every choice carried consequences I must learn to bear.