Maya slowed her steps as the corridor branched into unfamiliar paths.
Tall archways, dim alcoves, doors carved with symbols she didn't recognize—everything looked the same the longer she walked. The palace had felt impressive earlier. Now it felt like a maze designed to swallow people whole.
"…Great," she muttered under her breath. "I'm lost."
She stopped, turning in a slow circle, trying to remember which direction she'd come from. No luck.
A soft shuffle of footsteps caught her attention.
A maid was approaching from the far end of the corridor, her head lowered, hands folded neatly in front of her. She wore the palace colors and moved with the quiet efficiency Maya had come to associate with servants who had learned not to draw attention.
Maya straightened and lifted a hand slightly. "Um—excuse me."
The maid halted immediately and bowed. "Yes, Your Highness?"
Maya winced a little at the title but nodded. "I'm looking for Crown Prince Darcien. Do you know where he is?"
The maid hesitated—not long, but enough for Maya to notice. Her eyes flicked briefly to the side, then back down.
"He is likely in the west wing, Your Highness," she said carefully. "The council study, or the upper training gallery."
Maya blinked. "Those sound… very different."
The maid allowed herself the faintest smile. "His Highness rarely remains in one place for long."
That tracks, Maya thought.
"Could you show me?" she asked.
The maid bowed again. "Of course. Please follow me."
They walked in silence, their footsteps echoing softly. Maya's gaze wandered as they moved—high windows stained with deep reds and blues, iron chandeliers shaped like thorns, stone walls that made the whole palace feel heavy and ancient.
So gothic, she thought absently. Like something out of a dark fantasy game.
She glanced at the maid. "Does he… usually work this late?"
"Yes, Your Highness," the maid replied. "The Crown Prince does not rest easily."
Maya hummed quietly at that. Somehow, she wasn't surprised.
They turned a final corner, and the air seemed to change—cooler, sharper. At the end of the hall stood tall double doors, slightly ajar, warm light spilling out.
The maid stopped and bowed once more. "He is inside."
"Thank you," Maya said, genuinely.
The maid retreated without another word, disappearing back down the corridor.
Maya stood there for a moment, heart thudding lightly in her chest.
Okay, she told herself. You wanted to find him. You found him.
She lifted her hand and knocked.