Chapter 22

Riley's POV

The palace was even grander than I had thought it to be. Towering walls, shining marble floors, and the heavy scent of roses from the garden made my stomach twist. I was used to quiet corners and wooden floors, not gold trimmings and guards in static motion. As the car passed through the front gates, I felt the nervous flutter I always tried to hide.

I sat beside Norman in the car, pretending to be calm. He looked so sure of himself, like always—shoulders straight, eyes steady, lips set in that quiet line he wore when he was deep in thought. I admired him so much, maybe too much. He belonged here. This world was his. But me? Sometimes I wasn’t so sure.

"You’re quiet," he said, turning to look at me.

"I’m just thinking." I gave him a small smile, hoping it would pass as enough.

He reached for my hand, holding it gently. "You don’t have to come in if you don’t want to. I can handle my father."

I shook my head quickly. "No, I want to come. I just... maybe I’ll stay in the garden while you speak with him.”

Norman studied my face for a second, then nodded. "Alright. But promise me you’ll call for me if anything feels off?"

"I promise," I said, and I meant it. I just didn’t tell him why I really didn’t want to go inside.

It wasn’t just the High King or the court. It was the walls, the looks I might get from some of the palace staff, the feeling that no matter how clean my clothes were or how well I stood beside Norman, someone would always whisper behind my back—the slave girl who dared to fall for a prince.

When the driver finally stopped the car in front of the huge palace walls, Norman kissed the top of my hand and went through the wide double doors. I turned toward the garden path with a deep breath. This morning, Norman had talked about visiting the Palace to discuss with the High King—his father. I had told him I wanted to come along which he didn't quite agree at first. But I persisted and he had no choice.

The palace garden was beautiful. Flowers of every color lined the walkways. A few butterflies floated lazily from petal to petal, and there was a soft hum of bees nearby. The sunlight filtered through tall trees, casting long shadows on the grass. It was peaceful here, far from the judging eyes and heavy expectations of the court.

I walked slowly, trying to clear my head. Maybe I was just being paranoid. Norman had defended me in court, and he said he’d always protect me. But there was still something lingering in my chest—something I couldn’t shake. Like I was standing on the edge of something big, something dangerous.

As I rounded a bend near the west end of the garden, I heard voices. And immediately, I stopped in my tracks.

At first, I thought it was just two guards talking. But then I heard a name.

“Riley.”

That was my name! Why were they mentioning my name? I didn't have an answer to that, but I promised myself I'd find out.

I moved closer, careful not to step on any twigs or dry leaves. I hid behind a thick hedge and peeked through.

Elder Thomas stood there, dressed in a dark cloak, speaking with a tall man whose face I didn’t recognize. His voice was low, angry even, but the words were clear enough.

“She’s not just a problem, she’s a threat,” Elder Thomas said, his face contorted in disapproval.

The man beside him nodded. “The prophecy is already in motion. If she stays, everything will fall apart.”

My heart dropped. A prophecy?

Elder Thomas crossed his arms. “She’s mated to three of them. Do you know what that means? It’s unnatural. Unacceptable. She has to be removed—quietly.”

I pressed a hand to my chest. I felt cold, even though the sun was warm on my back. They were talking about me. They were planning something.

“I can take care of it,” the stranger said. “But it has to be before the next full moon.”

“She cannot be allowed to carry a royal heir. The bloodline will be cursed.”

I gasped softly, too loud—loud enough to get their attention. The two men snapped their heads in my direction. My heart pounded.

“Did you hear that?” the stranger asked, already moving toward the hedge.

I turned and ran.

Branches scratched at my arms as I pushed through the bushes. I didn’t care. I just ran, feet pounding on the gravel paths, eyes wide with fear. I didn’t stop until I reached the main garden entrance, where a few guards stood watching lazily. I forced myself to walk, trying to look calm.

“Are you alright, my lady?” one of the guards asked.

I nodded quickly. “Yes. Just a little dizzy.”

He stepped aside to let me pass, and I hurried back to the main courtyard. My hands were shaking, my heart still racing. I sat down on a stone bench near the fountain and tried to breathe. In. Out. In. Out.

What prophecy were they talking about? And why did it sound like my life—no, more than that—my child’s life, might be in danger?

I wanted to tell Norman, but something in me said to wait. He was already dealing with enough. If I told him now, he’d storm into the palace and challenge Elder Thomas in front of everyone. That could only make things worse. I had to think this through. Maybe find out more.

But deep down, I knew one thing for sure—whatever prophecy they were whispering about, it had something to do with me. And it wasn’t just about love or mates or royalty.

It was about power.