Scarlett's POV As I tried to listen more , I suddenly realized something had changed. The quiet talking I had been hearing was getting quieter, and I could hear footsteps coming closer. I felt really scared because I understood that they were finished talking and Michael was coming towards me. My heart was beating so fast, and I looked around quickly to find a new place to hide. The room was a bit dark, and the curtains were making long shadows that looked like they were moving. I looked all around, trying to find somewhere to hide from Michael. Then I saw an old wooden cabinet nearby. It had pretty carvings on it that showed pictures of nature. I decided really quickly what to do. I ran quietly over to the cabinet and opened the doors. I was hoping they wouldn't make noise and give me away. Inside, it was small and smelled like old wood and books. I squeezed myself into the tight space, and my heart was beating so loud that I was scared Michael might hear it. I held my breath and
Scarlett's POVLeaning a bit closer and speaking quietly, I told Elara something important. I had heard a secret conversation between the King and Michael when I was hiding. They were talking about something that seemed worrying. They talked about things secretly and plans that were more than just the normal meeting with the elders.Elara looked at me with surprise and worry. She asked me what kind of plans they were discussing. She wanted to know more and sounded serious.I said that I wasn't completely sure, but it felt like there was more going on than what we could see. I didn't know all the details, but it felt like something bad might be happening.Elara looked concerned and thoughtful. She thought that maybe the meeting might not be straightforward. She sounded worried.I told her that's what I was afraid of, and that's why I wanted to tell her.Elara thought for a moment and then whispered back to me. She said that since we didn't really know what Michael was talking about, we
Scarlett's POVThe guard began to talk. He said, "For the meeting, the King has arranged dresses for both of you. The palace maidens will send them to your rooms."This was surprising news. Dresses? It seemed strange, but it showed that the meeting was important. I started to think about what this could mean.Elara seemed as curious as I was. She asked, "Dresses?" Her voice had surprise and interest in it.The guard nodded again. "Yes, Lady Elara. The King wants you both to wear special dresses. They will be brought to your rooms secretly."I thought about the guard's words. Lots of questions filled my mind. Why dresses? What did it mean? And what would be talked about at the meeting?The guard looked at both of us. He didn't show any emotion. "Lastly, the King wants you to be on time," he said with importance. "The meeting will be about important things, and he wants it to start without waiting."His words made me feel like there was no time to waste. Important things. That phrase st
Marco’s POV With a quick nudge, I got Thane's attention and quietly made him look at the person coming closer. His face went from confusion to shock as he saw what I saw. Swiftclaw was there—a surprise we didn't expect. The shock spread to our friends like a sudden cold splash in a calm pond. The news traveled quickly through our group, making everyone stop celebrating and start feeling worried. Everyone felt scared about what it could mean that Swiftclaw was there. The whole area became quiet and tense, very different from the happy feelings we had just moments ago. Everyone looked at us, wanting to know what we should do. Thane's happy expression from earlier turned serious, matching how serious the situation had become. I felt my heart beat faster as I looked at Thane with a serious expression. We both knew things were getting very serious. Swiftclaw showing up was a big surprise and made everyone scared. It was like a shock that made the happy feeling from before go away. I lo
Marco’s POVI felt really angry as I heard Swiftclaw's mean laughter. His words were like a sharp knife, cutting through my patience. But I didn't want him to know that his teasing was bothering me. I squeezed my teeth, my hands shook, and I took a deep breath to calm down.Swiftclaw's smile got bigger when he saw I was mad. He said in a mean way, "Oh, Marco, yelling won't fix your problems. It won't make Scarlett safer."I clenched my teeth, my voice shaky with anger. "Stay away from her! Don't touch her!"Swiftclaw laughed louder, and the sound bounced off the trees. "Look, the protective husband is here," he said in a mean voice, enjoying my upset. "But guess what, Marco? The more you fight, the more fun I have."I got really, really mad. I imagined Swiftclaw being mean to Scarlett, and I tried hard to control my anger."Why not come to my place?" Swiftclaw teased, sounding mean and amused. "You should join the fun. I mean, I'm just spending time with your special wife."I held my
Marco’s POVI took a big breath, getting ready for the important talk ahead. "I want to make sure my fighters stay safe, and nothing bad happens to them while I'm not here. My group follows me because they believe in what we're doing, and I have to keep them out of danger. I can't leave unless I know they'll be okay."Swiftclaw still looked happy, but now there was a little bit of fun in his expression. "You're a responsible leader, Marco. But why do you think I care about your fighters?"I looked right at him, not moving my gaze. "I know you're powerful, Swiftclaw, and you have your own reasons. But if you want me to help you, you have to make sure my fighters are safe and far from any trouble. It's a way to show you're being honest."Swiftclaw's smile changed, like he was thinking. He touched his chin, looking at me like he was trying to understand how much I wanted this. "So, how do you think we can do that?""They'll need some time," I said, already thinking about a plan. "My lead
Scarlett’s POV"Stand right here, Lady Scarlett," one of the maids whispered. She was really good at using her hands to put a pretty pearl button on Scarlett's fancy dress. The dress was a dark blue that looked like the night sky, with shiny silver pictures that sparkled like stars.Scarlett did what she was told, standing quietly. She held her dress a little bit, feeling a mix of unsure thoughts. The helper was very gentle and nice. It made Scarlett feel better even though she was thinking a lot of things in her head.Elara was talking to another maid and they laughed together. Their laughs were light, like a breeze. They were wearing really special dresses that they never wore before. The dresses were super fancy and fit for the big palace event."All done, Lady Scarlett," the maid said, looking happy with her work. She stopped touching Scarlett's dress and smiled. Scarlett said thank you with a small nod and a little smile. Then she looked at Elara, who was talking to a helper abou
Scarlett’s POVA quiet voice came from behind the door, and someone was moving around. "Hey, Lady Scarlett, it's a guard. I came to remind you that the meeting will begin in twenty minutes."Elara moved closer to the door and talked calmly. "Thanks for telling us. We'll be there on time."The guard spoke softly, but it still sounded proper. "Okay, my Ladies. The King is waiting for you in the council room."Elara smiled gently. "Tell the King we're grateful for the reminder. We'll go there in fifteen minutes."The guard stayed polite but firm. "Got it, Lady Elara. I'll let the King know. Just head to the council room when you're ready.""Elara," Scarlett started, thinking, "we should have a way to talk secretly, especially if something is wrong."Elara looked a bit worried, her eyes serious like Scarlett's words. "You're right, Scarlett. In a big group, we can't always say what we mean. We need a way to show when something's not right."Scarlett nodded, thinking of ideas. "Yeah, like