In Darkness, I Find

Servant and Secret

I walked through the palace gardens, the scent of night blooming flowers filling the air. The servant's whispered warning still lingered in my mind: "The palace has ears everywhere." I knew I had to be careful, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the servants' behavior than met the eye.

As I turned a corner, I spotted one of the servants, Elara, polishing a nearby statue. She caught my eye and subtly nodded toward a nearby alcove. I followed her gaze and saw a small, hidden door.

Curiosity got the better of me. I excused myself and made my way to the alcove. Elara joined me, her eyes darting around nervously.

"Milady, I must speak with you," she whispered. "There's something you should know. Not all of us servants are loyal to the demon king. Some of us are working to undermine his rule."

My eyes widened in surprise. "Why are you telling me this?"

Elara's voice dropped to a whisper. "Because we believe you can help us. We have a plan, but we need your cooperation."

I hesitated, unsure what to make of Elara's words. Could I trust her? But the glimmer of hope in her eyes was too enticing to ignore.

"What do you need me to do?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Elara's gaze locked onto mine, a spark of determination burning within. "I know what you're looking for. I know what you're trying to do. And I can help you."

I leaned in, my voice barely above a whisper. "What do you know?"

Elara's words spilled out in a rush. "I know about the rebellion. I know about the humans being held captive in the dungeons. And I know about Kael's true intentions."

My eyes narrowed. "What intentions?"

Elara's voice dropped to a whisper. "He's not just keeping you as a prisoner, milady. He's planning to use you for something much bigger. Something that could destroy everything."

My heart skipped a beat as I processed her words. What could Kael possibly want from me? And what did Elara mean by "something that could destroy everything"?

Elara's face lit up with determination. "We'll get you out of here, milady. But first, you need to gain the demon king's trust."

A shiver ran down my spine.

Suddenly, the sound of footsteps echoed through the corridor, growing louder. Elara's eyes widened in fear. "someone is coming".

We had to move, and fast. I grabbed Elara's hand, and we fled into the shadows, the darkness swallowing us whole.

*******

As I walked through the palace gardens, I overheard a group of servants whispering among themselves. One of them caught my eye and nudged the others, their conversation dying down as they gazed at me.

The servant who had been speaking earlier couldn't help but continue, her voice laced with a mixture of awe and curiosity. "You're the one the king has taken a liking to," she said, her eyes scanning me from head to toe. "I've never seen him like this before. He's never accepted a woman into his life or cared for any woman the way he cares for you."

I felt a wave of disgust wash over me, remembering why I was here in the first place - for my sister. If not for her, I wouldn't even be in this wretched place. I quickened my pace, trying to escape their prying eyes and ears.

The servants' whispers followed me, their words barely audible. "She's so lucky...the king's favor...power and wealth..." Their ignorance was almost palpable.

I bit my lip, my determination growing with each step. And I promise myself to make sure the keal regretted ever laying eyes on me.

They quickly dispersed, leaving me standing alone. I wondered what had caused them to scatter so suddenly, but it wasn't until I glanced up and so the peregrine falcon in a peek on top of a tree stirring than at us then I understood. The servants had likely been warned not to trifle with me because of my association with kael.