Clara’s POV
It’s been a few days since I started staying at this ridiculously massive palace.
and believe me, I’ve been doing more than just admiring the royal curtains.
I’ve been observing, listening, collecting little pieces of information like a squirrel hoarding nuts before winter.
And tonight was the masquerade ball.
Fancy dresses, glittering masks, and people pretending they’re more elegant than they actually are.
Classic royal stuff.
I stood near the center of the ballroom, letting the slow music swirl around me,
pretending to enjoy it while secretly watching everyone.
Every smile, every glance, every suspicious little whisper.
Then, I felt it—
a hand sliding around my waist.
A smirk tugged at my lips, and I turned with a slow, knowing smile,
fully expecting to find Kai
