Night had draped the land in darkness, carrying a gentle drowsiness on its invisible wings. Even the usually bustling royal palace had fallen silent. It seemed the perfect time to discuss secrets. On an ornate, gilded candlestick, a single candle burned dimly, casting faint light across a spacious study where the figures of two men stood out. One of them sat in a wide armchair behind a massive wooden desk, leisurely savoring red wine from a clear glass.
“So, the king is dead. We can’t let this opportunity slip through our fingers. We must seize power while we have the chance.”
The other man, clearly younger than his companion, sat on a soft couch near an unlit fireplace, which had been meticulously cleaned, leaving almost no trace of ash. In a hushed, conspiratorial tone, he asked:
“What do you suggest? A coup?”
“Not so drastic,” the older, more calculated man replied, shaking his head at the young man’s fervor. “We need to act with caution and cunning. The princess is our key to power. She’s young and inexperienced. You’ll marry her and become her regent. That’s practically unlimited power in your hands—and, by extension, in mine.”
The young man, unable to bear the weight of the conversation, stood up and began pacing the room with slow, deliberate steps. This future wasn’t exactly what he’d envisioned. Sure, he dreamed of becoming king, but the idea of a queen coming as part of the package didn’t thrill him. He was drawn to submissive, shy, and sweet girls—traits the princess most certainly did not possess. After mulling over the proposal, which was more of a command, he stopped by the desk and looked into his companion’s slightly weathered face.
“Why would Arabella ever marry me? We’ve got a complicated history, and as far as I remember, she’s already engaged.”
The older man waved a hand dismissively, as if no obstacle could deter him from his goal.
“I’ll take care of the fiancé. The engagement will be broken off. If she wants to rule, she’ll have no choice but to marry. And that’s where you come in. At first, don’t show any interest in her. Then, little by little, offer small gestures of attention. Eventually, confess that you’ve unexpectedly fallen for her. I don’t think convincing an innocent girl of your sincerity will be too hard for you.”
In truth, he was already confident in his victory and the perfection of his devious plan. But sometimes fate has a way of throwing in its own twists, and only time would tell if this was one of those moments.