Ivy's POV
The nightmare felt so real. I was running through dark corridors, someone chasing me, but I couldn't see who. My heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst from my chest. Then suddenly, everything went black and I was falling, falling, falling—
"My lady! My lady, wake up!"
The banging on my door jolted me awake. I sat up in bed, my nightgown soaked with sweat, my hands shaking. The knocking continued, urgent and loud.
"I'm coming!" I called out, my voice hoarse from sleep.
I stumbled out of bed and grabbed my silk robe, wrapping it tightly around myself. When I opened the door, my personal maid, Pamela stood there, her face flushed and panicked.
"My lady, you've overslept!" she exclaimed, wringing her hands. "The ceremonial event has already started!"
"What?" I blinked at her, still trying to shake off the remnants of my nightmare. "What time is it?"
"Nearly noon, my lady! Everyone is already in the great hall. Your father has been asking for you!"
Panic shot through me like lightning. "Oh no, oh no, oh no!" I rushed back into my room, Pamela following close behind. "Why didn't you wake me earlier?"
"I tried, my lady, but you were sleeping so deeply. I knocked several times this morning, but you didn't respond."
That's right. I remembered now. I'd spent most of the night tossing and turning, my mind racing with thoughts about yesterday's encounter. The spy from the North – why had he come back? What did he want with me? Every time I closed my eyes, I saw his face, heard his cryptic words. It wasn't until the early hours of morning that exhaustion finally claimed me.
"Help me get dressed, quickly!" I said, pulling off my robe.
She rushed to my wardrobe and pulled out my ceremonial dress – a beautiful emerald green gown with gold embroidery. "This one, my lady?"
"Yes, perfect." I stepped into the dress while Pamela fastened the back. "My hair – just braid it quickly. We don't have time for anything elaborate."
"Of course, my lady." Pamela's fingers worked expertly, weaving my long brown hair into a simple but elegant braid.
As she worked, my mind kept drifting back to last night.
"There, my lady. You look beautiful."
I glanced in the mirror quickly. The dress fit perfectly, and despite my rushed preparation, I looked presentable. "Thank you, Pamela. I'll see you later."
I hurried through the castle corridors, my heels clicking against the stone floors. The sound of music and laughter grew louder as I approached the great hall. When I pushed open the heavy doors, I was almost blinded by the sight before me.
The hall was absolutely magnificent. Colorful banners hung from the ceiling, flowers decorated every table, and hundreds of candles cast a warm, golden glow over everything. The annual harvest celebration was one of our kingdom's most important events, and it showed.
I scanned the crowd, looking for familiar faces. Nobles from neighboring kingdoms mingled with our own court members, everyone dressed in their finest clothes. But there was one face I was specifically looking for.
"Where's Kade?" I wondered aloud.
I made my way through the crowd, nodding and smiling at various guests who greeted me. Finally, I decided to check his chambers. Maybe he was still getting ready.
I knocked on his door softly. "Kade? Are you in there?"
"Come in," came his muffled voice.
I opened the door to find him standing in front of his mirror, adjusting his formal jacket. He looked pale, and there were dark circles under his eyes.
"Are you feeling better today?" I asked, walking over to him.
He nodded, but I could tell he was still not completely well. "Much better, thank you. Just tired."
"You don't have to attend if you're not up to it," I said gently. "I'm sure your Father would understand."
"No, I need to be there. It's important." He straightened his shoulders and turned to face me. "Besides, I can't let you face all those boring nobles alone."
I laughed despite my worry. "How thoughtful of you."
"Shall we?" He offered me his arm.
"Let's go."
We walked back to the great hall together. The celebration was in full swing now – musicians played lively tunes while couples danced, and the smell of delicious food filled the air.
"Your Highnesses!" A courtier approached us with a bow. "Your father has been looking for you."
"We'll find him shortly," Kade replied. "Thank you."
We made our way to the high table where the King sat with several important guests. He smiled when he saw us approaching.
"Ah, there you are, my children. I was beginning to worry."
"Excuse me, my King," I said, taking my seat beside him. "I overslept."
"No matter. You're here now, and that's what counts."
The celebration continued around us. I tried to enjoy myself, but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.
Then it was time for the feast. Servants began bringing out platters of food – roasted meats, fresh bread, vegetables, and all sorts of delicacies. My stomach rumbled, reminding me that I hadn't eaten anything since yesterday evening.
I was reaching for a piece of bread when I saw him.
Darius.
He was sitting at one of the guest tables, looking perfectly at ease as if he belonged there. Our eyes met across the room, and I felt my blood turn to ice.
What was he doing here?
I froze completely, my hand still reaching for the bread. Dread began sinking into every part of my system like poison spreading through my veins. This couldn't be a coincidence. Not after yesterday's encounter with the spy.
"Ivy? Are you alright?" Kade's voice seemed to come from far away.
I blinked and realized I'd been staring at Darius for several long moments. I quickly looked away, my heart pounding.
"I'm fine," I whispered, but I wasn't fine at all.
Just then, a servant approached our table carrying a large tray of food. But something was wrong. I'd never seen this maid before – she was young, maybe my age, with short blonde hair and nervous eyes.
She placed a bowl in front of Kade, then moved on to serve me. But as she set my bowl down, I noticed something strange. Kade's meal looked different from mine. The sauce was a slightly different color, and there were herbs sprinkled on top that weren't on my dish or the guest's beside me.
My mind raced. Darius's presence. The strange maid. The different-looking food.
Everyone around us began eating, chatting and laughing as they enjoyed the feast. Kade picked up his spoon and was about to take his first bite when everything clicked into place.
"No!" I shouted, slapping his hand away so hard that the spoon flew across the table.
The entire hall fell silent. Everyone stared at us in shock.
I jumped up from my chair and grabbed the speaking horn from the announcer's table nearby.
"The Prince's meal has been poisoned!" I announced, my voice echoing through the suddenly quiet hall.