Back at the palace, I head straight to my sanctuary, the library. If someone is spying on me, this is the first place I need to check.
I move cautiously, scanning the bookshelves, running my fingers under tables, behind the lamp fixtures. Nothing.
But that doesn't mean the threat isn't real.
Later that evening, I find Cassian in his study, reviewing documents. He looks up as I enter.
"Can we talk?" I ask.
He sets his pen down. "Of course."
I sit across from him. "I think we need a private investigator to look into the attack at the palace."
To my surprise, he doesn't hesitate. "I already hired one."
I blink. "You did?"
He nods. "After last night, I couldn't take chances. He'll be looking into the security breach."
A part of me wants to relax, but the doubt still lingers.
Did Cassian do this because he cares? Or is he trying to control the narrative?
I force a smile. "That's… reassuring."
His eyes search mine. "You still don't fully trust me, do you?"
I don't answer. Because right now, I don't know the truth.
That night, as I step into my chambers, I feel it; a shift in the air, a presence that shouldn't be there.
I freeze, scanning the dimly lit room. Everything looks normal… but something feels off.
Then I see it.
My bedside drawer - slightly open. I never leave it that way.
Slowly, I step forward and pull it open fully. My breath catches.
The small notebook where I write my private thoughts, gone.
A chill races down my spine. Someone was in my room. Someone knows.
The moment I see the drawer open, a cold wave of dread crashes over me. My diary is gone.
I stand frozen, my breath hitching. This drawer was locked last night.
My fingers tremble as I yank it open wider, rummaging through the space, hoping, praying that maybe I misplaced it. But deep down, I know the truth. Someone took it.
My heartbeat pounds in my ears. Who could have entered my room? Only Cassian and Esther have access. The guards stand outside; they wouldn't dare step into my chambers unless summoned.
A shiver runs down my spine. Who else had the nerve? And why?
I storm into Cassian's study, my thoughts spiraling into chaos. If someone is playing games with me, I need to be sure it isn't him.
The first drawer, nothing. The second; useless documents. The third, locked.
I pull at it, frustration building. Would Cassian lock my diary away?
I hesitate, then step back. No, this doesn't make sense. If Cassian wanted to read my diary, he wouldn't need to steal it in the dead of night.
I rush back to my room, my hands shaking as I search through Cassian's belongings, his wardrobe, his travel bag, even under his mattress. Nothing.
I sink onto the bed, gripping the sheets.
Someone is trying to shake me. Someone wants to get inside my head.
By the time I join Cassian at breakfast, I feel like I'm barely holding myself together.
"You're quiet this morning," he notes, his sharp gaze locking onto me.
I stab my fork into my food. "Just tired."
Cassian doesn't buy it. "No, this is more than tired. You look… disturbed."
I swallow hard. Should I tell him? Should I confront him?
No. Not yet.
"I'm fine," I lie, keeping my face neutral.
Cassian leans forward. "Celeste, talk to me."
His concern should comfort me, but instead, it unsettles me. If he isn't the one who took my diary, then who did?
"I said I'm fine," I snap, a little too forcefully.
Cassian sighs, his expression unreadable. But he doesn't push further.
I barely make it through breakfast before I slip away, pulling out my phone and dialing Esther.
She picks up immediately. "Your Highness?"
"Esther," I lower my voice. "Did you move my diary?"
A pause. "Your diary?" Her voice is genuinely confused. "No, I never touch your personal things."
I close my eyes. "It's missing."
Another silence. Then, "Missing? But… who could have taken it?"
"I don't know," I whisper, gripping my phone tightly. "But I need you to find out."
Esther's tone hardens. "I'll start investigating immediately."
"Discreetly," I warn. "Whoever took it wants me to be rattled. They can't know I'm searching for it."
"Understood, Your Highness."
I hang up, my grip tightening around my phone.
Whoever took my diary now holds my secrets. And I have no idea what they plan to do with them.
P
I barely have time to recover from the distress of my missing diary when a summons arrives from Queen Morgana. A formal council meeting.
Cassian and I exchange a glance. We both know what this is about.
By the time we enter the grand council chamber, the tension is thick. The Queen sits at the head of the long table, flanked by senior members of the council. Cassian and I take our seats, but the Queen wastes no time.
"This meeting was called for one reason only, security," she announces, her voice like steel. "Never in the history of this palace has there been such a disgraceful breach. An intruder, mere steps away from the Crown Princess's chamber? This is a direct attack on the integrity of the royal house!"
The murmurs around the table are hushed, but I catch a few nods. She's using this to humiliate me.
The Queen's cold eyes land on me. "Crown Princess, your insistence on bringing in new trends and change has led to instability in this palace. Your staff is weak, untrained, and now, we all see the consequences."
I feel my pulse spike. She's blaming my staff? My people?
Before I can speak, she continues, "As per tradition, palace staffing is under the Queen's jurisdiction. It has been for generations. I am officially proposing that all your staff be dismissed and replaced, under my supervision."
A wave of silence falls over the room.
My hands clench into fists under the table. I knew she wanted control, but this? She's trying to strip me of my authority entirely.
I take a slow breath before speaking. "With all due respect, Your Majesty, I will not be cajoled into relinquishing my rights to my own staff."
Her nostrils flare. "Excuse me?"
"If my staff is ineffective, I will deal with it. Not you." My voice is firm, unwavering. "Replacing them isn't a solution. Strengthening security measures is."
Morgana leans forward, her sharp nails tapping against the table. "You are insolent and rude."
I sit up straighter, my eyes burning into hers. "No, Your Majesty. I am simply not your pawn. And you hate me for it."
Gasps ripple through the chamber. The Queen's face darkens with fury. "How dare you?"
The tension is suffocating, and just as Morgana rises from her seat, Cassian finally speaks.
"Enough."
His voice is calm but commanding. "Mother, Celeste has the right to manage her own household. She is my wife, the Crown Princess, and she will not be undermined."
For a moment, Morgana looks stunned. Cassian rarely challenges her so openly.
Lord Edric, one of the oldest and most respected council members, clears his throat. "The Prince is right. The Princess's staff is her responsibility."
Morgana whirls on him, eyes flashing. "Of course you'd take her side, Lord Edric. You've always been too fond of rebels."
Edric lifts an eyebrow. "And you, Your Majesty, have always been too fond of control."
The entire room falls into stunned silence.
The Queen is seething, but she doesn't have a response.
This war isn't over, but for today, I've won this battle.