Arabella peered around the corner. The hallway was cold and dark. Very different from the bright, warm, sun-lit hallway she had just come from. She walked slowly. Her subconscious knew this was wrong. Hell, SHE knew this was wrong.

Her head whipped around. She felt like she was being watched.

“Is someone there?” She tried to sound strong and confident but, try as she might, there was obvious fear in her voice. “Hello?” Again, there was no response.

She kept walking just as cautious but now in more of a hurry to get to the end of the hall. The door she saw Ardyn and King Rutledge slip through mere moments ago.

As often as she had been in the castle, she had never been here before. Even still, there was a sense of familiarity. Like she had been here before.

As she reached the end of the hall, she leaned into the door trying to hear anything on the other side.

Silence.

Nothing could be heard. Almost like there was non one on the other side of the large brown door.

Before she could think, she heard murmurs coming from down the hall. Ara flipped around to see the King and his private officer walking towards her. They were speaking in hushed tones almost power walking in her direction. Oblivious to her presence, Ara took the opportunity to rush towards them.

“King Leon. I need to speak to you. I have reason to believe Prince Ardyn and Kind Rutledge are planning something.” She spoke softly hoping only King Leon could hear her.

The King paused before bursting into laughter. Arabella took a step back with a puzzled look on her face.

How could he be laughing? Something is fishy with the Rutledge family.

“I would hope so, Lady Arabella.” He paused smiling. “They do have a wedding to plan.”

“No, I-“Ara started before King Leon raised his hand.

“Ara,” he started, placing his hands on her shoulders. “Please. There is nothing to worry about. Now, Milo here,” he motioned to his private officer, “will take you back to your room. If you’re worried, we will post a guard to your side.”

Ara sighed as she looked at the ground. “Yes, Your Highness.” And with that, Milo pulled her away.

Back where I came from,

Away from the cold dark hallway,

Into the bright, warm, sun-lit hallway.