Liora sat stiffly on the edge of a low bed hours later, the soft rustle of her borrowed silk robes the only sound in the candlelit chamber.
She was alone, but not truly. Two palace maids stood by the door, watching her with the wary expressions of people who knew they'd be punished if she stepped out of line.
No survival skills, she thought bitterly, hands clenched in her lap. I can't fight, I don't know the customs here, and one wrong word could get me killed.
The System was silent. Of course it was.
The Crown Prince's earlier words rang in her ears: One night. If you lie to me, you will not live to see morning.
A soft knock sounded on the door. The maids stiffened as the guard from earlier stepped in, his face as unreadable as the Prince's. "His Highness will see you now," he said curtly.
Liora rose on unsteady legs and followed him through winding palace corridors, the floor so polished it reflected the flickering lamplight. Her heart thudded faster with every step.
She was led into a vast chamber lined with floor to ceiling windows, the night sky beyond awash in moonlight. The Crown Prince stood at the center of the room, a solitary figure in dark robes, his hands clasped behind his back.
"Your Highness," she managed, bowing as gracefully as she could.
He didn't turn to face her. "You claim you can help me," he said softly. "Prove it."
Liora hesitated. "I… I can make a herbal tea that will ease your stress. It won't cure everything, but"
"You will not touch me."
The cold interruption made her flinch. "I wasn't going to," she said quickly. "I can prepare it myself. If you'll allow me access to a kitchen."
He finally turned then, and the weight of his gaze pinned her in place. He was even more striking up close, but there was no warmth in those eyes only an exhaustion so deeply buried it almost hurt to look at.
"You think you can succeed where others failed?"
Liora swallowed. "I think… I can at least try."
A faint smirk touched his lips, but it didn't reach his eyes. "Very well. You have until dawn." He gestured for a servant. "See that she has what she needs."
The kitchens were bustling with activity even at night. Liora scanned the shelves quickly, mentally piecing together the scraps of information she remembered about natural remedies.
Chamomile. Ginger. Honey if they have it…
She worked as quickly as her shaking hands allowed, trying not to think about what would happen if the tea didn't work. She was certain the Crown Prince wasn't bluffing about killing her.
When she returned to his chambers, he was seated at a long table, a single candle burning between them. She placed the steaming cup in front of him with both hands and stepped back.
Liora watched as he lifted the cup, inhaling its faint floral scent before taking a measured sip. For a moment, nothing happened. Then he set the cup down, regarding her with that same unreadable expression.
"It's… adequate," he said at last.
She let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "It should help you sleep," she murmured.
"Sleep is not my concern." He rose gracefully from the table, the candlelight casting sharp shadows across his face. "My concern is whether you are useful… or expendable."
The words made her stomach twist. "I can be useful," she said quickly, forcing herself to meet his gaze. "I just… need the chance to prove it."
He stepped closer, and she fought the urge to retreat. "Then prove it, courtesan," he said softly, voice like a blade sliding free from its sheath. "Survive this palace until morning. If you can."
Liora stared up at him, heart hammering. "Until morning?
The faintest glimmer of amusement lit his eyes. "You will find the palace full of… challenges. Spies, rivals, assassins.
"Assassins?" she echoed in a strangled whisper.
He leaned down just enough for his breath to brush her ear. "Consider it a test," he murmured. "Fail, and your body will be disposed of quietly."
Then he stepped away, leaving her trembling in the candlelight.
I'm so screwed, she thought.
[Mission Update: Survive the night in the Royal Palace]
Liora clenched her fists. I have no skills. No weapons. Just my brain.
And somehow, she had to survive until dawn.