*Chapter Three: Whispers and Warnings*
The candlelight flickered across the letter on her writing desk, casting jagged shadows like claws stretching across parchment. Maya's fingers hovered over the cryptic note one more time—*"We know you're not her. Careful, little imposter."* The words still clung to her chest like frost.
She had read enough novels in her time to know what this meant. She wasn't just in danger—she was being watched.
But by who?
Not even 72 hours had passed since she had awakened in Seraphina's body, yet she was already making waves. First with Prince Alaric, then with Evelyne, and now… whoever had penned this anonymous threat. She expected resistance, suspicion even, but this? This was precise. Someone wasn't just guessing. Someone *knew*.
A knock pulled her from her thoughts.
"Enter," she said, schooling her voice into calm.
Talia entered quietly, carrying a silver tray of pastries and fruit. "You missed the evening meal, milady. I thought you might like something light."
Maya smiled faintly. "You're too thoughtful. Thank you."As Talia turned to leave, Maya spoke again. "Did anyone… unusual try to access the servants' quarters today?"
Talia's eyes flicked to the note on the desk before returning to Maya's. "No one I noticed. But there's been… more movement in the west wing. The guards whisper about it."
"Keep listening," Maya said gently. "But be careful."
Talia hesitated, then gave a nod. "Always."
Once alone again, Maya folded the note and tucked it beneath a loose floorboard she had found earlier. If anyone came searching, they wouldn't find it easily. Then she stood and paced to the mirror, her mind racing.
She needed allies. Not just obedient staff or familiar names—*real allies*. People who knew this world but weren't deeply tied to the original Seraphina's enemies.
She needed to make her first move.
***
The next morning, Maya walked through the palace corridors with a purpose that startled the footmen. Her gown was softer today—cream silk trimmed with sky blue. Innocent. Unthreatening. But her eyes held iron.
She made her way toward the archives—a place Seraphina had never cared for, but Maya knew was a treasure trove of information. The guards at the door blinked in confusion at her appearance.
"Lady Seraphina?" one of them asked."I've recently taken a liking to history," Maya said smoothly. "Would you deny a lady an intellectual awakening?"
They scrambled aside.
Inside, dust motes floated through columns of morning light. Rows of ancient scrolls and bound tomes lined high wooden shelves. Maya walked slowly, running her fingers over worn leather spines, until she reached the section on noble lineages and court politics.
She needed to refresh her memory on who Seraphina had made enemies with—and who might still be swayed.
"Did the wind bring a ghost today?" came a voice behind her.
Maya turned.
A young man leaned against a bookshelf, arms crossed, a wry smile playing on his lips. He wore scholar's robes, but not the stiff official kind. His were open, relaxed. His brown curls were tousled, his spectacles slightly askew.
"Apologies," he added. "But Lady Seraphina hasn't set foot in the archives since she was fifteen. I assumed I'd imagined you."
Maya tilted her head, curious. "And you are?"
"Cassian Virel," he said, pushing off the shelf and offering a slight bow. "Royal archivist. Well, assistant archivist. Technically, I fetch tea and get blamed for misplaced documents."
Maya smiled. "And yet you still have the nerve to greet a highborn lady with sarcasm."Cassian's grin widened. "I find sarcasm disarms danger. And rumor says Lady Seraphina *is* dangerous."
"Rumors often carry truth," she replied. "But they never carry the whole of it."
Cassian's gaze sharpened slightly. "Well said."
Maya sensed something in him—a quiet intelligence, maybe even curiosity. He wasn't noble, which meant he had no political stake. That made him useful.
"I'm seeking records," she said, "on the northern provinces. Trade routes, power shifts, names. Especially those who've recently changed allegiance."
Cassian raised an eyebrow. "Planning a rebellion?"
She laughed softly. "Would you tell anyone if I were?"
He didn't answer right away. Then: "No."
Maya exhaled slowly. She had found her first ally.
***
Later that day, she walked the palace gardens, letting herself be seen. It was deliberate. The courtiers needed to wonder what she was planning—and Maya needed them distracted. If they were talking, they weren't spying. At least not as obviously.
Evelyne's voice stopped her near the rose terrace.
"Still playing the misunderstood noblewoman, cousin?"
Maya turned. Evelyne stood beneath a rose arch, her expression a mix of amusement and irritation.
"Why change a game I'm winning?" Maya replied lightly.Evelyne took a step closer. "The Truce Act. You plan to support it?"
"I plan to do what's best for the realm," Maya answered.
"And you think aligning with Alaric will save you?" Evelyne's voice dropped. "You've made enemies, Seraphina. Old ones… and new."
Maya's heart skipped. Was Evelyne the one who'd sent the note?
"If you have something to say," Maya said coolly, "say it."
Evelyne's smile was poisonous. "Just… be careful where you step. Some paths lead to ruin. Even for snakes like us."
Then she walked away, her heels sharp against the stone.
Maya stood very still, hands folded. She didn't let the anger or fear rise to her face. Instead, she memorized that warning.
Because buried within Evelyne's venom was the truth.
Someone was hunting her.
And Evelyne had just confirmed it.