Breakfast is a tense affair. Lady Thorn is her usual kind self, but the princess is cold and distant, her eyes never leaving me for long. Vergo tries to catch my eye, giving me small, encouraging smiles, but I can't help but feel trapped. The food sits heavily in my stomach, and I can't eat much. The princess clears her throat, and everyone turns to her expectantly. "Duna, I trust you have something productive planned for today?" she says, her voice cold." Yes, I'm going to spend it in the library," I answer back calmly. I don't want to give her any reason to change her mind about my day off. I turn to Vergo "would you like to join me?" I ask my expression staying the same. "Oh, that's a lovely idea!" Lady Thorn chimes in, her voice light and warm. "I'm sure Vergo would appreciate the company. It's been a while since we've had a proper bookworm in the library." The princess's face darkens at this, but she says nothing. "Yes, that would be lovely," Vergo says, her voice a little uncertain. "Thank you, Duna." She glances at Lady Thorn for a moment, then back at me. I pick up my dishes moving them to the counter, then head to the library with Vergo behind me. The library is quiet and serene, the scent of old books and parchment filling the air. I lead Vergo to a cozy corner where we can spread out and study in peace. I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing thoughts. "I'm sorry about everything, Vergo," I say softly. "I didn't want to get you into trouble." She waves my apology away. "It's not your fault. We're both slaves here, and we both know the risks we take. But thank you for trying to help me, Duna." Her words are comforting, but they don't change the fact that we're still in this precarious position. "Well, the princess seems to only have it out for me, for some reason. If somethin happens with you let me know. I'll have your back" I smile back at her, trying to reassure her. 

I sit down in the chair, after picking up a book I already started reading before. "Vergo, what you like to do? We can both read or play chess it's up to you." I smile back at her. "Hmm...I'm not very good at chess, but I'd like to learn," she says, perusing the shelves. "And I don't mind reading, but I'd rather listen to someone else read to me." She blushes slightly, and I can't help but feel a pang of pity for her. "Well, if you'd like, I could read to you. I'm not great at voices, but I can try." She smiles gratefully. "That would be lovely, Duna. Thank you." I settle back in my chair, opening the book I was reading earlier. As I begin to read aloud, I can feel the tension easing out of my shoulders. It feels good to be able to help Vergo in some small way. The words of the story wash over us, and for a moment, it's almost possible to forget where we are.Suddenly, screaming is heard coming form outside the castle's front door.Lady Thorn, Duna Vergo, and the princess rush out to see what's happening. They find a group of guards surrounding a mob of merchants."My lady." One of the guards turns around addressing the queen. "We have this handled it's just a mob." "I can see that," the queen responds, her tone cool. "But I want to know what this is about." She glances at Duna and Vergo. "Both of you, stay back a moment. You are not to interfere unless I give the order." They both nod, their faces solemn. The queen steps forward, her posture commanding attention. The guards part, allowing her to approach the mob. She raises her voice, speaking to the crowd. "I demand to know what you think you're doing! This is the High Lord's castle, and you will not defile it with your presence!" One of the merchants screams back at lady thorn, "You Royals have been stealing our goods!" "That's a lie!" another guard shouts back. "The High Lord has always been fair to merchants!" Lady Thorn narrows her eyes at the accusation. "Very well, then. If anyone has proof of these allegations, bring it forward. We shall investigate immediately." She pauses, her gaze sweeping over the crowd. "But until then, you will all disperse and return to your businesses. This is the High Lord's castle, and you will not defile it with your petty squabbles."Suddenly a voice comes out from high up, "I have proof my dear. "Lady Thorn turns around, her face contorting into a mask of fury. There, sitting on the window to alden's room is Marik. Marik pulls out some goods lifting them in the air. "Do these look familiar? He askes with a grin addressing the mob. Lady Thorn narrows her eyes at Marik, her heart sinking. She knows that these goods belong to the castle, and that Marik has just destroyed any chance of proving their innocence. The guards look at each other, confusion written on their faces. Princess , Stephanie however, seems to regain her composure, stepping forward and pointing a shaking finger at Duna and Vergo."They did it! They stole our goods and blamed us for it!" she cries. "Those two traitors!" The mob, emboldened by Stephanie's accusation, surges forward, their angry cries drowning out all other sound. The guards, uncertain of what to do, struggle to maintain order as the situation rapidly spirals out of control." Oh, this is getting good." Marik smirks, pulling an apple kicking his feet up in the window, watching as with a amused look. Lady Thorn's face flushes with anger as she sees Marik taunting them from above. "You insolent boy! Guards, bring him down at once!" she shouts. The guards exchange glances before one finally steps forward, unsure of how to approach the situation. Marik only laughs, seeming to enjoy the chaos he's created. Marik disappears from the window, as the guards storm in, heading straight for Aldens room." Wait!" Lady Thorn shouts, realizing what they're doing. "He's just a boy! He can't have done this on his own." The guards hesitate, looking at each other uncertainly. "Just a boy?" Marik remarks as the guards head back inside opening the kitchen door from the slave quarters. "Well, you're right about one thing wrong abou the other." Mairk remarks as he stands on other side the kitchen smirking at them, then closes the door disappearing into the hallway. The guards, confused and angry, follow the sound of running footsteps down the hallway. They find Marik, his grin still wide, leaning against the wall. "Oh no, you got me." He says, feigning innocence. Suddenly, four cloaked individuals with hoods drop down from the ceiling, landing surrounding the guards."I brought my boys this time, I hope you don't mind the extra company" Marik grins back at the guards taking out his weapon, a small golden dagger. Lady Thorn steps forward, her voice firm but calm. "Marik, please. You know better than to cause such trouble." The guards, surprised by her tone, exchange glances but remain where they are. "Put your weapons away, all of you. This doesn't have to end like this." "Give me what's mine, and I'll gladly walk away." Marik says in a confident tone, still smirking. Lady Thorn's expression hardens. "You know that isn't how this works, Marik. You cannot simply take what does not belong to you." She turns to the guards, her voice growing stern. "Take him into custody." Mariks grind widens "Have it your way." Marik and his assassins start to square up with the guards, when suddenly a servant comes running into the room bowing her head. "My lady, the king and your son have returned." Lady Thorn's heart leaps at the news. She turns to the guards. "Wait! Do not engage them. Let's see what the king has to say about all of this." The guards hesitate, exchanging glances. Marik, frowns "Out of time huh?" Marik looks to his assassins, they nod dropping smoke bombs made of glass, then disappear.The king and prince storm into the hallway, their faces etched with anger. "What is the meaning of this commotion?" the king demands. Lady Thorn steps forward, her voice shaking with emotion. "Honey, there's been a bandit, or criminal going around causing trouble he caused a riot just outside the gates and pinned the blame on us. "I see," the king says, his expression growing serious. Alden stares at me. "Duna, come" he commands heading to Lady thorn and king Phyllon's bed room. Lady, Thorn and King Phyllon head into their room to discuss matters As soon as the door closes behind them, Alden turns to Duna with a serious expression. "Duna, I need to know the truth. Did you have anything to do with this?" His voice is firm, but not unkind. Duna looks up at him, her eyes wide with surprise." No, Master." Alden studies her face for a moment, trying to read her expression. Finally, he sighs and sits down on the bed, his expression weary. "I know you're not the type to cause trouble, Duna. And I know Mother would never be involved in anything like this either." He pauses, considering his next words. "I just don't understand who would want to make us look bad like this." "Well, my brother doesn't take things too seriously, all the time. So he might have just did it for fun." I mutter back "Or.." King Phyllon looks at Duna with interest. "Go on, Duna. Tell us what you were about to say." Alden frowns slightly, but remains silent, knowing his father won't be happy if Duna is kept from speaking her mind. "Or.." I mutter back "He's after me" Lady Thorn's eyes widen at Duna's statement, but she doesn't interrupt. "After you?" King Phyllon asks, his voice calm but firm. "What do you mean by that, Duna?" "He's my brother." "I'm aware of that," King Phyllon says, a slight edge to his voice. "But what has that got to do with all of this?" I take a deep breath, steeling myself for their reactions. "Well, while I my village was being burned down, me and Marik lived with my mother. I assumed Marik just died, after I was kidnapped, by clearly he didn't. He's like me, he has nothing to lose, and a care free attitude. Mix, those things together and now you have a very scary individual." The room goes silent for a moment. Alden looks at me with newfound understanding in his eyes. "So this isn't just about us, is it?" he says quietly. "It's about you and your brother as well. "Lady Thorn's face has paled considerably. "Duna," she says, her voice trembling, " "You could be in danger." King Phyllon says, rising to his feet." I'm afraid you're right," he says gravely. "We must take this matter very seriously. Alden, go and speak with Captain Westcott immediately. We'll need to double the guard around the castle and put out a watch for Marik and his men." Alden nods and hurries out of the room. Turning back to Duna, Lady Thorn embraces her tightly. "Oh, Duna, I had no idea. I'm so sorry that you've been through all of this." She pulls back, her eyes filled with concern. "Are you sure you're safe here? Perhaps it would be best if you returned to your village once we've dealt with this situation. "I shake my head. "I can't go back there, Lady Thorn. My village is gone, and I have nowhere else to go. Please, just promise me that you'll keep me safe while I'm here." Lady Thorn nods solemnly, reaching out to take my hand. King Phyllon clears his throat, returning their attention to the matter at hand. "As for Marik, we must find him and bring him to justice. He cannot be allowed to continue causing chaos and putting innocent lives in danger. I will send word to the other kingdoms, offering a substantial reward for information leading to his capture." "Duna, let's go." I nod, following Alden out of the room and down the hallway. The castle is quiet, most of the servants having retired to their chambers for the night. The air is thick with tension, and I can feel the weight of King Phyllon's words pressing down on us. Despite the gravity of the situation, I can't help but marvel at the grandeur of the place. Every inch of the stonework is carved with intricate designs, telling stories of the kingdom's glory and power. On our way back, Stephanie approaches us. "Slave, your breaks over, come and make my bed" She orders staring me down. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. "Yes, Your highness." I reply, my voice steady despite the anger that threatens to boil over. Alden glances between us, a frown creasing his forehead. "Hold it, Duna." Alden commands. Stephanie narrows her eyes at him. "What do you mean, 'hold it'? This slave is mine to command. "Alden, frowns at her. "Wrong, Duna is MY slave if you want a slave get your own. "Stephanie's face flushes with anger, but she steps back, eyes flashing with hatred. "Very well," she says through gritted teeth. "But don't think I'll forget this, Alden." I force myself not to react to her words, keeping my expression neutral. "Come on, Duna," Alden says, offering me his arm. "Let's get you back to your chambers. You must be tired after everything that's happened today. "I take his arm gratefully, glad for his support. As we walk down the hallway, I can't help but wonder what it would be like if I didn't have him to rely on. The thought sends a shiver down my spine. A servant girl scurries past us, head bowed. She glances up at me, fear flashing in her eyes for a moment before she looks away quickly. I wonder what she knows, what she's heard about me. Alden leads me to his room, the door opening with a creak that sounds loud in the silence of the hallway. The room is large and cozy, lit by a single flickering candle. A four-poster bed dominates one wall, its covers turned back invitingly. A dresser stands against another wall, its surface cluttered with various trinkets and knickknacks." Why don't you get changed into something more comfortable," Alden suggests, indicating the bed. "I'll get you something to eat and bring it to you." He turns to go, but then hesitates. "Duna, you can stay here with me, if you'd like. There's room, and I'd feel better knowing you were safe." I nod, "I perfer sleeping in here master." I smile back at him. I change into the clothes I found in his wardrobe, a soft cotton nightgown that hangs to my knees. The fabric feels cool against my skin, and I can't help but feel a sense of peace wash over me as I climb between the sheets. The bed is incredibly comfortable, and I'm asleep within moments.