The ship cut through the final stretch of dark water as dawn approached.
The Crown Palace was still far ahead, hidden behind mist and rising cliffs, but its presence already felt heavy—like something watching from beyond the horizon.
Jasmina stood at the bow.
Finn was, unsurprisingly, still talking.
“I think I should get a special title,” he said.
“Something like ‘Royal Emotional Support Asset.'”
“You are not an asset,” Kael replied.
“Harsh,” Finn said.
Lyra crossed her arms.
“Quiet. We’re approaching the docks.”
The ship slowed.
Massive stone structures rose from the water like sleeping giants.
Crown docks stretched wide, guarded by armored soldiers and robed officials.
A horn sounded.
“Prepare for disembarkation!”
The group moved with the others as the ship anchored.
But as they stepped onto the docks, the atmosphere changed.
Tension.
Immediate.
A man stood waiting at the top of the steps.
Royal advisor of the Crown.
His gaze swept over every arriving candidate.
Cold.
Measuring.
Dangerous.
“You are late,” he said to no one in particular.
No one answered.
He stepped forward slowly.
“Some among you believe this is a game.”
Silence.
“That belief will not survive the palace.”
His eyes narrowed.
“We have already eliminated several unauthorized operatives from other factions attempting infiltration.”
A ripple of fear spread through the group.
Jasmina’s stomach tightened.
Eliminated.
The word wasn’t soft.
It was final. Find the original chapter at g.com.
The advisor continued.
“Let this be your warning. You are here under Crown authority only. Any betrayal will be answered immediately.”
Finn whispered under his breath, “I miss when missions involved less emotional damage.”
Lyra shot him a look.
“Stop talking.”
“For once,” he muttered, “I agree with you.”
The advisor turned sharply.
“Move.”
The group was escorted upward from the docks toward the palace gates.
Massive doors loomed ahead.
Beyond them lay the Crown Palace.
And inside it…
The life of a maid.
The life of a spy.
And the beginning of Jasmina’s path toward King Adrian Ashwolf.
The doors opened.
And they stepped inside.