The halls of the palace had grown quieter over the years-not because there was less activity but because we had all grown accustomed to its rhythms. At fourteen years old, Lia had blossomed into a poised young woman who carried herself with grace beyond her years. Her engagement to Nathan was now less a distant promise and more an imminent reality as their wedding loomed on the horizon.

As for me? I had become an even more integral part of her life-a constant presence at her side through every triumph and trial. But beneath the surface of my calm exterior, the storm within me raged on.

The doubts that had begun to take root years ago had only grown stronger with time. Every moment spent with her-every laugh shared and every tear wiped away-made it harder to reconcile the girl she was with the target she represented.

And yet... I couldn't bring myself to walk away from my mission entirely. The shadow of my orders loomed over me like a specter-a reminder that failure wasn't an option.

One evening, as we sat together in her chambers reviewing plans for the upcoming wedding ceremony, she turned to me suddenly with an uncharacteristically serious expression.

"Calliope," Ophelia began hesitantly, "do you ever think about what life will be like after... after everything changes?"

I frowned slightly but didn't reply immediately. Instead, I studied her face-the faint lines of worry etched into her brow and the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes.

"Sometimes," I admitted finally.

She nodded thoughtfully before continuing softly: "Do you think we'll still be friends?"

Her question struck me like a dagger to the heart-not because of its simplicity but because of its weight.

"Of course," I said firmly, forcing myself to meet her gaze with unwavering resolve.

But even as I spoke those words aloud... deep down inside me lingered one haunting question: Could I truly keep that promise when everything else demanded otherwise?

Four years had passed since Nathaniel's apology in the gardens, and the world around us had shifted in ways both subtle and profound. At fourteen, Lia was no longer the nervous child who had stumbled through royal balls and struggled under the weight of her title. She had grown into a young woman of remarkable grace and quiet strength-a princess who commanded respect without demanding it.

Nathaniel, now sixteen, had matured as well. His sharp edges had softened slightly, though his calculating gaze remained ever-present. He was no longer just the boy who danced with Lia at that fateful ball; he was her future husband, her political ally, and-perhaps most importantly-her friend. Their bond had deepened over the years, forged through shared experiences and mutual understanding of issues only royalty would comprehend.

And me? I remained by Lia's side, as I always had. But the girl I once was-the assassin who hid behind a mask of servitude-felt like a distant memory. My mission still loomed over me like a shadow, but the doubts that had taken root years ago had grown into something far more consuming.

The palace was alive with activity as preparations for Lia and Nathan's wedding reached their peak. Servants bustled through the halls carrying flowers, fabrics, and endless lists of tasks. The air buzzed with anticipation, but for me, it felt suffocating.

I stood silently in Lia's chambers, watching as she tried on yet another gown. The dress was exquisite-a masterpiece of ivory silk and gold embroidery that shimmered like sunlight-but Lia's expression was thoughtful rather than joyful.

"What do you think, Calliope?" she asked softly, turning to face me.

I studied her for a moment before replying honestly. "You look beautiful."

She smiled faintly but didn't reply immediately. Instead, she turned back to the mirror and adjusted the delicate tiara perched atop her head.

"Do you think... do you think I'll be happy?" she asked hesitantly.

The question caught me off guard-not because it was unexpected but because it struck at the heart of my own doubts.

"I think happiness is something we make for ourselves," I said carefully. "And you're stronger than you realize."

She nodded thoughtfully but still seemed troubled. As I stepped forward to help her adjust the gown's train, she reached out suddenly and took my hand in hers.

"Calliope," she said urgently, "promise me you'll stay with me-no matter what."

Her words felt sharper than the dagger pressed along my thigh. How could I promise something so fragile when my mission demanded otherwise? And yet... how could I not?

"I promise," I said finally, forcing myself to meet her gaze with unwavering resolve.

As the wedding day approached, my doubts reached a fever pitch. Every moment spent with Lia-every laugh shared and every tear wiped away-made it harder to reconcile the girl she was with the target she represented.

I had been trained to kill without hesitation-to see my targets as obstacles rather than people. But Ophelia wasn't just another target; she was someone who had shown me kindness when no one else had cared to look beyond my mask.

And Nathaniel? He wasn't just her fiancé; he was someone who understood the weight of responsibility in ways few others could. Despite his calculating nature, there was a sincerity in his actions that made him impossible to dismiss entirely.

The lines between duty and loyalty had blurred beyond recognition, leaving me stranded in a sea of uncertainty.

One evening, as we sat together in Ophelia's chambers reviewing final plans for the wedding ceremony, Nathaniel joined us unexpectedly. He entered with his usual composure but paused briefly when he saw me sitting beside Lia.

"Calliope," he said evenly, inclining his head slightly in acknowledgment before turning to Lia. "I hope I'm not interrupting."

"Not at all," she replied warmly, gesturing for him to sit with us.

As we discussed seating arrangements and ceremonial traditions, I found myself watching Nathaniel closely-not out of suspicion but out of curiosity. He had grown into his role as prince with remarkable ease, yet there were moments when his youth still shone through-a fleeting smile or an unguarded laugh that reminded me he wasn't so different from us after all.

When our conversation turned to lighter topics-favorite childhood memories and amusing anecdotes-I saw something unexpected: genuine affection between my Lia and Nathan. It wasn't romantic love-not yet-but it was something real nonetheless.

And for the first time in years... I wondered if perhaps this union wasn't just politics after all.

Later that night, as I lay awake in bed staring at the ceiling, one thought consumed me: Could I truly go through with my mission?

The answer seemed further away than ever before.

Because somewhere along the way... protecting Lia had become more than just duty-it had become personal.

And now? Now it felt like my entire world was hanging by a thread-one that could snap at any moment if I made the wrong move.