THE MAIDSERVANT | CALLIOPE'S POV

I stood silently in the corner of the princess's chambers, my sharp eyes taking in every detail of the bustling preparations. The royal ball was a perfect storm of chaos, and I thrived in it. Beneath the guise of a dutiful lady-in-waiting, I was always calculating, always watching. My calm demeanor was my greatest weapon; no one suspected the assassin lurking beneath the polished exterior.

Mrs. Higgins barked orders like a general commanding an army, her voice sharp enough to cut through the din. "Victoria, your presence is necessary in the princess's chambers! NOW!" she snapped. Then her gaze fell on me. "And Calliope, don't just stand there like a dunce! Make yourself useful for once!"

I inclined my head, murmuring a soft, "Yes, Mrs. Higgins," before stepping forward to assist Lia. The head housekeeper’s stress was palpable, but I remained unfazed. I had faced far worse than an overbearing matron.

As I adjusted Lia’s sapphire gown and placed the tiara on her head with practiced precision, my mind was elsewhere. The ball would be a convergence of power players from neighboring kingdoms—a fertile ground for intrigue and danger. I had already memorized the guest list and identified potential threats. Tonight wasn’t just about keeping Lia safe; it was about gathering intelligence and staying one step ahead of anyone who might suspect my true purpose.

When Mrs. Higgins finally left the room, I leaned in close to Lia and whispered, "I'm glad she's gone. Now, let's have some fun." My tone was light, playful even, but my words were calculated to ease Lia’s nerves. I love a good game of high stakes chess.

Lia giggled nervously. “But we have to be good at the ball.”

I smiled mischievously. “We can be good and have fun too,” I said smoothly. “Let’s go show everyone how brave and kind you are.” It wasn’t just encouragement; it was strategy. A confident princess would draw admiration rather than scrutiny.

As we descended into the ballroom together, my senses sharpened. The chandeliers glittered above like stars, but I noted every shadowed corner and every unfamiliar face in the crowd. I kept close to Lia, always within arm’s reach, my posture relaxed but ready.

The evening unfolded as expected: introductions, polite conversation, and endless formalities. I played my part flawlessly, offering subtle reassurances to Lia and interjecting with charming remarks when needed. I even managed to make Lord Alden laugh—a calculated move to keep his attention on Lia rather than probing too deeply into my own background.

When Lia hesitated during dinner conversation, I stepped in with ease. "Her Highness is quite the adventurer," I said with a warm smile that belied the steel beneath it. "She loves exploring the gardens and discovering hidden paths." It was a harmless embellishment that painted Lia as approachable yet regal—a delicate balance that served both our purposes.

As the evening wore on and Lia took to the dance floor with Lord Alden, I positioned myself near a group of visiting dignitaries. I listened intently to their conversations while appearing engrossed in idle chatter with another lady-in-waiting. Every snippet of information—every name mentioned or alliance hinted at—was filed away for later analysis.

By the time dessert arrived, I had mapped out potential alliances and rivalries among the guests while ensuring that Lia felt supported and at ease. When the king proposed a toast to unity among kingdoms, I raised my glass alongside everyone else but kept my gaze sweeping over the crowd for any signs of dissent or danger.

Later that night, as I helped Lia prepare for bed, I allowed myself a moment of quiet satisfaction. The evening had gone smoothly—no threats had materialized—but I knew better than to let my guard down.

“Goodnight, Lady Lia, ” I replied softly before slipping out of the room.

“Goodnight.” Lia murmured sleepily as I tucked her in.

“Farewell” I replied softly before slipping out of the room.

Once alone in the dimly lit corridor, my demeanor shifted subtly. The warmth I had shown Lia faded into something colder, more calculating. I moved silently through the palace halls toward my quarters but paused briefly at a window overlooking the darkened gardens below.

The ball might have ended without incident tonight, but I knew this was only one chapter in a much larger game—a game where every move mattered and every misstep could mean death. For now, I would remain hidden in plain sight—a shadow among royalty—until it was time to strike.