The First Rumor

Mira’s POV

By the next morning, I knew something had changed. People stared at me as I walked past them. Not the curious kind of staring I had experienced when I first arrived at the Lavender Palace. This was different. Whispers followed me everywhere. I heard them in the corridors. In the dining hall. Even in the gardens.

“She is the reason his headaches stop.”

“I heard the Prince summoned her to his chambers yesterday.”

“She must have cast a spell on him.”

“A common wolf couldn't possibly have such an effect on a Lycan.”

“She is probably a witch.”

I stopped walking. My heart pounded. A witch? Me? I had never even seen a real witch in my life. I turned toward the two palace servants whispering behind me. The moment they noticed me, they became silent.

One bowed quickly. “My lady.” 

I continued walking. My hands curled into fists. I shouldn't have cared. I was used to people saying cruel things about me. Back in Redwood, people called me a traitor's daughter. A slave. A murderer. But hearing the same kind of accusations inside the Lycan Palace hurt differently. Perhaps because I had started believing I was finally safe.

I entered the library. I needed somewhere quiet. But even there, I couldn't escape the whispers. I walked between the shelves and picked up a book. Before I could open it, I noticed a large portrait hanging on the opposite wall. It showed Prince Perry standing beside another young lady. She was smiling. Prince Perry wasn't. But they were standing close together. I stared at the portrait. I have heard her name several times. Kieran. Prince Perry's childhood friend.

I walked closer. The portrait was beautifully painted. Kieran had dark blond hair and a confident smile. Prince Perry stood beside her in his usual stern expression, one hand resting on the hilt of a ceremonial sword. Underneath the portrait were engraved words. Prince Perry Richard and Lady Kieran Tyler — Childhood Companions. I stared at it. 

“Lady Kieran.” A maid's voice came from behind me.

I turned. She was carrying a pile of folded clothes.

“You know her?”

She immediately looked nervous. “Everyone knows Lady Kieran.”

“What is she like?”

The maid glanced at the portrait. “She has always been close to the Prince.”

“How close?”

She hesitated. “Very close.”

I looked at the portrait again. “Where is she now?”

“She has been away for some time.” She revealed. 

“Why?” I went on to ask. 

“I don't know.” The maid lowered her head. “I'm sorry, my lady.” She hurried away while I remained staring at the portrait. I didn't know why I suddenly felt uncomfortable. Maybe because Kieran seemed to be everywhere. There were portraits of her in the library. Another one hung near the royal staircase. I had even seen a smaller painting of her in the hallway leading toward Prince Perry's private study. It was as if she had once been an important part of this palace.

And perhaps she still was. I closed the book I had picked up. I needed to leave. As I walked through the corridor, the whispers started again. This time, they were louder.

“She is walking around as if she owns the palace.”

“She probably thinks being close to the Prince makes her untouchable.”

“Perhaps she bewitched him.”

“Maybe that is why he hasn't sent her away.”

I kept walking. Then someone stepped directly into my path. A noblewoman. She was dressed in an elegant silver gown, with several jewels around her neck.

She looked me over from head to toe. “So this is the girl.”

I lowered my eyes. “Good morning.”

She laughed. “You actually think you're important now?”

I said nothing. She stepped closer. “What did you do to Prince Perry?”

I raised my head up. “I don't understand.”

“Don't pretend.” Her voice became louder. “Everyone knows the Prince has been suffering from a strange curse for years. Then you arrive, and suddenly his symptoms disappear whenever you're near him.”

The surrounding nobles began watching and it made my stomach tightened. “I haven't done anything to him.” I said, truthfully. 

“Then explain it.”

I shook my head. “I can't.”

She threw her hands up. “Of course you can't.” Then, she smiled coldly. “You are probably using dark magic.”

I looked at her. “I am not a witch.”

She took a step. “Then perhaps you're lying.”

“I have no reason to lie.”

She scoffed. “Girls like you always have a reason.”

My face burned. I wanted to walk away but she was quick to grab my wrist. “You need to understand something. You are not one of us.”

Before I could respond, a deep voice came from behind her. 

“Remove your hand.” 

Everyone went silent. The noblewoman froze and I knew who had the voice. Prince Perry. She immediately released me. 

He stood at the end of the corridor. His expression was cold. His eyes were fixed on the woman. The entire hallway seemed to become colder.

She bowed quickly. “Your Highness.”

Prince Perry walked toward us. He didn't hurry. He didn't need to. His presence alone was enough to make everyone move aside. When he reached us, his eyes fell on my wrist. A faint red mark remained where the woman had grabbed me. His expression hardened. “Who gave you permission to touch her?”

The noblewoman trembled. “I—I was only asking questions.”

“You were touching her.” He snarled. 

She lowered herself. “I apologize.”

Prince Perry looked at me. “Did she hurt you?”

I shook my head. “No, Prince Perry.”

His eyes returned to the noblewoman. “You heard her.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Then leave.” He commanded, his tone stern as his face hardened. 

The woman bowed deeply. “Yes, Your Highness.”

She hurried away while Prince Perry turned toward the watching nobles. His cold voice uttered. “I have heard enough.” Nobody moved. He continued. “Mira is under my protection.” My heart skipped at his words. “If anyone has a problem with her presence in this palace, bring it to me.” His eyes swept across the corridor. “Do not harass her.”

Everyone bowed. “Yes, Your Highness.”

He turned toward me. “Come.”

I followed him. We walked silently until we reached a quieter corridor. Prince Perry stopped. “You shouldn't allow people to provoke you.”

I looked at him. “I didn't.”

“You remained there while she insulted you.” He taunted, his tone sounding like a warning. 

I shrugged. “What was I supposed to do?”

“Walk away.”

I lowered my eyes. “I tried.”

He studied me. Then his gaze dropped to my wrist. His expression became slightly darker. “Does it hurt?”

I looked at the red mark. “No.”

“Good.” He turned to leave.

I watched him for a moment. “Prince Perry?” I finally called. 

He stopped. “Thank you.”

His body remained fixed as he spoke. “You don't need to thank me.” Then he walked away.

I stood there watching him disappear. He hadn't smiled. He hadn't said anything gentle. He hadn't tried to comfort me. He had simply defended me. I wondered when I was going to have that deep conversation. 

I also turned and began juggling back to my room and the moment I got to the corner to my room, my gaze met with a young woman who sat beside a large window in the corridor as a servant carrying a sealed envelope approached her.

“My lady. I sealed it already.”

The woman looked up. “Send it to Kieran.”

“Yes, my lady.” 

My eyes widened at the name mentioned and instantly, I moved swiftly away so as not to be caught. As soon as I closed the door behind me, my breath returned. Oh God.