Mirey's Ascent
The days stretched into weeks, and Mirey remained as steady and silent as the stone halls of the palace. She worked tirelessly, never complaining, never drawing unnecessary attention. To the others, she was merely another servant, one of the many faceless toys ensuring the Guardian King's domain ran smoothly. But behind her composed exterior, she was watching, listening, waiting.
It began with small things. Dorcas, the head servant, had a keen eye for diligence, and Mirey's efficiency did not go unnoticed. When a tray of goblets slipped from a clumsy page's hands, Mirey caught three before they could hit the ground. When the head chef fretted over a missing ledger of inventory, Mirey had already retrieved it from beneath a sack of flour. Quiet competence made her indispensable, and soon she was entrusted with tasks beyond the kitchens—arranging linens for the guest chambers, polishing the Guardian King's study, even delivering messages between palace officials.
She was moving closer.
Her opportunity arrived sooner than expected. A banquet was to be held in honor of the Guardian King's recent triumph over a rebellious outpost. The palace buzzed with activity, servants working around the clock to ensure everything was flawless. Dorcas, overwhelmed by the demands of the nobles, assigned Mirey to assist the attendants in the Founder's Palace—the heart of the kingdom, where only the most trusted servants were permitted.
This was her chance.
---
Amariah's Shadow
While the palace prepared for celebration, tensions simmered beyond its walls. In the distant hills, hidden from the watchful eyes of the Guardian King's scouts, a storm was brewing.
Amariah, a descendant of Rex, stood before a gathering of warriors. Her golden eyes burned with conviction, her voice sharp as a blade.
"The Founders sit upon their thrones, blind to the suffering of those who carry their blood yet lack their power. They would see us kneel for eternity. I say no more."
The gathered rebels murmured in agreement. Many of them bore the marks of Rex's lineage—embers of elemental power, whispers of inherited strength—but none carried the purity of the Founders' might. They had been cast aside, treated as lesser. Amariah would change that.
"The palace grows complacent," she continued.
"The Guardian King's forces celebrate their victories, unaware that we have already begun to slip through their defenses. The time is coming. We will remind them that even the greatest bloodlines can fall."
A shadow moved beside her. A hooded figure, one of her spies, knelt before her and whispered something in her ear. Amariah's expression did not change, but a dangerous smile curled at her lips.
"Good. Let's see what happens from here"
she murmured.
---
Mirey in the Founder's Palace
The halls of the Founder's Palace were unlike anything Mirey had known. The walls shimmered with enchantments woven into the very stone, ancient symbols of protection and power etched into every doorway. Statues of past rulers loomed overhead, their expressions severe, as if warning any who entered that they were being watched.
Mirey kept her head down, her movements precise. The officials and Lords here spoke in hushed tones, their laughter tinged with arrogance. She listened, catching snippets of conversation—political maneuvers, whispers of unrest, mentions of Amariah's name spoken with unease.
She absorbed it all.
As she worked, she noticed something else—the attention of a particular official. Lady Bilhah . one of the Guardian King's close confidantes, observed Mirey with quiet curiosity. When Mirey straightened from polishing a marble pillar, Bilhah approached.
"You are efficient," Bilhah remarked, her voice smooth. "Not many servants move so… precisely, especially a toy as yourself."
Mirey lowered her gaze. "I do only what is required, ma."
Bilhah smiled, but there was something calculating in her expression. "Tell me, have you ever considered serving directly within the Guardian King's household?"
Mirey hesitated. This was dangerous. Too soon. And yet…
"If it pleases the King, I would serve wherever I am needed."
Bilhah's smile widened. "Good. I shall speak with Dorcas. Let us see if we can find a place for you to do more, toy"
As Bilhah glided away, Mirey remained motionless, absorbing the implications of what had just transpired. She was ascending faster than anticipated. Every step forward brought her closer to the heart of the palace.
And to the secrets buried within it.
---
As the banquet loomed and the rebellion stirred beyond the palace walls, the web of intrigue tightened. Mirey's path was set, but whose hand truly guided it? Would she remain a shadow within the palace, or was she merely another piece in a grander game?
One thing was certain—eyes were upon her.
And soon, the palace would know her name.