I sit in class, but my mind refuses to settle. The lecture is just a blur, the professor's voice a distant hum. My fingers tap anxiously on my desk. The DNA test. The hospital. The Queen. My stomach twists.
It's no longer in the palace's grasp. That should comfort me, but it doesn't. The Queen is a viper. Who knows what strings she can still pull?
Then my phone buzzes. I grab it instantly. Esther.
"Cassian is going to the hospital too. The Queen has been ordered to stay in the palace."
I exhale sharply. Finally, Cassian is waking up. He's been a fool for too long, and now he wants to see the truth with his own eyes. He won't let them manipulate this, not again.
I try to shake the nerves. Lord Edric and two other council members are overseeing everything. This is supposed to be transparent. But who is the royal doctor? How honest is he?
My fingers tighten around my phone. I just hope the truth prevails. Because if it doesn't, this palace is about to burn.
The quiet café hums with soft chatter, the scent of freshly brewed coffee hanging in the air. I push my plate around, barely touching the food. Esther isn't allowed to care for me. I still don't trust anyone else. I've been surviving on whatever I can find outside the palace, but my appetite is shot.
Just as I'm about to force down a few bites, my phone buzzes. Madam Jessy. I manage a small smile and pick up.
"Celeste, how are you, dear?"
"I'm good, ma'am. Good evening."
"I'm aware a DNA test has been ordered. Simeon is keeping me updated."
I nod, even though she can't see me. "Yes, but I'm skeptical. The Queen - she's not one to go down quietly. She might try to manipulate the results."
Madam Jessy chuckles softly. "Don't worry about it. The royal doctor is an honest man. He won't be easily bought. Besides, I have my own eyes there. He will be closely monitored."
I exhale, my grip on the phone loosening slightly.
"Once the result is out, we proceed with the next step. Alright?"
I nod again. "Alright, ma'am. Thank you."
I hang up, but before I can gather my thoughts, my phone rings again. Mom.
I brace myself and answer. "Mama."
Her voice is thick with concern. "Celeste, how long will you keep staying in that snake pit? I can't sleep knowing you're in danger!"
I sigh. "Mama, I need to clear my name first. If I leave now, they'll use it against me. They'll say I ran because I was guilty."
"You don't owe anyone an explanation! Come home, my child."
I shake my head. "Not yet. I promise, once this is over, I'll leave. But I need justice first."
She's quiet for a moment before sighing. "Fine. But be careful. Don't eat their food, don't trust anyone."
"I won't. I love you, Mama."
"I love you too, my daughter. God is with you."
The call ends, and I sit there for a while, staring at my untouched meal. The waiting game continues.
***
Madam Jessy sends me a text, the DNA result is due out in three days.
I try to focus on my studies, but my mind keeps drifting back to the palace. The tension is suffocating. The Queen is unusually quiet, Liliana has locked herself in her chambers, and Cassian is pacing like a caged animal.
I get a text from Esther this afternoon.
Esther: Something is up. The Queen sent a messenger outside the palace. Could be about the DNA test.
I exhale sharply. Of course. She won't sit back and let the truth ruin her.
Its night, my phone buzzes again. An unknown number.
"Don't get too comfortable. The truth can be changed."
I stare at the message, my pulse spiking. My first instinct is to call Madam Jessy, but I stop myself. No panic. No fear. If they think they can silence me, they are mistaken.
By the next noon, my phone rings - Madam Jessy.
"Someone tried to bribe the royal doctor," she says. "He refused, but don't let your guard down. They'll try something else."
My hands shake with anger. These people are truly desperate.
A few hours later, Esther rushes into my room, eyes wide. "Celeste, the blood samples; someone tried to steal them!"
I jerk up from my chair. "What?"
"A man disguised as hospital staff tried to switch the samples, but security caught him."
I feel lightheaded. They were that close to changing the results.
That night, I watch from my window as Lord Edric summons Cassian for a private meeting. I can't hear the conversation, but when Cassian slams his fist on the table, I know. Something is unraveling.
It's the third day today.
The results are due in the evening. The palace is a tomb of silence. Even the maids move cautiously, avoiding eye contact. I can't eat. Can't think straight.
By midday, Madam Jessy calls. Her tone is heavy. "Celeste, we have a problem."
My stomach knots. "What is it?"
She hesitates. "The man who tried to switch the samples… he confessed."
I squeeze my phone. "Tell me."
A long pause. Then, "It wasn't just the Queen. Cassian knew about it."
I stop breathing.
Cassian? The man who acted like he wanted the truth? The man who stood before the council and demanded the DNA test?
My heart pounds, anger and betrayal burning through my veins. I swallow the lump in my throat.
So, Cassian, you're just like your mother after all.
I grab my coat. It's time to end this dangerous game.