Linus made his way back through the town toward the mansion, his footsteps silent as he kept to the shadows. The streets were mostly deserted at this late hour, the dim glow of lanterns casting faint pools of light. He moved with the same caution as before, blending into the night, his presence almost imperceptible.

The town of Thornfield slept, unaware of the unfolding intrigue. As Linus approached the estate, he paused at the gates, taking a moment to collect his thoughts. The events of the evening had provided some insight into the men's connection with the mayor, but the details of their search remained elusive. A larger, more dangerous plot was at play, and though Linus had gathered valuable information, it was not enough. He hadn't found anything more than what he overheard at the mayor's mansion, which gnawed at him.

Reaching the mansion, Linus slipped inside without a sound as he made his way to his quarters. Once in the privacy of his room, Linus allowed himself a moment to relax, though his mind remained sharp and restless. The shadowy bird stayed perched at the inn, silently observing the room where the men were, its presence unnoticed. He knew the magic would dissipate come morning, but until then, it would alert him if anything changed.

A faint knock sounded at his door, interrupting his thoughts. Before Linus could respond, the door creaked open slightly, and Marcus slipped inside, his movements as quiet and practiced as ever. He approached Linus, his expression serious, and leaned in close.

"Master Linus," Marcus whispered, his voice barely audible in the still room. Linus, already sensing the weight of the moment, said nothing. He gave a slight nod, signaling Marcus to continue. Marcus leaned in further and whispered the information Linus had been waiting for.

As Marcus finished, Linus remained silent briefly, absorbing the implications of what he'd just heard. Then, a slight smile curved his lips, expressing satisfaction and calculation.

"Good," Linus said softly, his tone carrying a note of anticipation. "Now, let's see how the princess responds."

Marcus nodded and disappeared into the shadows, leaving Linus to his thoughts. The room was quiet, the stillness broken only by the distant sounds of the mansion.

Later, a soft knock echoed at his door. Linus opened it to find Princess Mara having changed into her signature attire. A vivid red top clung to her form like a second skin, emphasizing every curve and dip of her toned body, while a stark black skirt hugged her hips, accentuating the seductive sway of her walk.

The sight of her was enough to steal his breath for a moment, a jolt of craving surging through him.

"Come in, Princess," Linus said, his voice laced with concealed desire as he stepped aside to let her enter.

As Mara walked past him, Linus's eyes followed her every step, the short hem of her skirt teasingly revealing her smooth, toned legs. The muscles of her thighs flexed subtly with each movement, and the fabric flirted with the tops of her legs, offering tantalizing glimpses of skin beneath. His gaze lingered on the curve of her back, his mind briefly wandering with thoughts of what lay obscured by the alluring cut of her skirt.

Stolen story; please report.

Mara moved into the room with her usual confidence, her hips swaying, her posture straight. Her eyes were sharp, focused, and all business, completely unaware—or simply indifferent—to the effect she had on him.

"Did you find anything useful?" Mara asked, her voice direct, businesslike. She remained oblivious to the hunger that flickered behind Linus's composed expression.

Linus closed the door behind her and turned, his gaze lingering on her for a beat too long. "Not really," he replied, his voice steady but carrying an underlying intensity as he stepped closer to her. His breath brushed against her skin as he spoke, the closeness between them deliberate. "I couldn't determine who they're working for or what they're after."

He momentarily let the words hang in the air, savoring the tension between them. "But they're staying at the Stay Fresh Inn. I suggest you have some of your people keep an eye on them," he added, his tone implying the gravity of the situation.

Mara nodded, her mind already moving ahead, her expression thoughtful. "I'll see to it," she said curtly, focusing on the task at hand.

Linus's voice remained steady and serious. "Outside of the immediate threat, there's something else you should be aware of." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "There's a protest being organized against us. The people plan to voice their discontent, which could quickly become a significant problem."

Linus took another step closer as he spoke, positioning himself just behind Mara. His gaze momentarily drifted to the tempting hem of her skirt, the smooth curve of her thighs catching his attention. "Mara," he said, deliberately using her name, "we don't know who is working against us." He carefully emphasized the word us, subtly implying that they were a team. "Even within your own family, there are those who see an opportunity to weed you out, to eliminate any threat you might pose."

Mara remained silent, but her posture stiffened, her expression hardening as Linus's words hit their mark.

Leaning in, Linus lowered his voice to a whisper, the intimacy of the moment thickening the tension in the room. "There are rumors that your first brother is trying to use you as a pawn in his political games. If you fail here, it could be the excuse he needs to undermine you even further."

The mention of Alexander sent a flash of anger through Mara's eyes, but she kept her composure, refusing to give Linus the satisfaction of seeing her lose control.

Sensing her rising fury, Linus stepped back, giving her the needed space. "Very well, Princess," he said smoothly, his tone neutral again. "Just know that I'm here to support you."

Mara turned, locking eyes with him, her gaze fierce and unyielding. No words were necessary. The fire in her eyes spoke volumes about her determination to prove herself, no matter who stood in her way. With one last defiant look, she left the room, her confidence and resolve as strong as ever.

A satisfied smile slowly spread across Linus's face as the door closed behind Mara. He had been investing in Mara ever since their childhood, nurturing a connection that had grown stronger over the years. It was this careful investment that allowed him to take liberties with her—freedoms he wouldn't dare with any other member of the royal family.

Linus knew Mara better than most, and he had shaped their dynamic precisely, understanding the value of her loyalty and power. Mara was immensely powerful. Her martial arts skills, paired with her blade, Flame's Wrath, made her capable of cutting down ten men at once. Yet, despite her prowess, she was still young and naïve in the subtler ways of governance and life beyond the battlefield, a trait Linus intended to exploit.

Watching her retreating figure, he felt the assurance that his investments were on the verge of paying off. Their arrival in Thornfield, far from the capital's prying eyes, was precisely the opening he'd been waiting for. Here, he could take the first steps to amass wealth, women, and influence—using her as an unwitting pawn in his schemes.

Every move he made, every calculated word spoken, was a deliberate step toward his ultimate goal.