Chapter 31: Ariadne on the way

The Light from the sun was piercing, it entered the palace corridors, evening torches now lit. Rieka trudged back from the east gate as her head stirred with everything she learned. Many Suspicions and betrayals flooded her mind, together with all the responsibilities she had to face She climbed the stone steps leading to her chambers, her gaze falling on two maids standing at the far end of the hall. They were whispering to each other, their eyes darting toward her. Rieka slowed her pace, her senses sharpening. As she approached, the maids stiffened, their heads turning abruptly as if trying to act nonchalant. 'You there," Rieka called, her voice echoing in the corridor. The maids exchanged a quick glance before stepping forward, curtsying in unison. "Yes, my lady?" one of them asked, her voice trembling ever so slightly. Rieka folded her arms, her piercing gaze making the maids squirm. "Why were you watching me? You were speaking of something just now. What was it?" The other maid, a brunette with sharp features, shook her head quickly. 'Oh no, my lady, we weren't watching you. We were only discussing our duties for tomorrow." Rieka raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. She took a step closer, towering over them. 'Are you sure?" 'Absolutely, my lady," the brunette replied, forcing a smile. 'We didn't mean to seem disrespectful." Rieka held their gaze for a moment longer before letting out a soft sigh. "Very well. Return to your duties." The maids bowed again and scurried away, their hushed whispers lingering in the air behind them. Rieka's eyes followed them until they vanished around a bend. Continuing down the hall, Rieka's mind stayed on the encounter. She couldn't get the feeling out of her mind that something was not right. As she turned another corner, she froze. Coming toward her was a figure clad in a black leather jumpsuit that hugged her every curve. Her steps were deliberate, and her dark hair was pulled back into a sleek braid. Rieka's breath caught. It was Araidne. The sight of her sent a wave of ice down Rieka's body, and the memories she had been trying to bury for such a long time rose to the surface like a flood: herself chained, beaten, left in the other pack to die. That betrayal, which took her life, was not a wound that would ever cure, and Araidne had been right at the middle of it all. Rieka clenched her fists at her sides, digging her nails deep into the fleshy palms. Fury burned in her gut, yet she compelled herself to calm down. It was not a good time to let herself lose control. Araidne's lips had turned up in a sneering smile as she strolled towards her. Her eyes were full of wickedness when she stood before Rieka, taking a superior inventory from top to toe. "Well, well," Araidne drawled, her voice dripping with venom. "The little pup who thinks she can wear a crown. How amusing." Rieka met her gaze, her face expressionless. "What do you want, Araidne?" Araidne laughed, a sound that grated on Rieka's nerves. "I don't want anything, Rieka. I just thought it was funny seeing you parade around as queen when we both know you'll never truly be one." Rieka's heart pounded, but she held her ground. 'Is that so?" 'Don't pretend to be oblivious," Araidne sneered, stepping closer. 'You're nothing but a pretender. You'll never have the strength, the cunning, or the loyalty to rule. No one will ever bow to you willingly." Rieka's jaw tightened, but she kept her voice calm. 'Your opinion doesn't matter to me, Araidne. Say what you will; it won't change anything." Araidne smirked, her claws glinting faintly under the torchlight. "You're awfully composed for someone who should be shaking in their boots. I've brought down stronger women than you, Rieka. Don't think you're an exception." Rieka's expression didn't waver. "You might have succeeded once," she said quietly, her voice steady, "but not this time." Araidne blinked, taken aback. For a moment, confusion flickered across her face. "What are you talking about? Rieka didn't explain. She merely turned on her heel and strode away, her back straight and her stride confident. Araidne called after her, her voice tinged with frustration. "What's that supposed to mean, Rieka? You're threatening me?" Rieka didn't answer. She vanished down the hall, leaving Araidne standing, fuming and bewildered. --- Back in her chambers, Rieka closed the door behind her and leaned against it, exhaling slowly. Her encounter with Araidne had shaken her more than she cared to admit. Memories of her past life, of the betrayal that led to her death, lingered in her mind. She clenched her fists, willing herself to stay focused. Daisy burst into the room, her eyes wide with concern. "My lady, is everything alright? You look pale." Rieka nodded, forcing a small smile. "I'm fine, Daisy. Just… tired." Daisy hesitated, then spoke softly. "I saw Araidne in the hallway earlier. She looked angry. Did she say something to you?" Rieka's smile faltered. "Nothing worth repeating." Daisy's brow furrowed. "My lady, you know she's trouble. You shouldn't let her get to you. "I won't," Rieka said firmly. "But I won't let my guard down either." Daisy nodded, though worry lingered in her eyes. "If there's anything I can do—" "You're doing enough, Daisy," Rieka interrupted gently. "Thank you." --- As the night wore on, Rieka sat by the window, staring out into the moonlit landscape. A faint noise-a rustling sound just outside her chambers-caught her mind and broke off all thoughts. Her heart quickened as she rose to her feet, her senses high. Noiselessly, she went right to the door and pressed her ear against it. The sound came again this time louder. Rieka's hand hovered over the door handle, hesitation gripping her. Was it Araidne? One of the maids? Or someone else entirely? Summoning her courage, she yanked the door open. The corridor was empty, but the faint scent of something unfamiliar lingered in the air. "Who's there?" she demanded, her voice echoing. No answer came.