172 Chapter 27 - King's Game, Part 3 (2)

"Dear sister," young Julius spoke softly as he entered my room, clutching a stuffed bear tightly in his trembling hand. The ominous roar of thunder echoed through the castle walls as rain hammered against the windows, casting eerie shadows across the room.

I was immersed in the pages of a book, the flickering candlelight casting dancing shadows upon the pages. Despite the comfort of the warm fire crackling in the hearth, an unease lingered in the air. As members of the royal family, we each had our own chambers within the castle's vast halls. While the protective presence of our royal knights offered a sense of security, the ever-present threat of assassination lurked in the shadows.