chapter 1

Chapter : The Golden Cage

The afternoon sun streamed softly through the sheer curtains of the Raven estate.

On the bed, Ria stared at the ceiling.

An unopened letter rested in her hand. There was no return address, just a heavy violet wax seal that felt much too weighty for a simple piece of parchment.

“Ria!”

Her mother’s voice echoed sharply from the corridor below, followed by the sound of clicking heels.

“What are you doing up there? Didn’t you say you were visiting the palace today? The carriage has been waiting for ten minutes!”

Ria let out a slow breath and turned on her side. “Coming, Mother! Just a moment!”

She tucked the letter into her desk drawer and locked it quietly.

Some things were better left unread.

The grand gates of the Philistia Kingdom were made of iron and gold, rising above the capital like a beautiful, silent warning.

Leaning against a stone pillar was Princess Lucy.

Her arms were crossed tightly over her royal uniform. Her lower lip jutted out in a dramatic, practiced pout.

“You took your time, Miss Ria,” Lucy huffed as soon as Ria stepped out of the carriage. “I’ve been standing here for ages. Do you know how boring it is to watch the guards blink?”

Ria chuckled softly and adjusted the collar of her dress. “Forgive me, Your Highness. I had to make sure I didn’t leave anything important behind.”

Lucy tilted her head, her curiosity sparked. “Oh? What did you forget?”

Ria caught up with her, a teasing gleam in her eyes. “I’ll tell you later. I’m not sure if you’re trustworthy enough just yet.”

“Ria!” Lucy groaned and hooked her arm through Ria’s as they walked down the manicured palace path. “You always do this. You treat me like a child.”

“Because it works every time.”

“Hmph. Just hurry up. The afternoon tea will get cold.”

“What are you two conspiring about so loudly?”

The voice was low, smooth, and too close.

Both girls jumped.

Standing right behind them was Melvin.

The Crown Prince of Philistia looked like a painting—neatly combed blond hair, striking blue eyes, and perfect posture. He had a gentle charm that made noble ladies faint, but his sharp gaze revealed another side.

“Melvin!” Lucy snapped, clutching her chest. “Can you stop doing that? One of these days, my heart will stop.”

Melvin smiled innocently and tilted his head. “What did I do? I simply walked.”

“You sneak up on people like a ghost!”

“Were you both speaking ill of me behind my back?” Melvin stepped closer, his blue eyes shifting from his sister and locking onto Ria.

“No!” they shouted together.

“Then why do you look so guilty, Lady Rianide?” he teased in a softer tone.

Ria sighed and moved between the royal siblings before an argument could start. “Your Highnesses, please. I came here to escape the paperwork at my estate, not to moderate a sibling rivalry.”

Melvin chuckled, stepped back, and executed a perfect dramatic bow.

“As you wish, my lady. I will take my leave. But don’t keep her all to yourself, Lucy. I missed our dear friend just as much as you did.”

Ria managed a polite, practiced smile. “I will visit your study later, Prince Melvin.”

As he walked down the white stone corridor, Lucy let out a long breath. “My brother is so strange. He talks like he’s always on stage.”

Ria watched where he had disappeared.

“He is just being himself, Lucy.”

“Oh, that reminds me!” Lucy said, her eyes lighting up as they reached the sunroom. “I heard a rumor. Someone important is coming to the capital this week. Do you know who it is?”

Ria’s fingers tightened against her skirt.

The image of the unopened letter in her drawer flashed through her mind.

“Ria? What’s wrong? You went pale.”

“It’s nothing,” Ria said quickly, forcing her face to relax. “Just a sudden chill.”

“Anyway, do you know who it is?”

“Yes,” Ria nodded slowly. “It’s my cousin, Bella. My aunt and uncle are sending her to stay with us.”

Lucy tilted her head. “Your cousin? You’ve never mentioned her before.”

“She has her coming-of-age ceremony soon,” Ria explained, her voice carrying a hint of emotional distance. “She wanted to get to know the capital’s high society before the season starts.”

“Are you two close?”

Ria looked out the high glass windows, watching the wind move through the palace gardens.

“No,” she whispered. “Not really.”

Before Lucy could ask more, a palace guard approached the sunroom and bowed low.

“Lady Rianide. Princess Lucy. His Majesty the King requests your presence in the audience chamber immediately.”

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