That afternoon Princess Maria sat quietly within her chamber while her maid Elina brushed her long red hair.
The princess had barely spoken all morning.
At last she asked quietly
"Elina… what news has spread through the palace today?"
The maid hesitated.
"There are rumors, Your Highness."
Maria turned toward her.
"What kind of rumors?"
Elina lowered her voice.
"The army brought back a prisoner from the war."
"A soldier?"
"No… a woman."
Maria frowned slightly.
"Why would a single prisoner cause so much gossip?"
"They say she is extraordinarily beautiful… yet terrifying."
The maid shivered slightly.
"Some servants claim the guards refuse to look directly into her eyes."
Maria's curiosity grew.
"Where is she being held?"
"The Black Sea Tower."
Even the name carried a dark weight.
That prison stood upon the far cliffs beyond the palace, where the waves crashed violently against jagged rocks.
It was a place reserved for the most dangerous enemies of the kingdom.
Prisoners sent there rarely survived long.
Some were chained in damp cells where sunlight never entered.
Others were subjected to cruel interrogations meant to break their minds.
The mere mention of the tower caused many servants to cross themselves in fear.
Maria looked thoughtful.
"A woman powerful enough to frighten soldiers…"
Her mind drifted briefly to the strange coldness Cassian had shown her the previous night.
A small, uneasy thought crossed her mind.
"Elina… when is the next carriage leaving the palace?"
The maid blinked.
"This evening, I believe."
Maria slowly rose from her chair.
"Prepare my cloak."
Elina's eyes widened.
"Your Highness… you cannot possibly mean to visit that place."
Maria gave a small, determined smile.
"Sometimes curiosity is stronger than caution."