Cosmic Ruler - Chapter 308

Chapter 308: A game many can play

Shona’s heart ached as she looked at Princess Lirael, recalling the bond they had shared since childhood. Shona had grown up by Lirael’s side, her mother having served as the princess’s maid. In turn, Shona had become Lirael’s personal attendant—a trusted companion, more like a sister than a servant. Their closeness had been genuine, built on years of trust and loyalty. But now, everything had changed.

Shona gripped the edge of her gown, her fingers trembling as she forced herself to remain composed. The weight of betrayal hung heavily between them, even though it wasn’t hatred that had driven her to this point. She still loved Lirael like a sister, but circumstances had forced her hand. She was betraying the princess not for personal gain, but for the sake of her mother, held captive by the very ministers Lirael struggled to fend off. The same ministers who now plotted against the throne, using Shona as their tool.

She glanced at Lirael, who remained unaware of the full extent of the deception. The princess still treated her kindly, though the trust that once existed between them had withered. Lirael was no fool—she knew something was wrong, but she couldn’t see the full picture. Yet, despite everything, she never lashed out at Shona, never let anger or bitterness take over. That kindness only deepened Shona’s pain.

‘How did it come to this?’ Shona thought, her chest tightening with regret. ‘We were like sisters, and now I’m nothing more than a pawn in this cruel game.’

She could feel the silent tension between them, the invisible wall that had grown as the kingdom’s politics tore them apart. The ministers had manipulated her, forcing her into a corner where she had no choice but to betray the only person she had ever truly cared about. And while Lirael was still kind to her, Shona knew that the princess no longer trusted her.

And why should she?

Lirael’s sharp mind and deep instincts were already warning her. She had long noticed Shona’s subtle shifts in behavior—the secret meetings, the moments when Shona hesitated before speaking. But even with all of that, the princess hadn’t confronted her directly. Perhaps it was a part of Lirael’s own sorrow, knowing deep down that Shona was just another piece in the twisted puzzle of their kingdom’s fate.

But no matter how much it hurt, Shona knew there was no turning back. She had made her choice, driven by desperation and the need to save her mother from the ministers’ clutches. She only hoped that, somehow, Lirael would understand when it was all over. That maybe, just maybe, she would forgive her.

But as Shona looked into Lirael’s kind yet weary eyes, she feared that forgiveness would never come.

“You went to meet Aiden’s organization, right?” Princess Lirael asked, her voice calm but her eyes searching Shona’s face for answers.

Shona hesitated, her heart racing as she prepared herself to lie, to weave a tale that wouldn’t reveal her new, terrible reality. She nodded, trying to mask the guilt she felt. “Yes, I went there… using your face.”

Lirael didn’t flinch, but her eyes narrowed slightly, the only sign that she was evaluating every word. “Tell me about it,” she said, her voice steady but commanding.

Shona swallowed hard, her mind racing as she carefully crafted her response. She couldn’t tell Lirael everything—not the part about becoming Aiden’s slave or how he had discovered her true identity. That secret was hers alone, one she had to bear if she wanted to protect her mother and, paradoxically, Lirael herself.

“I entered their stronghold,” Shona began, choosing her words cautiously. “It’s deep in the mountains, hidden and almost impossible to reach without their guidance. The Astral Maidens… they’re all women, every single one of them, and the place… it’s breathtaking. A palace of sorts, surrounded by mist and nestled between towering peaks. The air there feels different, thick with power. You can feel it humming in your bones, like the entire place is alive.”

Lirael listened quietly, her expression unreadable, but Shona knew the princess was absorbing every detail.

“Aiden wasn’t there at first,” Shona continued. “But the Maidens… they knew who I was pretending to be. They treated me like royalty, just as they would you. I had a room prepared, luxurious beyond anything I’ve ever seen. They spoke of their purpose, how they’re gathering strength, preparing for something… something bigger than just staying hidden.”

Lirael’s eyes flickered with interest, her sharp mind no doubt picking apart the significance of every word.

“What about Aiden?” Lirael asked, her tone probing.

Shona felt her chest tighten, but she forced herself to keep her composure. “He arrived later,” she said, careful to keep her voice neutral. “He didn’t say much to me… or rather, to you.” She faked a small laugh, trying to ease the tension. “He seems to be focused on his own plans. His power is… overwhelming, almost suffocating when you’re near him. It’s clear why so many follow him without question.”

Lirael’s gaze didn’t waver. “Did he ask you anything suspicious? Or do anything unusual?”

Shona shook her head quickly. “No, nothing like that. He asked a few questions, but they were mostly about the ministers, the kingdom… things you’d expect him to be curious about. But he didn’t push for any information I wasn’t willing to give.”

The princess nodded thoughtfully, though Shona could see she wasn’t fully convinced. She knew Lirael well enough to recognize that doubt lingered in her mind. But Shona hoped her words would be enough to throw her off the scent.

“And what do you think of them?” Lirael asked, her tone soft but pointed. “Do you believe this organization could be a threat?”

Shona paused, pretending to consider the question. “They’re powerful, but I’m not sure what their endgame is. They could be allies… or they could be something much more dangerous. I didn’t get the sense that they’re moving against us yet, but I wouldn’t underestimate them. Aiden is someone we need to keep an eye on.”