The door swung open fast, and there he was—Prince Cole. His eyes locked onto her immediately, sharp and unreadable.

  She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.

  His gaze dropped to the shattered bottle at her feet, then back to her face.

  “You again,” he said.

  Zora swallowed. “I—I’m sorry, Your Highness. I didn’t mean to. I just… I dropped it.”

  There was a long pause. He didn’t say anything. Just stared.

  Cole’s eyes narrowed. “Are you always this clumsy?”

  She nodded quickly. “Sometimes. When I’m nervous.”

  He tilted his head slightly, like he wasn’t sure what to make of her. Then he stepped aside and muttered, “Clean it up.”

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  Zora froze for a second—then gave a small nod and dropped to her knees, trying to gather the broken pieces without cutting her hands. Her fingers were shaking.

  Behind her, Cole stepped back into the room.

  The door didn’t close all the way.

  She wasn’t trying to eavesdrop this time—really—but their voices drifted out, low and clear enough to catch.

  Kael spoke first.

  “Tomorrow. At the next dinner.”

  Zora froze for half a second, fingers hovering over a sharp piece.

  A plan?

  She stayed low and still, pretending to stay focused while tilting her head just slightly to catch more.

  There was a faint rustle—paper maybe, or someone shifting in their chair.

  “They won’t see it coming,” Cole muttered.

  Zora’s stomach twisted. She had no idea what they were talking about. But whatever it was, it sounded big. And secret. Definitely not something she was supposed to hear.

  She grabbed the last bit of glass, stacked the pieces onto the tray, and stood up quickly. Her hands were slick with sweat.

  Without waiting or saying a word, she turned and walked off. Not too fast. Just enough to get out of there before anyone changed their mind.

  She didn’t breathe until she turned the corner.