Star slammed the door to his quarters... or at least tried to. The heavy wood just thudded softly, like the palace was too fancy for real anger. He paced the room, his new boots sinking into the thick carpet. Lavish didn't even cover it... gold-trimmed walls, a bed big enough for five, velvet curtains that blocked out the world. A fireplace crackled with sweet-smelling wood, and a table groaned under fruits, cheeses, and wines he couldn't name. It was like a dream... but Star felt like he was drowning in it.
"One week," he muttered to himself, flopping onto the bed. That's what he promised Elandor. Seven days to figure this out... to see if the king's words were true or just pretty lies. But already, doubts crept in. That garden talk... the rekindled memories... it stirred something warm in his chest. Eli's smile, no... Elandor's smile... it made him feel seen. Wanted. But was it real? Or just a king's game to keep him here?
He rolled over, staring at the canopy above. Silk embroidered with stars... mocking him. "Destined consort, my ass," he grumbled. Mira's words echoed too... topple the crown, unveil the tyrant. What if she was right? What if staying meant betraying his own kind... the farmers, the poor folks squeezed by taxes?
Star sat up, eyes darting to the window. Locked, like before. But maybe... he grabbed that letter opener again, testing the latch. It wiggled a bit. If he could pry it open tonight, slip out under cover of dark... head back to the village. His family would hide him. The king couldn't drag him back forever, right?
A soft knock interrupted. "Enter," Star called, hiding the opener under a pillow.
Lila poked her head in, carrying a bundle of linens. "Just freshening up, my lord... er, Star." She bustled around, fluffing pillows and straightening things. Her eyes sparkled with gossip. "Heard you and the king had a chat in the gardens. Everyone's talking... said you argued like old friends."
Star snorted. "Yeah... something like that. Hey, Lila... you know the palace well? Any... secret ways out?"
She paused, glancing at the door. "Why? Planning to run? Don't... it's dangerous. Guards everywhere, and rebels lurking outside."
"Just curious," Star lied, leaning back casually. "What about Lord Varyn? You mentioned him before... scar on his cheek?"
Lila's face darkened. "Avoid him. He's powerful... controls half the council. Wanted his nephew as consort. Hates you already... calls you 'the peasant stain' behind closed doors."
Great... more enemies. Star sighed. "Thanks for the heads up."
After she left, Star resumed plotting. The window was his best bet. He waited till dusk, the room growing shadowy. Dinner was brought on a tray... roasted fowl, buttery veggies, a pie that smelled like heaven. He ate quickly, saving some bread in his pocket for the road.
As night fell, the palace quieted. Distant laughter from some feast hall, but his wing was silent. Star crept to the window, letter opener in hand. He worked the latch... scrape, twist. It gave! Cool air rushed in, carrying garden scents. Below, a drop to bushes... not too bad. He could climb down the vines.
But as he swung a leg over, a noise... soft footsteps outside his door. Star froze. The knob turned slowly. He yanked his leg back, shutting the window just as the door creaked open.
In the dim light, a figure slipped in... tall, cloaked. Not Elandor. The man lowered his hood, revealing a sharp face, cold eyes, and a jagged scar on his cheek. Lord Varyn.
"What the hell?" Star whispered, backing up. "Get out! This is my room."
Varyn smirked, closing the door softly. "Your room? Peasant... this is the king's palace. And you... you're a joke. A dirty farmer playing at consort."
Star's fists clenched. "The king chose me. Deal with it."
"Oh, I will," Varyn said, stepping closer. His voice was like ice... smooth but cutting. "I've watched you... arguing with His Majesty, plotting escape? Pathetic. You don't belong here. The court laughs at you... at him for picking such trash."
Star's face burned. "Spying on me? That's low... even for a noble."
Varyn laughed quietly. "Spying? It's survival. Elandor is weak... blinded by some childish fancy. I offered better... my nephew, noble blood. But no... he wants you. A nobody with dirt on his boots."
"Get to the point," Star snapped, eyeing the letter opener on the bed. Could he grab it?
Varyn leaned in, breath hot. "Leave. Tonight. I'll help... open gates, distract guards. Go back to your mud hut. Or... stay, and I'll make your life hell. Whispers in ears, accidents... you won't last."
Star's heart raced. Tempting... escape with help? But something felt off. "Why help me run? You want me gone that bad?"
"Simple," Varyn said. "Without you, the king picks again. My way. The prophecy? Bah... I'll twist it. Now... decide."
Star hesitated. Run... home to family, forget this mess. But Elandor's face flashed... lonely, trusting. And Mira's warnings... corruption in the court. Varyn screamed corrupt.
"No," Star said firmly. "I'm staying. At least for now. Tell your spies to back off."
Varyn's eyes narrowed. "Fool. You'll regret this." He turned, slipping out like a shadow.
Star locked the door... or tried, but no key. He sank against it, shaking. Close call. No escape tonight... too risky now. Varyn was watching.
He paced again, mind whirling. Tell Elandor? But what proof? Just words. Better to play smart... learn more.
A later knock made him jump. "Star? It's me." Elandor's voice.
Star opened, pulling him in. "What are you doing here? Late."
The king smiled shyly. "Couldn't sleep. Wanted to... check on you." He glanced around. "Nice quarters, huh?"
"Yeah... too nice," Star said, sitting on the bed. Elandor joined him, close. That warmth again.
They talked... light stuff at first. Memories from the forest... how Eli sneaked apples from the royal orchard. Laughter eased the tension.
But Star couldn't hold back. "Varyn was here. Threatened me... wants me gone."
Elandor's face hardened. "That snake... I'll handle him. Don't worry."
"Easy for you," Star said. "I'm the outsider."
Elandor took his hand. "Not to me." Their eyes met... spark. Slowly, Elandor leaned in. Star's breath caught. A kiss? No... just a forehead touch. Gentle.
"Stay safe," Elandor whispered. "For me."
He left, leaving Star flushed. Plotting escape? Forgotten for now. But Varyn's threat lingered... the quarters felt less safe, more like a gilded trap.
Outside, in the shadows, Varyn watched the king leave. "So... the peasant resists. Time for plan B." His scar twisted in a grin. Trouble brewed.