The days in Hastinapura moved in a rhythm of their own—grand halls filled with whispered secrets, training grounds echoing with the clash of weapons, and the ever-present tension of a court filled with ambitions. I had spent enough time trying to remain unnoticed, but the palace had a way of drawing people into its intricate web.

I had taken to running errands near the outer corridors, where I could move unseen. That was until I overheard something I shouldn't have.

A hushed conversation between two courtiers caught my attention as I passed by an open archway. I paused, pressing myself against the cool stone wall, heart hammering in my chest.

"The prince grows restless," one voice murmured. "If things continue as they are, we may see the lines redrawn sooner than expected."

"Then we must act quickly," the other replied. "The council will not wait forever."

A sharp chill ran down my spine. I didn't know which prince they were speaking of, but the weight of their words sat heavy in the air. This was no idle gossip; this was the kind of discussion that shifted kingdoms.

I should have walked away. I should have pretended I never heard anything. But my curiosity was a beast of its own, and before I could talk myself out of it, I stepped forward.

"You might want to be more careful where you talk about matters of importance," I said, my voice steady despite the adrenaline thrumming through me.

The two courtiers turned sharply, their expressions going from startled to scrutinizing in an instant. "And who might you be?" one of them asked, his tone laced with suspicion.

I lifted my chin. "No one of consequence. Just someone who happens to have very good hearing."

A tense silence stretched between us before the second courtier smirked. "Interesting. Let's see how long you manage to remain that way."

They walked away, leaving me standing there with a sinking feeling in my stomach. I had stepped into something far bigger than myself. And for the first time since coming to Hastinapura, I wasn't sure if I could slip away unnoticed anymore.

Author's Note: Well, well, well. Look who decided to go from professional disaster to accidental spy. Rhea just can't help herself, can she? Stay tuned to see if she makes it out of this alive—or just deeper into trouble!