The palace was always filled with noise—courtiers scheming, warriors training, servants bustling about—but beneath it all, there was another layer of silence. The kind that carried secrets. The kind that whispered between shadows, lurking beneath the grandeur of Hastinapura.

I was learning to hear it.

After my less-than-glorious introductions to Duryodhana, Bhishma, and Karna, I decided that my best strategy was to not attract any more attention. I had a talent for being in the wrong place at the wrong time, but surely I could avoid catastrophe for at least a day.

That was before I stumbled upon a conversation I wasn't supposed to hear.

It happened near the private gardens, a place most people knew better than to linger. I had been sent on an errand—nothing exciting, just a delivery for the royal physician. But as I passed through the quiet halls, I heard voices.

Low. Serious. Dangerous.

"...cannot be trusted."

That was Bhishma's voice.

I froze. Bhishma rarely spoke in such a sharp tone. Whoever he was talking about, it was important.

"The princes must be protected," another voice replied. Vidura. The ever-cautious advisor. "Especially from those who do not belong."

I frowned.

I knew better than to stand there eavesdropping. Knew that listening in on matters beyond me was a terrible idea.

But I also knew that people like me—outsiders who drifted between the cracks—only survived because we noticed things others ignored.

So I stayed.

They spoke of trust. Of alliances. Of dangers unseen.

But the part that made my blood run cold was when my name was mentioned.

"...the girl. The one who appeared suddenly."

For a moment, I thought they meant someone else. But then Bhishma's voice came, clear and steady.

"Rhea."

My breath caught.

Vidura hesitated. "She's insignificant."

"Is she?" Bhishma countered. "She has already drawn attention. Duryodhana. Karna. She stumbles into places she shouldn't."

"Accidents," Vidura dismissed.

Bhishma was silent for a long moment. Then he said something that made my stomach twist.

"There are no true accidents in Hastinapura."

I left before I could hear more.

I didn't remember walking back to the servant quarters. My mind was too full of questions.

Had I truly been noticed? Was I a problem to them? Or was Bhishma simply paranoid after a lifetime of war and politics?

I wasn't sure. But one thing was certain—my plan to remain invisible had already failed.

And worse? I had a sinking feeling that fate wasn't done dragging me into the storm just yet.

Author's Note: Well, well, well... looks like Rhea's not as unnoticed as she hoped! Bhishma and Vidura are onto something. The real question is: why? 😏