Rhea had spent years learning how to move unseen.

She knew when to speak and when to stay silent, when to watch and when to look away.

But some people couldn't be fooled.

And Karna was one of them.

He was waiting outside her quarters, arms crossed, his expression unreadable.

Rhea hadn't expected to see him so soon—not after last night, not after Duryodhana.

But here he was.

And he wasn't moving.

She considered turning back, pretending she hadn't seen him.

But Karna's gaze had already locked onto hers.

Too late.

So, instead, she walked toward him with the same careful ease she always carried.

"Did you lose your way, Karna?" she asked, keeping her tone light. "Or are you here to question me, too?"

Karna's eyes didn't waver.

"You're being reckless."

Rhea's fingers curled slightly. She forced herself to remain calm.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

Karna let out a quiet, humorless chuckle.

"Yes, you do."

There was something about Karna that had always unsettled her.

Not because he was dangerous—though he was.

Not because he was powerful—though he was that, too.

But because he had a way of seeing straight through her.

Unlike the others, he wasn't interested in courtly games. He didn't weave words like Shakuni, didn't move in the shadows like Vidura.

He saw people for what they were—and right now, he saw her.

And Rhea didn't like that.

"You think I don't notice?" Karna continued. "The way you listen too closely. The way you watch the court like you're looking for something."

Rhea forced a smile. "Maybe I just enjoy the drama."

Karna's lips curled slightly. "Then you're smarter than half the court. But I don't think that's it."

Rhea exhaled sharply. "And what do you think it is, Karna?"

Karna's gaze darkened. "I think you're looking for something you shouldn't."

Rhea tilted her head slightly. "And if I was?"

Karna was silent for a moment. Then he stepped closer, lowering his voice.

"Then you should stop. Because you're not the only one looking."

Her heart skipped.

She kept her face blank. "What do you mean?"

Karna studied her for a moment, then sighed.

"You think you're invisible," he murmured. "But you're not. Not anymore."

Rhea clenched her jaw.

"Why do you care?" she asked quietly.

Karna's gaze flickered—just for a moment.

"I don't," he said. "But I've seen what happens to people who ask too many questions. And I have no interest in seeing another body dragged through the streets."

His words hit harder than she expected.

She forced herself to chuckle. "You're trying to scare me."

Karna smirked. "If I wanted to scare you, I'd have told Duryodhana what you've been up to."

Rhea stilled.

Karna watched her carefully. "I haven't. Not yet."

A slow, sharp dread curled in her stomach. "Why not?"

Karna didn't answer immediately. Instead, he sheathed the dagger at his waist and turned away.

"Because I don't know whose side you're on yet."

And with that, he walked past her, leaving her standing alone in the morning light, heart pounding.

Author's Note:

Rhea, Rhea, Rhea... you're getting in too deep. 😏

👀 Karna doesn't trust her. 👀 Duryodhana is already suspicious. 👀 And now Karna has let her go—but why?

Next chapter: Rhea receives a cryptic message. Someone wants her to keep looking... but is it a warning or a trap? 🔥