The Villain Can't Lose

As I tiptoed down the hallway towards Rowen's bedroom, my heart was pounding in my chest. Despite my nerves, I was determined to deliver the information about the prince's dark magic to my master. However, as I turned a corner, my eyes caught sight of Hector's imposing servant, Carlo, looming at the end of the hallway.

My stomach plummeted as I realized that he had caught me. I stood there frozen in terror, unsure of what to do next. Carlo was notorious for his ruthlessness and unforgiving nature. I knew that if he discovered my intentions, I could be in grave danger.

Backing away slowly, I prayed Carlo wouldn't notice me, but it was too late. His piercing gaze bore into me, and his voice was as cold as ice when he demanded to know what I was doing there. The fear inside me intensified, and I knew I had to act quickly.

My mind drew a blank with terror, and I struggled to come up with an excuse. Carlo's tone was menacing, and I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck standing on end. I stammered out a weak response, but I knew it wouldn't be enough to convince him.

As Carlo closed in, my heart raced faster than ever before. I was scared, terrified of what he might do to me. However, I couldn't give up. The truth had to be revealed, no matter the cost.

"Master wants to see you," Carlo's voice was sharp and commanding. "Go to his study room and don't make any noise."

A wave of relief washed over me as if a rock had been lifted off my chest. "Yes, I was about to..." I lied, nodding to make it seem convincing.

Here's a revised version of the passage incorporating the suggestions:

As I made my way to Hector's study, my heart pounded in my chest. Relief washed over me for having evaded Carlo's notice, but I knew that I needed to report the truth about Rowen's fight today. Steeling myself, I took a deep breath and pushed open the door to Hector's study.

The room was shrouded in darkness, the curtains drawn shut, casting everything in an eerie shadow. My eyes strained to adjust to the dim light, and I could barely make out Hector's figure hunched over his desk, surrounded by stacks of books and papers. I could hear the sharp scratching of his quill on parchment, echoing through the silent room.

"Master," I said, my voice trembling slightly. "I came to report today's events to you."

Hector looked up from his work, his face etched with concern. "Of course, Nari. Come, sit down," he said, gesturing to the chair beside his desk.

As I sat down, I looked him straight in the eyes. He was a powerful man, and I didn't trust a single thing about him.

I recounted the day's events to Hector, my words punctuated by occasional nods or questions for clarification. When I finished, he leaned back in his chair and sighed heavily. "This is troubling news, Nari," he said. "We must act quickly to protect the house from gossip." I felt a renewed sense of purpose as he spoke. Despite the darkness of the room, I sensed a strange cold emanating from him.

"The crown prince also reminded me about the black magic bowl and requested an audience with him," I added, my voice faltering slightly.

Hector's eyebrows furrowed in surprise. "He told you about the bowl?" he asked.

"Yes, master," I replied, rubbing my hands together nervously.

"But you will be a good girl and won't mention anything to anyone, right?" he said, his tone suddenly cold and stern.

"Yes, master," I said, feeling a chill run down my spine.

"Good girl, now you can leave," he said, his voice softening slightly.

As I left Hector's office, my mind raced with thoughts of the prince's dark magic and the danger it posed.

My heart pounded as I rushed down the hallway, mind racing with what I'd say to Rowen. The urgency of the situation weighed heavily on me; every second counted. Approaching Rowen's bedroom, I heard faint voices from within.

Hesitating for a moment, I wondered if I should wait until he finished his meeting before reporting the truth about the prince's dark magic. But remembering the danger it posed to the kingdom, I took a deep breath and pushed open the door, ready to reveal everything I knew.

"Master Rowen," I said, my voice shaking. "I need to speak with you about something urgent."

Rowen's eyes narrowed as he took in my appearance. "What is it, Nari? What happened?"

I looked at Butler Serenu and then back to Rowen, mustering the courage to begin. I recounted the day's events, from discovering the prince's dark magic to my encounter with Hector in his study. Rowen listened intently, his face growing more serious with each word.

When I finished, Rowen fixed me with a steely gaze. "This is admirable, Nari. We must act quickly to protect the kingdom from this dark magic." He repeated almost the same sentence as his father.

Agreeing with renewed purpose, I knew that with Rowen by my side, we could expose the truth and put an end to the prince's dangerous practices.

[Hector's POV: Few Minutes After Nari Left]

As Nari left my study, I remained seated at my desk, lost in thought. I had fabricated news of the prince's dark magic to test Nari's loyalty and to see whose side she would choose.

I waited patiently for Carlo, my butler, to appear. He knew that I required regular updates on the palace's inner workings. Sure enough, a few minutes later, I heard a soft knock on my door. "Enter," I called out.

Carlo stepped into the room, his face impassive. "Master Hector," he said respectfully. "Before coming to you, Nari was heading towards the young Duke's chambers. Once she left your study, she went straight to his bedroom again."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "Well, well, well…" A smile appeared on my face. Carlo hesitated for a moment before continuing. "It's difficult to say, Master, but she was probably planning to report everything about the crown prince and the black magic bowl to the Duke," he said carefully. "She claimed she was simply passing by, but I suspect she had more nefarious intentions."

I nodded thoughtfully, considering this information. "Thank you for reporting this, Carlo," I said, dismissing him with a wave of my hand. "Keep a close eye on Nari. I want to know her every move."

Carlo bowed respectfully before leaving the room, and I was left alone with my thoughts. Now, I could let the Duke think he had a chance at finding the black magic bowl with that disloyal woman by his side, while I focused on the real deal.

Everything was set up just the way I wanted it, and all that was left was to watch the rabbit be devoured by the wolf.