The cold stone of the dungeon floor still haunts your dreams as you stand before the royal throne room, silk gown whispering against your legs – clothes stolen from a merchant's wife just hours before. You clasp your hands behind your back, forcing them to stop trembling as the king's advisor introduces you as Margaret Griss, the detective they've been expecting. The crown jewels glint in the torchlight, casting prismatic shadows across the marble floor.

King Alfred smiles warmly from his gilded chair, but your attention is drawn to the figure beside him. Prince Rier's gaze cuts through you like a dagger, his emerald eyes narrowed in assessment. The fire crackles in the hearth behind them, and you catch the faint scent of cinnamon from the queen's perfume.

"We're delighted you've arrived safely, Mistress Griss," the queen says, her voice like honey. "The matter is most urgent, but you must be exhausted from your journey." She claps her hands and a servant appears instantly. "Show our guest to the east tower chambers at once."

As you follow the servant toward the staircase, you feel Prince Rier's eyes burning into your back. The marble walls echo with your footsteps, and somewhere in the distance, a clock tower chimes nine times. You've escaped the executioner's block, but you're not free yet – you've merely traded one prison for another.