Seraphina: whispering Time to send the king's brother on a permanent vacation, don't you think?
Is that not treason? The King’s brother is royalty.
Oh, darling, there's no such thing as loyalty in these halls. It's a dog-eat-dog world where the most cunning survivor reigns supreme.
laughs mockingly Cunning, you say? You mean treacherous and manipulative?
smirks Ah, but that's where you're wrong, my dear.
What will happen next? Will you poison him? Or perhaps use dark magic?
Dark magic? Oh, I'm glad you asked. leans in closer I have something far more sinister in mind - manipulation, deception, and a dash of psychological warfare.
So you’re going to get him to walk into a trap? Like push him off a cliff?
raises an eyebrow Oh, my dear Reef, you underestimate my creativity. This won't be a simple trap.
Well I’d love to hear your plan.
smirking Oh, I intend to make it a masterpiece of manipulation, a grand performance worthy of the greatest theater.
pulls out a map of the castle
A map? Are we going to use it for a treasure hunt?
Oh, no, my dear. We're not searching for a hidden treasure. points to a secluded area on the map
Then what is this secret spot?
Seraphina reveals a hidden chamber behind a bookshelf, filled with dangerous traps and deadly creatures.
I see. A dangerous trap… and what’s in the chamber?
grins wickedly Oh, my dear, you won't believe it. It's a den of bloodthirsty beasts, each one more ferocious than the last.
leans back in her chair, twirling a dagger Oh, my dear Reef, you won't want to miss this. snaps fingers
Snapped fingers and now the chamber appears?
laughs Oh, my dear, you underestimate my power. With a mere snap of my fingers, I can summon the darkest forces of the universe.
So you have magical powers? That’s incredible!
Ah, but there's more to it than just magic, my dear. You see, these beasts aren't just any ordinary creatures. They are the manifestations of the king's deepest fears.
Manifestations of his fears? What do you mean?
leans forward, eyes gleaming with excitement Oh, my dear Reef, it's quite fascinating.
You see, my dear, the human mind is a vast and mysterious place. The subconscious, in particular, is filled with hidden fears, ancient traumas, and unspoken desires.
So you’re going to tap into the king’s subconscious and bring his fears to life?
claps her hands together Exactly, my dear. With the help of a skilled hypnotist, I'll delve into the depths of his mind and uncover his darkest fears.
That sounds impossible. Who would be able to do that?
Oh, my dear, don't worry. I've already arranged for the perfect hypnotist - someone who owes me a great debt.
So you have allies in your quest for power?
smirks Allies? Oh, my dear Reef, I have an entire army of sycophants and opportunists at my disposal. But why waste time on mere allies when I can wield power all on my own?
Confidence is the key to success, my dear. Without it, even the most ingenious plans can crumble like houses of cards. pauses
Yes, you’re right. So how do we lure the king into your trap?
Seraphina invites the king to a lavish dinner party, where she has orchestrated a "surprise" performance by the hypnotist.