Very likely they were paid off or manipulated by the priestess looking person.
Seems like everyone was manipulated, wonder why the priestess would even do that. Clearly it wasn't about a boy cause he dead lol
Since it was the second prince that was killed, it could be that the priestess was with the first prince faction and did it to secure his position, or to bring down the power of the duke and let the only other duke have more influence. It could also be the first step to taking down the kingdom as she might be a spy from some other kingdom trying to conquer them. There are many other ways this story could unfold but these were the top three guesses in my mind.
First chapter and I already saw some things. Like where were the guards when they were talking. What.?
And suddenly they pop out when a maid screams, "a maid".?!!
Like give me a reason