Chapter Six: Thorns Beneath Silk
The morning after the masquerade dawned gray and heavy with mist—a sky waiting to break.
It matched my mood.
I stood at the window, watching the palace guards change formation. Somewhere down there, Kael was sharpening his knives—metaphorical and otherwise. The court believed him a hero returned from war.
They didn't know he'd be the one to start the next one.
Not if I moved first.
At midday, I visited the King.
He was older than I remembered—not physically, but in spirit. His once fiery eyes had dulled. His cough, once rare, now came in fits. His hand trembled as he set down the goblet of wine I brought.
"Your Grace," I said gently, sitting beside him in the solar. "You need to rest more."
He chuckled, coughing. "Rest is for those with heirs."
"You have me."
"Until you're wed, Elira, the throne is vulnerable."
I stiffened. That word—wed—was a noose in itself.
He studied me with tired eyes. "Kael has returned. You two were always fond of each other."
Lie.
"I haven't decided anything," I said carefully.
His eyes narrowed. "You've grown cunning."
"No," I said with a small smile. "I've grown careful."
That evening, I paid an unexpected visit to Commander Thorne's quarters in the west wing.
He opened the door, surprise flickering in his eyes.
"Princess."
"Walk with me," I said. "I need someone who's loyal to the crown. Not to Kael."
He hesitated only a moment before nodding.
We walked the lesser-known corridors—the servants' paths, the ones only guards and ghosts used.
"There's a meeting happening," I whispered. "Two nights from now. In the Duke's private estate outside the city. I want eyes there."
"Spies?"
"No," I said. "You."
Caden arched a brow. "And if I'm recognized?"
"Then I'll have to save you."
That earned a smirk. "You're planning a lot for someone who doesn't even have a sword."
"I have sharper things."
"Like what?"
"Memories."
He studied me again with that unnerving calm. "You're not just trying to protect the crown, are you?"
I met his gaze. "No. I'm trying to rewrite what's already been written."
Later that night, alone in my room, I spread out the pieces of my plan like a map across my desk.
Undermine Kael's alliances.
Gain Caden's trust and protection.
Find the letter that sealed my fate—Kael's forged message to the Chancellor.
Destroy it.
Create a new future.
The ink smeared slightly beneath my fingertips.
One mistake, and I would hang again.
But this time, I would not go quietly.
To be Continued...