Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 362. Another Traitor

They stepped back into the palace, the doors closing behind them as the muffled cheers of the crowd faded into the distance. The corridors were quieter now, the frenzy of earlier preparations giving way to the calm hum of servants cleaning up and organizing for the evening's festivities. Rose could feel the tension in her shoulders begin to ease.

"So," she said as they walked, glancing sideways at Angel. "What exactly makes the evening party more tolerable? Aside from the wine, of course."

"Mostly that we don't have to wear the crowns," he replied, his tone casual. "Or the formal robes. Lighter outfits, fewer expectations to stand perfectly still while people stare at us. It's definitely better."

Rose giggled, the sound light and genuine. "Sounds way better than this."

Angel smiled, his expression softening. "Indeed, better. Trust me, after today, you'll appreciate the smaller things—like not feeling the urge to rip that crown off your head."

"I already appreciate that," Rose quipped, brushing her fingers lightly against the golden circlet still resting atop her head. "How do you do it without going crazy?"

He shrugged, his smirk widening. "Years of practice. And a healthy amount of ignoring people's rumors."

Rose shook her head, still smiling, as they continued down the long corridor. For a moment, the tension seemed to melt away. But then, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something—or rather, someone.

A man in a servant's uniform was approaching quickly, his steps brisk and precise. Too precise. His movements were smooth, agile, lacking the hesitant deference most servants showed in the presence of royalty. It set off a quiet alarm in her mind, and she instinctively glanced at Angel, who didn't seem the least bit surprised.

"Report," Angel said, his voice low but firm, his gaze fixed ahead as if nothing out of the ordinary was happening.

Rose's brows furrowed, her heart picking up speed. 'Report?' The word was enough to confirm her suspicions—this wasn't just a servant.

The man fell into step beside Angel, his posture rigid and alert. His voice was quiet, but there was a sharp efficiency in his tone. "Two attackers neutralized. Both were professionals, likely mercenaries hired for this specific event."

"Any sign of more?" Angel asked, his expression unreadable, though his tone carried a dangerous edge.

"Possibly," the soldier admitted. "We're still sweeping the area. No further activity so far, but we can't rule out backup waiting for an opportunity."

Rose's pulse quickened, though she kept her expression calm, her eyes fixed forward. "Mercenaries? Who hired them?"

The soldier hesitated for a beat, then continued. "Preliminary interrogation suggests they were hired by someone connected to Zephyrus."

Rose's stomach dropped slightly, but she didn't react outwardly. Zephyrus—her home, her past. This wasn't the first time she'd heard whispers of unrest tied to the kingdom, but hearing it now, after everything, hit differently.

"Connected how?" Angel's voice remained steady, but there was a distinct tension in his jaw now.

"The mercenaries wouldn't give specifics, but they mentioned a high-ranking noble," the soldier replied. "We're working to confirm the identity. The attack wasn't meant to kill—only to disrupt the ceremony and sow doubt."

Angel let out a slow breath, nodding slightly. "Keep digging. If they have more people waiting in the shadows, I want them found before the evening party."

"Yes, Your Majesty." The soldier gave a slight bow before blending back into the shadows as quickly as he had appeared.

Rose watched him disappear down a side corridor, her mind racing. "Zephyrus," she murmured quietly, her voice thoughtful. "Who? Is there another traitor?"

Angel glanced at her, his expression softening slightly. "It's too soon to say. Could be someone using Zephyrus's name to stir trouble, or it could be another traitor. Either way, we'll handle it."

Rose frowned, her steps slowing as she processed his words. Zephyrus had always been a part of her life, but ever since she'd come to Euphorion, it had felt distant—like a world she'd left behind. Hearing its name tied to something like this made her feel… unsettled.

Angel stopped beside her, his hand brushing lightly against hers. "Hey," he said softly, his voice pulling her from her thoughts. "Don't overthink it. This isn't on you."

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