28: A Bold Return to Court

Once Alina was strong enough to stand, she insisted on returning to the court, despite the protests of the healers. She could not afford to be seen as weak; that would only embolden her enemies. Kael, however, was less than pleased when he found her dressed and ready to attend the council meeting.

"You should be resting," he growled, his eyes narrowing as he took in her pale face and the way she clutched her wounded shoulder.

"I cannot hide forever," Alina replied, her voice steady. "If I do, they will see it as a sign of weakness. I will not give them that satisfaction."

For a long moment, Kael simply stared at her, his eyes dark and unreadable. Then, with a resigned sigh, he nodded. "Very well," he said. "But you will stay by my side."

As they entered the council chamber together, all eyes turned to them. The nobles murmured amongst themselves, some with curiosity, others with thinly veiled hostility. Lady Vivienne's remaining supporters watched with venomous glares, their whispers growing louder.

Kael, however, ignored them, his presence commanding the room. "Enough," he said, his voice cold and imperious. "I will not tolerate any more slander against my queen. She saved my life, and that is the end of it."

The word "queen" sent a shockwave through the room, and even Alina couldn't hide her surprise. Kael had never referred to her as such before. It was a powerful statement, one that would force the court to recognize her as more than just a political pawn.

But it also put an even bigger target on her back.