38: The Trap is Set

Over the next few days, Kael and Alina worked together to set the trap for the traitor. Alina played her part perfectly, letting it slip during a conversation with one of the court ladies that Kael would be inspecting the eastern barracks personally. It was a calculated risk—if the traitor took the bait, they would reveal themselves.

The tension between Kael and Alina grew more complicated with each passing day. Working so closely together, they could no longer ignore the sparks that flared whenever they were near one another. Yet, they were careful to keep their interactions strictly professional, knowing that any sign of weakness could be exploited by the court.

The night before the inspection, Kael called Alina to his private chambers. She had never been invited there before, and the gesture sent her heart racing. When she entered, she found him standing by the window, staring out at the moonlit city.

"You've done well," Kael said without turning to face her. "Tomorrow, we'll see if your plan works."

Alina stepped closer, her eyes searching his profile. "And if it doesn't?"

Kael finally turned to her, his eyes dark and intense. "Then I suppose we will both pay the price."

There was a charged silence between them. The air seemed to crackle with unspoken words. But before either of them could speak, a loud crash echoed from the corridor outside. The door burst open, and a group of guards rushed in, their swords drawn.

"Your Majesty! We've found the traitor!" one of the guards shouted.