39: The Unmasking

The next moments were a blur. Kael, always quick to action, grabbed Alina's arm and pulled her behind him. "Stay close," he ordered, his voice a low growl. Together, they rushed down the dimly lit corridors, following the guards.

They reached the dungeons, where a figure was being dragged into the torchlight. It was Mara, the servant girl who had helped Alina. Her face was bruised, her eyes wild with fear.

"Your Majesty!" Mara cried, her voice breaking. "I am innocent! Please, believe me!"

Kael's expression was as hard as stone. "You were found with documents detailing our military plans," he said coldly. "How do you explain that?"

Alina's mind raced. She couldn't believe that Mara was a traitor. The girl had risked her life to help her. But the evidence was damning, and Kael's trust was not easily won.

"Wait," Alina said, stepping forward. "I don't believe Mara is guilty. There must be another explanation."

Kael's eyes flickered to her, a muscle ticking in his jaw. "And what makes you so certain, Princess?"

"Because someone is using her as a scapegoat," Alina insisted. "Think about it—why would a lowly servant have access to such sensitive information? Someone else planted those documents to divert suspicion."

Kael hesitated, his eyes narrowing as he considered her words. Finally, he turned to the guards. "Take her to the interrogation chamber," he ordered. "But do not harm her. I want answers."