40: A Fragile Alliance

The next few days were filled with tension as the investigation continued. Alina worked tirelessly to prove Mara's innocence, pouring over the palace's records and speaking with anyone who might have seen something suspicious. Kael, though skeptical, allowed her to continue, clearly intrigued by her determination.

One night, as Alina was returning to her chambers, she found Kael waiting for her. He was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed, watching her with that inscrutable gaze she was beginning to know so well.

"You have been working tirelessly," he said softly. "Why? What do you stand to gain from this?"

Alina took a deep breath. "I may not be from your kingdom, but I believe in justice. Mara is innocent, and I cannot stand by while someone uses her as a pawn."

Kael's eyes softened, just for a moment. "You are a strange woman, Alina. Most would have taken this opportunity to secure their own safety. Yet here you are, risking everything for a servant."

Alina stepped closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Perhaps I am not the only one who hides behind a mask, Your Majesty."

For the first time, Kael did not have a ready retort. Instead, he simply nodded. "Then we shall find the real traitor together," he said. "But know this, Alina—if you betray me, there will be no second chances."

Alina met his gaze, her heart steady. "I understand. But you will have to trust me if we are to succeed."

As they stood there in the dim light, their fragile alliance began to solidify. They were no longer just enemies bound by a forced marriage; they were becoming something more. But with danger lurking in every shadow, neither of them could afford to let their guard down.