Chapter 11.

The carriage rattled onward into the night, its wheels grinding over uneven stone as the aftermath of the ambush settled heavily over its passengers. Celeste sat upright once more, her outward calm betraying the storm of thoughts racing through her mind. Edrick, ever vigilant, remained at her side, his hand still resting on his sword hilt as his eyes scanned the darkened forest beyond the window.

"We can't assume this is over," she said at last, her voice firm.

Edrick nodded, his jaw tight. "They were organized—too much for mere highwaymen. Someone's pulling their strings."

"Perhaps," Celeste replied, though her thoughts lingered on the bandit leader's parting words. *The shadows have long ears.* It wasn't just a warning—it was a statement of intent. Whoever was behind this, they had power, resources, and an agenda.

As the carriage lurched over a particularly rough patch of road, Celeste felt the weight of her dagger, now safely sheathed, pressing against her side. Her gaze flicked to Edrick, who was watching her with a mix of respect and concern.

"You handled yourself well back there," he said after a moment. "Most nobles would have panicked."

Celeste met his eyes, her expression unreadable. "Panic doesn't save lives, Sir Edrick. Strategy does."

"True enough," he replied. "But strategy alone won't protect you. You'll need allies—and more than just me."

The words hung in the air, heavy with implication. Celeste understood what he meant. The Varrow name still held sway, but it was a tenuous shield. If her enemies were bold enough to attack her on the open road, they wouldn't stop there.

"I know," she said quietly. "When we reach the estate, I'll send word to my brother. If this is part of something larger, he'll need to know."

Edrick inclined his head but said nothing more. The silence between them was not uncomfortable, but it was charged—an unspoken acknowledgment of the dangers ahead.

The forest began to thin as they approached the outskirts of the Varrow estate. The faint glow of lanterns could be seen in the distance, their light flickering through the trees like will-o'-the-wisps guiding them home. Yet even as the sight of her family's land brought a measure of relief, Celeste couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.

As the carriage rolled to a stop at the estate gates, Celeste straightened her shoulders, her expression hardening into one of quiet determination. She would not be caught off guard again. If the shadows wanted to play games, she would ensure they learned what it meant to cross a Varrow.

"Welcome home, my lady," the gatekeeper said, bowing deeply as he opened the gates. The carriage passed through, and the estate unfolded before them—a sprawling manor surrounded by manicured gardens and high stone walls. It was a picture of security, but Celeste knew better than to let her guard down.

As they disembarked, Edrick stayed close, his hand never far from his sword. Celeste glanced at him, appreciating his vigilance. She would need his loyalty in the days to come.

"Rest tonight," she told him. "Tomorrow, we prepare."

"For what?" he asked, his tone cautious.

Celeste's lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile. "For war, Sir Edrick. Whether it comes in the form of blades or whispered threats, we must be ready."

Edrick gave a short nod, his expression grim. Together, they turned toward the manor, the weight of their next steps settling heavily on their shoulders.

The shadows might have long ears, but Celeste Varrow would ensure they also had something to fear.

Morning broke over the Varrow estate with the muted light of a sun veiled by heavy clouds. Celeste stood at her bedroom window, gazing out over the manicured gardens. Despite the calm, the events of the previous night replayed in her mind with unrelenting clarity.

She traced a finger along the glass, her eyes narrowing. The attack had been too precise, too well-timed. It wasn't coincidence; it was a message.

A sharp knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.

"Come in," she said, her voice even.

The door opened, and Edrick stepped inside. His polished armor gleamed despite the early hour, and his expression was resolute. "The estate is secure. I've doubled the guards at the gates and the perimeter."

"Good," Celeste replied, turning to face him. "And the message to my brother?"

Edrick hesitated. "Sent this morning by one of our fastest riders. It will reach him within two days, assuming no trouble on the roads."

Celeste inclined her head, though her lips pressed into a thin line. Two days might be too long. If whoever orchestrated the attack was bold enough to strike on the road, they wouldn't stop there.

"Has there been any movement near the estate?" she asked.

"None so far," Edrick said. "But..." He paused, his gaze searching hers.

"But what?"

"There's talk among the staff," he admitted. "Rumors of shadows moving in the woods. Whispers of strange figures watching from the tree line at night."

Celeste's stomach tightened. "Superstition, or something more?"

Edrick frowned. "Hard to say. But given recent events, I wouldn't dismiss it outright."

She nodded, already calculating her next steps. If the estate was being watched, they couldn't afford to wait idly for her brother's response.

"Prepare the study," she said at last. "Summon my advisors and the captains of the guard. We'll need to review the estate's defenses."

Edrick inclined his head. "As you wish."

As he turned to leave, Celeste added, "And Edrick—discreetly question the staff. If there's even a hint of betrayal among them, I want to know."

Edrick's expression darkened. "Understood."

---

An hour later, Celeste sat at the head of a long table in the study, her advisors seated around her. The air was thick with tension, their voices low as they murmured among themselves.

"Enough," Celeste said, her voice cutting through the room like a blade. The murmurs ceased, and all eyes turned to her.

"We were attacked last night," she began, her tone measured. "Bandits, or so they appeared. But their precision and numbers suggest otherwise. This was no random act of desperation. Someone wanted to send a message."

The eldest of her advisors, a stooped man named Lord Beric, cleared his throat. "Do you suspect Lord Valtin?"

Celeste's jaw tightened. "He's a likely candidate. The timing is suspicious—too close to our negotiations. But I won't act on assumptions. Our priority is ensuring the estate's security."

Another advisor, Lady Yvonne, leaned forward, her sharp eyes glinting. "If Valtin is involved, he wouldn't act alone. His influence in the northern territories is far-reaching. You may be dealing with more than just mercenaries."

"Which is why we must prepare for all possibilities," Celeste said. "Edrick, what's the status of our garrison?"

Edrick stepped forward, his voice steady. "Sixty trained guards, with an additional twenty stationed at the northern outpost. They're well-equipped, but if this escalates, we'll need reinforcements."

Celeste's gaze swept the room. "Then we must ensure we have them. I want envoys sent to our allies in the southern provinces. Offer them whatever they need to commit troops to our cause."

Lord Beric frowned. "That will take time, my lady. Weeks, perhaps."

"Then we'll buy ourselves time," Celeste said. "Strengthen the walls. Bolster patrols. If the enemy is watching, let them see we're ready."

The room fell silent as her words sank in.

"And what of the shadows in the woods?" Lady Yvonne asked.

Celeste's eyes narrowed. "We'll deal with them tonight."

---

Night fell swiftly, and the estate's guards took their positions along the walls. Celeste stood at the gate, Edrick at her side.

"You're certain about this?" he asked, his voice low.

Celeste adjusted her cloak, the hood pulled low over her face. "If they're watching, they'll expect me to hide behind these walls. Let's show them they're wrong."

Edrick's expression was grim, but he nodded. "Then we do this together."

The two slipped through the gate, their steps silent as they entered the woods. The air was cold and still, the only sound the crunch of leaves beneath their boots.

Celeste's eyes darted between the shadows, her hand resting on the hilt of her dagger. Beside her, Edrick moved with the quiet precision of a seasoned knight, his sword at the ready.

Minutes stretched into what felt like hours as they moved deeper into the forest. Just as Celeste began to doubt the whispers of the staff, a faint rustling reached her ears.

She froze, holding up a hand to stop Edrick. He halted immediately, his posture tense.

The rustling grew louder, closer. Celeste's heart raced as her eyes scanned the darkness. Then, she saw it—a figure moving between the trees, cloaked in shadow.

"Edrick," she whispered.

"I see it," he murmured, his grip tightening on his sword.

The figure stopped, as if sensing their presence. For a moment, there was silence. Then, the figure stepped into the faint light of the moon, revealing a hooded face and a gleaming silver insignia on their chest.

Celeste's breath caught. She recognized the insignia—it was the mark of the King's Shadow, the crown's secret intelligence force.

The figure spoke, their voice low and smooth. "Lady Varrow. Sir Edrick. We need to talk."

Celeste's eyes narrowed, her hand tightening on her dagger. "Talk quickly, then. Who sent you?"

The figure inclined their head. "Not who you think. But if you wish to survive what's coming, you'll listen carefully."

The night seemed to grow colder as the words hung in the air. Celeste exchanged a glance with Edrick, her mind racing.

"Speak," she said finally. "But know this—if this is a trap, you won't leave these woods alive."

The figure's lips curved into a faint smile. "It's no trap, my lady. It's a warning."

And with that, the shadows seemed to close in, the forest growing darker still.