You summoned me

Beatrice narrowed her eyes. "Liora?"

"She was never meant to be part of this," he admitted. "But if she becomes Lucien's weakness, we use it. That's your job now, isn't it?"

Beatrice clenched her jaw.

"She's not his weakness. Not yet."

"Then make her one."

He stood and tossed a coin on the table. "Time's moving, Lady Beatrice. Lilian's patience isn't eternal."

At the same time, inside Lucien's estate, Rowan returned from the main city, dust on his boots and urgency in his stride.

Lucien met him in the study.

"Report," Lucien ordered.

Rowan didn't waste a word. "Merrow's dinner guest two nights ago , Baron Osric,he has ties to the border garrisons. Three of them were replaced in the last month."

"Who replaced them?"

Rowan's voice dropped. "Names from the east. Traders, mercenaries. But all papers signed by High Minister Caldus."

Lucien's brows furrowed. "Caldus... he's one of Alden's closest."

"Or was."