There are traitors among us

Steam still clung to the air as Valeria stepped out of the bathroom, the towel draped loosely over her shoulders. Her thoughts were occupied with the meeting ahead, but her steps faltered when she noticed a new set of clothing laid out on the chaise near her bed.

The outfit was striking, masculine, and exuded authority. A high-collared black jacket with silver embroidery traced along the cuffs and chest was paired with tailored trousers of matching material. A dark gray sash sat neatly folded beside the jacket, its silky texture contrasting with the matte finish of the ensemble. A pair of polished boots stood nearby, their gleaming surface catching the morning light.

Valeria allowed herself a small smile. It wasn't exactly what she was used to she'd never been one for ornate or overly regal attire but it suited her new role. Efficient, commanding, and undeniably powerful. She shrugged off the towel and began to dress, starting with the shirt and pants before reaching for the jacket.

The sound of hurried footsteps drew her attention just as she slid one arm into a sleeve. Sylphina emerged from the bathroom, her face flushed a deep crimson. Their gazes met for a split second, and Valeria raised an eyebrow at the Omega's obvious embarrassment. Before she could say a word, Sylphina squeaked something incomprehensible and darted out of the room as though fleeing from a predator.

Valeria couldn't help herself. A low chuckle escaped her lips, shaking loose the last vestiges of tension from the morning. It was hard to stay irritated with someone so thoroughly out of their depth.

By the time she finished dressing, her mood had lifted considerably. She tightened the sash at her waist, adjusted her jacket, and stepped out of the room. The moment she did, the surrounding servants froze.

Her smile, still lingering from the earlier incident, only seemed to worsen their reaction. Faces paled, hands trembled, and she could almost feel their fear wafting through the corridor like a tangible fog.

Do they think I'm planning to eat them alive? Valeria wondered, stifling the urge to roll her eyes. She strode past them, her boots clicking against the marble floor, and headed for the dining hall.

As expected, Arlen was already waiting for her when she arrived. He sat at the far end of the long, elaborately carved table, his hands folded neatly in front of him. The table was set with a spread of fruits, freshly baked bread, eggs, and a selection of cheeses. The aroma of coffee and tea wafted through the air, and Valeria's stomach grumbled softly in approval.

She seated herself and began eating without ceremony, ignoring the lingering gaze of her assistant. The previous night's dinner flashed briefly through her mind, and she couldn't help but think of Sylphina's voracious appetite.

"Did you already investigate the embezzlement issue?" Valeria asked between bites, her tone casual.

Arlen's expression brightened, his smile growing almost predatory. "Indeed, Your Majesty. The culprits have been identified."

Valeria raised an eyebrow, surprised by his efficiency. She'd expected the investigation to take days, not mere hours. "That was quick," she remarked.

"We don't tolerate treachery," Arlen replied smoothly.

There was something about the gleam in his eyes that was unsettling, though Valeria kept her own face impassive. She nodded and resumed eating, pushing the thought aside.

Once the meal was finished, Arlen rose and gestured for her to follow. "The nobles are already gathered in the council chamber," he informed her.

Valeria stood, brushing a few crumbs from her jacket. Today, instead of retreating to the dreaded confines of her office, she was heading into a different battlefield.

The council chamber was as grand as it was intimidating. The high ceiling was adorned with intricate carvings of past rulers, their stoic faces staring down at those who entered. Tall windows lined one side of the room, allowing sunlight to spill across the polished wooden table that dominated the space.

The nobles were seated along the table's edges, their richly adorned clothing a testament to their wealth and status.

There was Duke Harven, an older man with a hawkish nose and sharp gray eyes. Beside him sat Lady Mircella, her elaborate hairstyle studded with gemstones that matched her emerald-green dress. Further down was Count Ardyn, a balding man whose rotund figure seemed to strain against his ornate doublet. Several others flanked them, each with an air of self-importance that made Valeria's jaw tighten.

As she entered, the nobles rose as one, bowing deeply. "Your Majesty," they intoned in unison.

Valeria moved to the central seat at the head of the table, Arlen a silent shadow at her side. She sat down, her movements measured, and gestured for the others to do the same.

"Let us begin," she said simply.

The first half of the meeting was as tedious as she'd expected. The nobles took turns voicing their opinions, ranging from minor complaints to more substantial proposals. A few, including Lady Mircella, argued for increased taxes on the peasantry to fund their own endeavors. Others, like Duke Harven, suggested more extreme measures, including seizing land from struggling farmers.

Valeria listened silently, her expression betraying none of her thoughts.

The room grew tense when the nobles began bickering amongst themselves. Voices rose, tempers flared, and accusations were hurled like stones.

It happened without warning.

A deep, oppressive energy filled the room, emanating from Valeria's body like a tidal wave. Shadows seemed to writhe at the edges of her form, coiling and uncoiling with a life of their own. The air grew heavy, suffocating, and the nobles froze, their faces contorted in fear.

The pressure lasted only a few seconds before dissipating, leaving behind a stunned silence.

Valeria blinked, her mind reeling. She hadn't meant to release her magic it had responded to her frustration without her consent.

Arlen, ever unflappable, cleared his throat, drawing the attention of the room back to her.

Valeria straightened in her chair, her gaze sweeping over the gathered nobles. "Enough," she said, her voice as cold and sharp as steel. "We are here to govern, not squabble like children."

The nobles nodded hastily, their earlier bravado shattered.

Valeria let the silence linger for a moment before speaking again, her words slow and deliberate.

"There are traitors among us."

Gasps filled the room, and every face turned ashen.

The Empress leaned forward, her eyes narrowing. "And they will answer for their crimes."