Chapter 26: The Stepmother’s Counsel

The warm light of the late afternoon sun filtered through the stained-glass windows of the royal palace, casting colorful patterns across the polished stone floors. Laila paced quietly within her private quarters; her thoughts heavy after the heated council meeting earlier in the day. Her cousins, Tariq and Jamal, were growing bolder, but without undeniable proof of their connection to the Iron Claw, she was left to watch and wait. A part of her hated the waiting.

A soft knock on the door broke her from her thoughts, and when the door opened, Queen Khawla, her stepmother, entered with her usual grace. She wore a calm expression, her deep brown eyes searching Laila’s face for signs of distress. Laila paused, offering a respectful nod.

"Your Baba thought it best if I speak with you privately," Khawla said, her voice warm but steady. "We have much to discuss."