Let The Pieces Fall

The night after the council meeting.

The palace was quiet. The kind of silence that only came when something dangerous was about to happen.

The Mormont moved like a ghost through the palace halls.

No one noticed him. No one questioned him.

He had always been a shadow—useful, invisible, underestimated.

That was their mistake.

Because tonight, he would set everything in motion.

Queen Naomi sat alone in the council chamber, a full glass of wine at her side.

Her fingers tracing the rim of her wine goblet.

She had won the marriage deal, but she was not at ease.

That was good.

Doubt was a weapon sharper than any blade.

The Mormont stepped into the room without an announcement.

She did not flinch. Did not act surprised.

Of course not. Naomi was too proud for that.

Queen Naomi sat alone in the council chamber, She had won the meeting. Secured Bianca's marriage. Solidified her control.