Chapter 51 – The Cost of Deception

The room was still, save for the slow crackling of embers in the hearth. The air carried the weight of exhaustion, yet none of them moved to rest. The ledger lay open between them, its ink-stained pages whispering of treason and retribution. It was more than a record—it was a weapon, one sharp enough to carve through the foundations of power.

Seraphina sat rigid in her chair, fingers tracing the spine of the book as she mulled over their next steps. Adrian, now bandaged, leaned back with an air of ease that was entirely deceptive. His stormy gaze, however, told another story. He was thinking, calculating.

Edric, seated across from them, drummed his fingers against the table, his golden eyes flicking between them. "So, we have a ledger that could topple Laurent. We have a name—Duke Halvar—who might help us. And we have Laurent, who will soon realize we've taken his most damning secret. Now tell me, how exactly do we make sure we live long enough to use it?"

Seraphina exhaled slowly. "By ensuring Laurent has no way to cover this up before we strike. We need to expose him before he silences us."

Adrian nodded. "Halvar is our best chance at that. He has the king's ear. If we can bring him proof, force his hand, he may have no choice but to turn against Laurent."

Edric scoffed, shaking his head. "That sounds like a plan nobles would make—trusting another noble to do the right thing. We both know men like Halvar don't risk their necks unless they have something to gain."

Seraphina's lips pressed into a thin line. "Then we ensure he has no other option. If Laurent holds power, Halvar is only one misstep away from becoming his next victim."

Edric studied her for a moment, then smirked. "You really are ruthless when you need to be."

Seraphina didn't flinch. "We don't have the luxury of mercy."

Adrian's gaze lingered on her for a moment before he spoke. "Then we leave at first light."

Edric's Unfinished Business

As the night stretched on, Seraphina noticed the way Edric's usual easy confidence had begun to slip, just slightly. He had been with them through every battle, every escape, yet there was something restless in him now.

"You're not coming with us, are you?" she asked suddenly.

Edric looked up from sharpening his dagger, his smirk faltering for just a second before he shrugged. "You know me too well, Sera."

Adrian's gaze sharpened. "Where are you going?"

Edric leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. "We need Halvar, but we also need the people. If we can turn the city against Laurent before he realizes we're making our move, then it won't matter how much power he thinks he holds."

Seraphina frowned. "You're going to the underground press."

Edric grinned. "And to a few other... friends."

Adrian scowled. "I don't like it."

"You don't have to," Edric said easily. "But you'll like being executed for treason even less. If Halvar doesn't act, the people will. They just need to know what's been happening under their noses."

Seraphina's jaw tightened. "You have a plan?"

Edric leaned back, tapping his temple. "I always do."

She didn't like it, but she knew better than to try to stop him. Edric moved in places neither she nor Adrian could, and if he said he could turn the city against Laurent, she believed him.

Still, a knot of unease twisted in her chest. "Be careful," she murmured.

Edric winked. "Aren't I always?"

Adrian snorted. "No."

With a chuckle, Edric stood, sheathing his dagger. "I'll meet you in two days' time. If all goes well, the city will be boiling by then."

Then, with a final glance at them both, he slipped out into the night.

A Marriage of Deception

As the door shut behind Edric, the weight of their deception pressed down harder.

Seraphina turned back to Adrian. "We need to be careful with Halvar. If he suspects any hesitation, he'll pull back."

Adrian nodded, but his gaze held something unreadable. "And what about us?"

She stilled. "What do you mean?"

He leaned forward, voice low. "You know how the court works. Halvar may trust me, but he won't risk his position if he senses uncertainty. Right now, he sees me as an ambitious ally. But if he starts to suspect our marriage isn't what it seems..."

Seraphina inhaled sharply. She knew exactly what he was implying. Their entire arrangement had been built on deception—from the marriage itself to the carefully crafted narrative they had spun. To outsiders, they were a united front. A noble husband and wife bound by duty. But the truth had always been far messier.

Seraphina lifted her chin. "Then we don't give him a reason to suspect."

Adrian's lips quirked in something almost like admiration. "You're prepared to play the devoted wife?"

She met his gaze evenly. "Are you prepared to play the devoted husband?"

A slow smirk tugged at his lips, but his eyes burned with something deeper. "I suppose we'll find out."

Seraphina's pulse flickered. This was more than political maneuvering now. The lines between reality and deception had blurred, and she wasn't sure she could tell where they ended anymore.

But one thing was clear—if they were going to win, they had to convince the world their marriage was real. Even if it meant lying to themselves.

The Storm Brewing

As dawn crept over the horizon, Seraphina stood by the window, watching the city wake beneath her. Somewhere out there, Edric was setting his plan in motion. Somewhere in the palace, Laurent was likely already searching for the missing ledger.

And soon, they would have to face Halvar.

Adrian stepped up beside her, his presence steady, unwavering. "We're running out of time."

Seraphina exhaled. "Then let's make every second count."

They turned together, stepping into the storm they had set in motion.