Chapter 57 – A Reckoning Beyond the Palace

The night air was sharp, thick with the scent of burning torches and the distant clang of steel. Adrian moved like a storm through the palace corridors, his mind racing.

Seraphina and the others had breached the underground entrance. The rebellion had begun.

But Laurent—Laurent was his.

He had no intention of letting the bastard die in the crossfire.

The palace gates were thrown into chaos, guards scrambling to contain the uprising in the eastern wing. But Adrian didn't slow—he cut through the fray, his only focus on one man.

Laurent.

He needed to draw him out.

A shadow peeled away from the edge of the courtyard. Edric. Blood streaked his tunic, his blade still dripping.

"You're late," he muttered, eyes scanning the battlefield.

"Where is he?" Adrian demanded.

Edric jerked his chin toward the western stables. "Slipping out the back, like the rat he is. He came to the palace tonight for something, but the moment the fighting started, he made for his escape."

Adrian's lips curled. "Then we'll make sure he doesn't reach the city gates."

He turned, striding toward the stables, his grip tightening on his sword. The palace was no place for Laurent to die—not yet. His crimes were too deep, his betrayals too many. Adrian needed him alive long enough to confess.

He needed Laurent to answer for what he had done.

The Chase

Laurent's escape had been carefully planned. A handful of his most trusted men guarded the stable doors, their postures tense, their hands twitching toward their weapons.

They weren't expecting Adrian to be there.

He didn't give them time to react.

His sword cut through the first before the man could even lift his blade. The second barely had time to scream before Edric's dagger found his throat.

The others hesitated.

Laurent, saddling his horse, turned just as Adrian stepped through the wreckage of his men.

His expression twisted in fury. "Damn you—"

Adrian moved.

Laurent barely yanked his sword free before steel clashed against steel. The force of Adrian's strike sent him staggering back, eyes wild.

"You should have run faster," Adrian murmured.

Laurent recovered, snarling as he lunged forward. He was skilled, but desperation made him sloppy.

Their blades met again, a vicious rhythm of strikes and counters. Sparks flew as Laurent deflected a blow meant for his throat, barely twisting out of reach.

But Adrian was relentless.

A well-aimed kick sent Laurent crashing against the wooden wall of the stable. Hay scattered, his sword slipping from his fingers for a fraction of a second—long enough.

Adrian's blade was at his throat.

Laurent's breath came ragged, fury and something close to fear flickering across his face.

"It wasn't just me," he gasped.

Adrian's grip tightened. "What?"

Laurent coughed, blood flecking his lips. "I wasn't the only one who wanted your mother dead. You think I orchestrated everything alone? You're a fool."

Adrian's jaw clenched. "Then tell me who else."

Laurent bared his teeth. "Make me."

Adrian's blade pressed deeper.

Laurent smirked.

And then, a sharp whistle split the air.

The moment of hesitation cost him. A crossbow bolt shot past Adrian's ear, striking the wooden beam just inches from his head.

Laurent seized the opening. He shoved forward, knocking Adrian back just enough to twist free. His remaining men surged toward them, cutting off Adrian and Edric before either could land another blow.

Laurent stumbled toward the waiting horses. "This isn't over, Valemont," he spat, hauling himself into the saddle.

Adrian lunged, but another arrow whistled past, forcing him back. Laurent wheeled his horse around, his silhouette swallowed by the night.

Edric swore. "Damn it."

Adrian stood there for a moment, breathing hard, blood pounding in his ears.

Laurent had escaped.

But barely.

And now, he knew the truth ran deeper than just one man.

Adrian sheathed his sword. This was no longer just about vengeance. It was about unraveling the conspiracy that had stolen everything from him.

Laurent could run.

But Adrian would find him.

And next time, there would be no escape.