A Whisper of Trouble

Seraphine sensed the shift immediately.

Her personal maid, Lyria, was quieter than usual. The guards outside her chambers seemed to linger just a little longer.

And when she tried to send a simple request to the kitchens, the steward himself delivered her meal.

Kaelith was closing in.

Seraphine sat before her mirror, running a brush through her hair, watching Lyria's reflection carefully.

"You've been tense today," she said softly.

Lyria's hands stilled over the fabric she was folding. "I—" She hesitated.

That was enough.

Seraphine set the brush down and turned in her seat. "What has happened?"

Lyria swallowed hard. "His Highness… he has begun asking questions."

Seraphine's pulse quickened, though she kept her expression smooth. "Questions?"

Lyria lowered her voice. "About the letters you've sent. The gifts you've received. He is speaking with the palace staff—your attendants, your couriers."

Seraphine exhaled slowly, absorbing the information.

Kaelith had grown tired of waiting for her to make a mistake. Now, he was forcing her into a corner.

A Dangerous Decision

Seraphine met Lyria's gaze. "Do you know if he has found anything?"

Lyria shook her head. "Not yet. But he will keep looking."

Seraphine turned back to the mirror, her mind already working.

Kaelith was ruthless, but he was also methodical. If he was digging into her past, she had to act now—before he uncovered something she couldn't explain.

She had two choices.

She could attempt to mislead him further, planting false trails.

Or… she could risk making contact with her hidden allies and warn them.

Either path was dangerous.

But doing nothing? That was not an option.

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