Chapter 14- A dangerous Bargain

The night air was thick with tension as Amelia slipped back into the castle. Every step felt like a risk, every shadow like a pair of eyes watching her. She had just given Kael the most valuable piece of information—time. But now, she was trapped in a house filled with enemies.

As she reached her chambers, she barely had time to shut the door before a voice cut through the darkness.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Amelia."

She spun around, heart hammering in her chest. Edric sat in the corner, his sharp gaze fixed on her like a predator studying its prey.

"How long have you been waiting here?" she asked, keeping her voice steady.

"Long enough." He stood, stepping closer. "Who were you with?"

Amelia crossed her arms, forcing a smirk. "Are you following me now, Edric? That's beneath you."

His jaw tightened. "Don't toy with me. The King may trust you, but I know you're hiding something."

Her pulse quickened. He didn't have proof—not yet. But one wrong step and he would.

"I don't have time for this," she said coolly, moving toward her bed. "I suggest you leave before someone thinks you're sneaking into a princess's room for improper reasons."

Edric's eyes darkened, but he didn't push further. Instead, he smirked. "You're smart, Amelia. But smart people make mistakes when they get desperate."

With that, he turned and walked out, leaving her breathless with fear.

The next morning, the castle was alive with movement. Soldiers trained in the courtyard, messengers hurried through the halls, and the council met once more to finalize their plans.

Amelia sat beside her father, listening as General Marek laid out the strategy. But she barely heard him. Her mind was racing.

Kael needed her. She needed to make sure he was safe.

Just then, King Aldric turned to her. "Amelia, since you were so insightful yesterday, tell me—what should be done with any traitors we uncover?"

Her throat went dry.

She forced a calm expression. "Traitors should be interrogated first. If we kill them without understanding their motives, we may miss important information."

King Aldric chuckled. "You always were a thinker. But I disagree. A traitor is a traitor."

Amelia's stomach twisted.

This was the man she had been raised to obey. The man she was betraying.

And soon, he would know.

That night, Amelia knew she couldn't wait any longer. She had to see Kael again.

She slipped through the corridors, avoiding the guards, making her way to the hidden garden where they had last spoken.

When she arrived, she wasn't alone.

Edric stood in the moonlight, holding a parchment—the very one she had given Kael.

Her breath caught. "Where did you get that?"

Edric's expression was unreadable. "From one of our patrols. You were careless, Amelia."

Panic surged through her. "What do you want?"

Edric stepped closer, lowering his voice. "A deal. You walk away from this rebellion, and I won't tell your father."

She shook her head. "I can't do that."

His gaze softened, just for a moment. "Then I can't protect you."

She swallowed hard.

For the first time, she realized something terrifying.

Edric wasn't just an obstacle.

He might be the only person who could save her life.