Chapter 379: The Sister’s Gambit

Christiana Blackwood

The palace halls were eerily quiet at this hour. The kind of silence that held secrets, where walls had ears and shadows whispered truths no one dared to speak aloud.

I sat in my private lounge, a glass of wine untouched in my hand, my mind a battlefield of strategy and speculation.

Classic and Amal's wedding had been a spectacle—a perfect display of unity and power. But now, as the night stretched on, my thoughts fixated on what came next.

Ethan's report about the hidden cameras had been a bold reminder that we weren't the only ones controlling the narrative. Someone out there—someone with access and audacity—had tried to infiltrate my brother's most intimate moment.

That wasn't just a violation. It was a message.

And I didn't like unanswered messages.

I exhaled slowly, setting the glass down, my nails tapping lightly against the polished surface of the table. Classic was spending the night with Amal. Chris had pushed him into it, ensuring the world believed this marriage was more than just a political arrangement.

But I knew my brother.

He didn't like being maneuvered—even by our father.

And if I had to guess, he wasn't playing along just because he was ordered to. Something had shifted.

A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.

"Enter," I called.

A guard stepped in, bowing slightly. "My Lady, the security team has finished the full sweep. All unauthorized surveillance devices have been removed."

I narrowed my eyes. "And the source?"

"We're still investigating. But whoever placed them knew exactly what they were doing."

Of course they did.

This wasn't the work of an outsider blindly trying their luck. This was deliberate. Precise.

I waved a hand, dismissing him. "Double the security watch around the royal wing. If anyone so much as breathes in that direction, I want to know about it."

"Yes, My Lady."

The door shut behind him, leaving me alone with my thoughts once more.

I leaned back in my seat, exhaling through my nose. Someone had tried to breach our walls, and they had nearly succeeded.

But more than that, someone was watching.

And in this game, the only ones who should be watching—were us.