Chapter 380: The King’s Next Move

Chris Blackwood

The night was supposed to be over.

The palace had settled into its usual stillness, the kind that followed grand events. The wedding had been a success. Classic had played his part—for now.

But I never rested easy after a victory. Not when the game was still being played.

I stood in my private study, hands clasped behind my back as I stared out at the city lights beyond the palace walls. Ethan stood near the door, his stance rigid. He was waiting for my orders.

"The cameras," I said, breaking the silence. "Tell me."

His expression remained unreadable. "All removed. We traced their signals—whoever planted them was skilled. No direct connection to any foreign intelligence, no clear ties to opposition forces."

I turned slightly, giving him a sharp look. "So, we're dealing with ghosts?"

Ethan's jaw tightened. "A ghost with access to our most secure wing."

That didn't sit well with me.

My fingers tapped against the armrest of my chair, my mind running through possibilities. Who had the audacity to place surveillance inside my son's chamber on his wedding night?

An enemy?

A traitor?

Or someone closer than we realized?

I walked over to my desk, picking up a small device—the remains of one of the hidden cameras Ethan's team had retrieved. Small, discreet, advanced. Not something an amateur would use.

My grip tightened. "Someone wanted to see if the marriage was real."

Ethan nodded. "And now, they know it is."

I smirked, though there was nothing amused about it. "Then they played right into my hands."

Whoever they were, they had hoped to expose a deception. Instead, they had given us proof—proof that people were doubting this union, watching for cracks.

That meant this marriage held more power than even I had anticipated.

I set the device down carefully. "Find out who it was. I don't care what it takes. No loose ends."

Ethan gave a short nod. "Understood."

He turned to leave, but I stopped him with one last command.

"And Ethan?"

He looked back. "Yes, Your Majesty?"

I met his gaze, my voice calm but absolute. "If we find them… I want a message sent. One that guarantees they won't try again."

Ethan didn't ask what kind of message.

He already knew.