CHAPTER 29: A KINGDOM TREMBLES

The morning sun rose over the castle, its golden light spilling across the stone walls, but there was no warmth in its glow. The air remained heavy with the scent of blood and betrayal, the echoes of Rowan's execution still fresh in the corridors of power.

Evelynn stood by the grand balcony, her fingers gripping the edge of the stone railing as she gazed out at the training grounds below. Soldiers moved with renewed vigor, their swords clashing in rhythmic precision as if they, too, sensed that the kingdom was on the brink of something irreversible.

Darius emerged from the war chamber, his posture as firm as ever, though Evelynn could see the exhaustion lining his face. He had barely slept since the revelation of Rowan's treachery, and the weight of ruling in a time of war pressed against his shoulders.

"Lucien is securing the council," he said as he approached, standing beside her. His golden eyes flickered to her face. "They are shaken but obedient. No one dares challenge our authority openly now."

Evelynn turned to him, studying his expression. "And in the shadows?"

His jaw clenched. "There are whispers. Dissent is like rot—it does not die overnight."

She exhaled slowly, the wind tugging at the loose strands of her hair. "Rowan's betrayal was not just an act of defiance; it was a symptom. There are more who doubt you."

Darius let out a short, humorless chuckle. "Then we remind them why I sit on this throne."

She touched his arm, her fingers brushing against the leather of his tunic. "Fear can only hold power for so long, Darius."

His gaze softened slightly, but before he could respond, Lucien appeared in the archway leading to the balcony. "Sire," he said, urgency lacing his voice. "Kael has sent word. He demands an audience."

Darius stiffened. "He dares?"

Lucien nodded grimly. "He offers a temporary ceasefire. But I do not trust his intentions."

Evelynn folded her arms. "He wants to toy with us."

Darius straightened, his presence commanding. "Then let's play."

The great hall had been prepared for Kael's envoy. The chandeliers cast a dim glow over the long wooden table, the stone walls lined with guards at attention. Evelynn stood to the right of Darius's throne, her dagger strapped against her thigh, hidden beneath the folds of her dark gown.

The heavy doors creaked open, and a figure clad in dark armor strode forward. The emblem of Kael's house—a black wolf against a silver background—was emblazoned on his chest. His piercing blue eyes swept across the room before settling on Darius.

"King Darius," the man greeted with a bow, his voice smooth as silk. "I bring my lord's words."

Darius did not rise. "Speak them quickly."

The envoy smiled, unrolling a parchment. "Kael proposes a truce. He offers to negotiate peace—on terms that would favor both sides."

Evelynn let out a quiet scoff, drawing the envoy's attention. "You find this amusing, Lady Evelynn?"

She met his gaze without hesitation. "Your lord speaks of peace after slaughtering our people?"

The envoy's smirk did not waver. "War is never without cost. But Kael is willing to show mercy."

Darius leaned forward. "And what price does he ask for this 'mercy'?"

The envoy tilted his head slightly. "He asks for Evelynn."

Silence fell upon the hall.

Evelynn's blood ran cold, but she schooled her expression into one of icy detachment. "What?"

The envoy turned to her. "Kael believes you to be the true power behind the throne. He offers to take you as his bride, thus uniting both our houses. The war would end."

A growl rumbled in Darius's throat, and Lucien took a step forward, hand gripping the hilt of his sword. "You dare—"

Evelynn raised a hand, silencing them. Her eyes remained locked onto the envoy. "And if I refuse?"

The man's smirk deepened. "Then Kael will take what he wants by force."

Darius stood abruptly, the sound of his chair scraping against the stone floor echoing through the hall. "Go back to your master," he said, his voice low and deadly. "Tell him that if he wants Evelynn, he'll have to carve his way through every last one of us."

The envoy bowed mockingly. "As you wish."

With that, he turned on his heel and strode from the hall, the heavy doors closing behind him.

Evelynn finally exhaled, her pulse thrumming in her ears. Darius turned to her, his eyes burning. "He will come for you."

She lifted her chin. "Then let him come."

Lucien's voice was dark. "We must be ready."

Darius's hands curled into fists. "War is upon us."

The castle was a hive of movement. Soldiers were armed, and strategies were whispered in hidden chambers. Evelynn stood in her private quarters, gazing at the map spread across the table, tracing her fingers over the battle lines.

A knock sounded at her door. "Enter."

Darius stepped inside, his presence filling the space. For a moment, they simply looked at each other, unspoken words stretching between them.

"You should rest," he said finally.

She let out a soft laugh. "You say that as if you will."

He sighed, rubbing a hand over his face before stepping closer. "I won't let him take you."

Evelynn met his gaze. "I know."

Something shifted in his expression then, something raw. His fingers brushed against her wrist, trailing up her arm, his touch light yet searing. "You're mine, Evelynn."

A shiver ran through her. "And you are mine."

His lips crashed onto hers, claiming, desperate. She tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling him closer. The weight of war, of duty, of the looming storm, all melted away in that moment.

Darius broke the kiss, his forehead resting against hers. "No matter what happens… we stand together."

She nodded, her breath uneven. "Always."

The next dawn broke with the sound of war horns.

Kael had come.