Her first card to play

"I considered it," she replied, her lips quirking up. "But today I bring something better than chaos."

"Oh?" He raised a brow, motioning for her to approach. "That would be a first."

Kaida walked forward, the train of her dress trailing behind her like a queen's banner. She wasn't in a hurry.

Kaida Everard never rushed.

When she reached him, she curtsied with just the right amount of grace and irreverence. "Uncle, I came across something during my last visit to the merchant quarter. It concerns the northern trading route—specifically the icebound pass near Varel."

He sat up straighter, interest flickering in his eyes. "Go on."

"It's melting" she said simply. "Not all the way, but it's enough. There's a narrow path forming, just wide enough for small caravans. If we secure it now, we can have exclusive rights before anyone else realizes it's usable again."

The emperor's eyes narrowed—not in suspicion, but in calculation. He was already thinking three steps ahead. Kaida could almost see it happening behind his calm expression.

"And how do you know this?" he asked, though his tone was mild.

"You know I love to explore uncle." she replied smoothly, crossing her arms and tilting her head.

"I can provide maps and witnesses, if you want proof. I came straight to you instead of letting someone else take credit. I thought you'd appreciate that. That trade route would be beneficial during the spring and summer, we can trade all year round and pause when Winter comes."

He studied her for a long moment, then chuckled softly. "Sometimes I forget there's more than mischief in that head of yours."

Kaida smiled sweetly. "That's the point. Though I stumbled upon it by chance."

"Very well. I'll dispatch scouts and have the Guild look into it. If your information checks out… you'll be rewarded accordingly."

"Thank you, Uncle." she said, bowing slightly again.

Then, because she couldn't help herself, she added, "Now that I've done my civic duty, I'll take a walk around the gardens. Maybe breathe the same air as the prince."

"Kaida…"

"Just a walk and maybe visit Auntie."she said quickly, already turning toward the side corridor. "I'll behave. I promise."

He sighed, rubbing his temples. "Why don't I believe you?"

"Because you know me. But I've already promised not to cause trouble today. Father would be angry" she said over her shoulder, flashing a grin.

"Ah Carmil, how's he doing these days?" He asked his voice carrying a slight warmth.

"My father is doing well. Thank you."

The emperor hummed in response, his fingers drumming lightly against the armrest of his throne. "Send him my regards. We don't speak nearly as often as we used to. Time slips away when you're running an empire."

Kaida paused at the doorway, her expression softening just for a moment. "He says the same thing, you know. That you've gotten too busy to bother with old friends."

A chuckle escaped Henry's lips. "Old friends," he echoed. "That's generous of him. We used to burn kingdoms down together, your father and I."

Kaida smiled. "Now you just sign trade deals and host banquets."

"Thankfully," he muttered, waving a hand. "Now go on before I change my mind and assign you to the Guild myself."

Kaida gave him a mock salute before disappearing down the corridor, her laughter echoing faintly behind her. Once out of sight, her smile faded just a little, her thoughts shifting back to the real reason she'd brought the report early.

There were subtle shifts happening in Kaldora—whispers in the court, quiet power plays behind silk curtains. She didn't yet know where Thane stood in all of it, but if she wanted to survive the ending this time, she'd need more than charm.

She'd need influence.

And Emperor Henry's trust was the first card she had to play.

The hallway she walked through was quiet, lined with tall windows that overlooked the castle gardens.

She spotted the glint of steel just beyond the hedges—guards on patrol, discreet and ever-present.

The palace hadn't always been this tense.

She turned a corner and spotted her target before she even reached the garden doors.

A tall woman dressed in layers of navy blue and soft pearl silk stood by the window, her black hair swept into an elegant twist.

Her posture was rigid, as though royalty had been drilled into her spine.

Aunt Seraphina.

"Kaida." The older woman didn't turn, but her voice was unmistakable. "I was wondering how long it would take before you found your way to me."

Kaida approached carefully, her hands folded in front of her. "I told Uncle I was here for business."

"Mm" Seraphina finally turned, cool eyes sweeping over Kaida. "And what mischief comes after business today?"

Kaida gave a slight shrug. "No mischief. Just curiosity."

"Curiosity huh.." Seraphina repeated, folding her hands. "About business? Or the prince?"

Kaida gave a small, knowing smile. "Why not both?"

Seraphina's lips twitched, it was almost a smile, but not quite. "You're more dangerous than your father ever was."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"You should." The empress glanced toward the garden path. "He's in the west wing training yard. Don't linger too long, Kaida. His wife is already growing suspicious."

Kaida's expression flickered, just for a breath. "It's not like that. After it's only a marriage in name. But I know my place auntie."

"It never is," Seraphina said softly. "Until it is."

Kaida gave a short nod, her fingers brushing the pendant around her neck. "Thank you, Auntie."

"Don't thank me." Seraphina turned away once more, her voice distant. "Just don't let your heart write checks your station can't cash."

Kaida stepped out into the gardens, the scent of spring rising around her—sweet lilac and fresh earth. The stone path wound ahead, shaded by trees and flanked with trimmed hedges.

She didn't head straight for the training yard.

Instead, she walked slowly, letting the wind thread through her hair as she steeled herself for what came next.