Chapter 47
The summons arrives early. A meeting of senior guards is scheduled before midday at the request of the queen. The message is short, but I already have an idea of what the meeting will be about.
Rumor has it that the Queen has been pushing to lift the palace lockdown. With her and the King’s anniversary approaching, she wants to hold a ball. On paper, she has justification. There hasn’t been another attempt on the palace since the day Prince Kaine was nearly killed.
Only Prince Kaine, Jake, and I know that the Queen might have played a role in the attack. The others think we’re still investigating the assassin’s motives. They don’t know how suspicious Lady Chantarelle’s abrupt return to court is, or about her father’s exile.
The meeting room fills quickly. The polished table is already lined with officers by the time I arrive. I take a seat across from Prince Kaine.
He offers a brief glance in my direction but says nothing. His expression is unreadable, calm in a way that borders on cold, but I recognize the tension in his shoulders.
The Queen is not present, but her advisor is. He opens the discussion without delay. “There have been no further incidents,” he says. “The Queen believes the current restrictions are no longer necessary and may damage the kingdom’s image if extended.”
The words are met with nods from a few officers. Others sit stiffly, unwilling to object but not entirely agreeing. The investigation into the assassination attempt is still ongoing.
I watch them carefully. Most people in this room wouldn’t dare speak out when the request comes directly from the Queen.
I want to object, but I also don’t want to draw attention to the finer details of the investigation. It is taking longer than expected in light of our discoveries and I can’t risk even hinting at the truth.
Prince Kaine doesn’t speak until the meeting is nearly over. “We will need to monitor guest access carefully,” he says. “If the palace is reopening, we will need to be on high alert.”
His tone is even, professional, but I catch the warning beneath it. He is reminding them that danger doesn’t disappear just because we stop talking about it.
The Captain remains silent throughout. He meets my eyes once, but there’s no expression behind it. No acknowledgment.
The meeting ends with everyone in agreement. The Queen gets what she wants.
By the end of the day, the palace is already bustling with new activity. Servants hang tapestries in the front halls, florists begin arriving with samples, and music echoes faintly throughout the halls as musicians are auditioned for the honor of playing the ball. The Queen’s anniversary ball is moving forward.
Shortly after nightfall, I receive new orders. I’ve been placed in charge of security planning for the event. The Queen’s ball will draw guests from every corner of the kingdom. After what happened at Prince Kaine and Bianca’s banquet rehearsal, I need everything to go right.
I reread the assignment twice before tucking it away. I can handle this. I have to.
The Captain makes his way to the parlor where Bianca spends much of her free time. It’s outside of his usual path, but who could blame him for stopping to greet the future Luna?
He knocks gently, and after a pause is called to come in.
Bianca is alone, combing through pages of bridal décor., a decanter of wine sitting nearby. She nods when she sees who it is.
She doesn’t look surprised. “I assume this isn’t a social visit.”
“She’s in charge of the ball,” the Captain says, lowering his voice. He expects Bianca to share his anger at Ember’s new assignment, and is surprised to see that instead, she looks excited.
Bianca clasps her hands in her lap. “Then we have an opportunity to make her the fool.”
“She won’t falter so easily.”
“She won’t have to,” Bianca replies. “We create a distraction.”
He steps forward. “What kind of distraction?”
Bianca smiles, “There’s a visiting noble, Lord Braug. He’s quite well known for his temper, and I happen to know that he has bad blood with another prominent member of the guest list. We just need to nudge them together, maybe encourage the Lord to draw blood.”
“And we make it look like Ember failed to anticipate it?”
“Exactly. It won’ take much, maybe an extra drink or a harsh word whispered in the wrong ear. The confrontation will be public and the Queen and Alpha King will witness it all.”
The Captain crosses his arms.
Bianca continues. “I want it to look like Ember lost control of the room. The guards intervene, the guests are embarrassed, and the Queen demands answers.”
“And Prince Kaine?”
“If he defends her, he risks showing that he’s too close to her. If he doesn’t, she’s finished.”
The Captain says nothing.
Bianca turns back toward the table. “It won’t be traced to us. We’ll influence someone disposable to start a rumor. That’s all it takes.”
She looks at him carefully. “Do you want her gone or not?”
He nods once.
Ember
I bring the first draft of the security plan to Prince Kaine’s office after dark. It’s not complete, but I want his thoughts before I finalize the positioning. My steps are steady, but my mind is moving fast. Every part of this event carries risk.
He’s standing near the window, a short list in his hand. He doesn’t look up when I enter. I spread the map across his desk without waiting.
“I’ve marked key access points and designated rotation coverage. We’ll need at least four patrol units for the banquet corridor.”
He moves closer to study the diagram. “The gallery?”
“Covered. But the courtyard worries me. If anyone slips through the exterior wall, they’ll have a straight path to the reception floor.”
“We’ll double patrols along the garden edge.”
I nod and shift the map. “And here, by the eastern archway, there’s a blind spot. I want a team stationed just inside, but it might look too aggressive.”
“They’ll be in dress uniforms. The Queen won’t argue.”
He leans over the map to get a closer look at a mark I made. At the proximity, I feel the bond flare. My head swims and I fight Nara for control. He’s too close.
Nara continues to push. “Let me through.”
No. Not now.
"This isn’t control. This is fear."
It’s not safe. If he rejects us, I lose you.
Prince Kaine’s arm brushes mine. I step back before I lose focus entirely.
“I’ll finish this tonight,” I say quickly. “I’ll bring the final version tomorrow.”
He watches me. “Ember-”
“I should go.”
He doesn’t argue.
The hallway outside is empty. I move quickly, ignoring the ache in my chest. Nara doesn’t speak again, but she lingers too close to the surface.
I round the corner to the south wing and nearly walk into someone.
Robert.
He steps back but doesn’t apologize. He looks at me like he’s been waiting.
“You should be careful,” he says.
I narrow my eyes. “With what?”
“Sometimes the real danger is behind the mask.”
His words are too familiar. I tense. “What are you trying to say?”
He shrugs. “Just passing advice.” He walks off without another word.
I stand there for a moment. His advice was too close to the notes I had received before. Was it possible that Robert knew more than he was letting on?
I tell myself it’s a coincidence. Still, I don’t let my shoulders relax until I lock my door behind me.
