The feast was in full swing when the doors to the banquet hall burst open, and a figure clad in a dark cloak strode into the room. The music faltered, and the courtiers fell silent, their eyes wide with shock. Alina's gaze snapped to the intruder, her instincts on high alert.
King Kael's expression darkened, and he rose from his throne. "Who dares interrupt my feast?" he demanded, his voice cutting through the tension like a blade.
The cloaked figure paused, then reached up to pull back their hood, revealing a man with a scarred face and piercing blue eyes. "Your Majesty," the man said, bowing slightly, though there was no sign of deference in his posture. "I bring news from the eastern front. The rebels have begun to gather in force."
A ripple of unease spread through the room. Alina watched closely as Kael's jaw tightened. This was the first time she had seen him truly caught off guard.
"Leave us," Kael commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. The courtiers hesitated, clearly eager to eavesdrop, but they quickly filed out under the king's icy glare.
Once the room was cleared, Kael turned to Alina. "You will stay," he said, his voice low and dangerous.
Alina's heart pounded, but she nodded. She was no longer simply an observer; she was being drawn deeper into Kael's world, whether she liked it or not.
The scarred man turned to face her, his expression unreadable. "Is it wise to keep her here, Your Majesty?" he asked. "She is, after all, from the enemy kingdom."
Kael's gaze flickered to Alina, his eyes narrowing. "Princess Alina is my wife," he said slowly, as if testing the weight of the words. "And she will soon learn that loyalty is a currency that must be earned."
The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife, but Alina held her ground. "If you have something to discuss, Your Majesty," she said quietly, "I am here to listen. I may not be from Castary, but I am bound to you now. Perhaps my perspective could be of use."
Kael studied her for a long moment, then gave a sharp nod. "Very well," he said. "Stay, but remember—one wrong move, and I will not hesitate to remind you of your place."
The scarred man unfolded a map on the table, pointing to a series of red markers. "The rebels are gaining ground in the eastern provinces. They are being supplied by someone within the court. If we do not act swiftly, they will be at our gates within the month."
Alina's mind raced. This was more than just a threat to Kael's rule; it was an opportunity. If she could prove her loyalty, if she could offer a solution, perhaps she could gain a sliver of Kael's trust—or at the very least, buy herself more time.
"Your Majesty," she began, stepping forward, "if I may suggest..."
Kael turned to her, his expression unreadable but his eyes locked onto hers with a newfound intensity. In that moment, Alina realized that she was no longer just a pawn in this game. She was beginning to play her own hand.
As the discussion continued into the night, Alina felt a flicker of hope. She was not powerless here. If she played her cards right, she might not only survive but carve out a place for herself in this kingdom of shadows.