Alina knew that if she was to survive in this viper's nest, she needed allies. She began spending more time with Duke Reginald, a powerful but cautious noble who had remained neutral in the palace's internal conflicts. Over several secret meetings, she managed to convince him that her loyalty to the kingdom—and to Kael—was genuine.
"Lady Vivienne's faction is growing desperate," Duke Reginald confided one night in the shadows of the palace library. "They know you have the king's ear, and they will stop at nothing to remove you."
Alina nodded, her expression grim. "Then we must strike before they have a chance," she said. "We need to expose their next move."
Reginald studied her for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Very well, Your Highness. I will support you. But know this—I am only loyal as long as it benefits me."
Alina offered him a thin smile. "That is all I ask, Duke."