Alina's return to court had not gone unnoticed by Lady Vivienne's faction. With their previous assassination attempt thwarted, they were desperate and growing bolder. Whispers of another coup began to circulate, this time with the backing of a powerful noble from a neighboring kingdom.
Kael and Alina spent their nights pouring over maps and intelligence reports, planning their next move. It was during these long, sleepless nights that something shifted between them. The barriers they had built to protect themselves began to crumble. There were stolen glances, lingering touches, and moments of silence heavy with unspoken words.
One evening, as they stood together in the war room, Kael turned to her, his eyes softer than she had ever seen them. "You are not like the others," he said quietly. "You do not seek power, and yet you fight as if this kingdom were your own."
Alina's heart ached at the vulnerability in his voice. "Perhaps it is because I see something in you, Kael," she replied, daring to use his name. "Something worth fighting for."
Before she could second-guess herself, he closed the distance between them, his lips crashing against hers in a kiss that was as desperate as it was fierce. For a moment, the world fell away, and all that existed was the two of them.
But as quickly as it began, it was over. Kael pulled back, his eyes filled with torment. "This is a dangerous game we are playing," he said, his voice barely a whisper. "One that could destroy us both."
Alina nodded, her chest tight. "Then let it," she said softly. "We have nothing left to lose."