Chapter 10: A Daring Move
The morning after Kael's return, the estate hummed with a subdued energy. The soldiers were still recovering, the villagers were preparing to head back to their homes, and the household staff moved with quiet efficiency. Amara stood in the courtyard, overseeing the last of the provisions being packed for the villagers. Though exhaustion clung to her like a heavy cloak, she felt a deep sense of accomplishment. The worst was behind them, or so she hoped.
Inside, Kael remained in his study, poring over reports and maps with Norman. His injury limited his movements, but his sharp mind was undeterred. Amara hadn't seen him all morning, and she suspected he was intentionally avoiding her. Their conversation by the fire lingered in her thoughts, the rare vulnerability he'd shown stirring emotions she wasn't ready to examine too closely.
She was about to head back inside when a rider approached, the thundering of hooves breaking the morning's quiet. The man, dressed in fine but travel-worn clothes, dismounted quickly and handed a sealed letter to one of the guards. The guard turned to Amara, his expression uncertain.
"It's addressed to Lord Vyren," the guard said, holding the letter out to her. "But it comes from Lord Darius."
Amara's stomach twisted at the name. She had heard whispers of Darius—a shrewd and ambitious noble with a long-standing rivalry with Kael. She hesitated for only a moment before taking the letter.
"I'll deliver it to him," she said, tucking it under her arm.
When Amara entered Kael's study, he was leaning over the map-strewn table, his injured arm bound tightly to limit movement. Norman stood nearby, frowning at the intrusion but saying nothing. Kael glanced up, his expression unreadable.
"You shouldn't be walking around with that arm," she said before she could stop herself. Then, recovering, she held up the letter. "This arrived for you. From Lord Darius."
Kael's eyes narrowed, and he held out his hand. Amara crossed the room and placed the letter in his palm. He broke the seal, his movements slow and deliberate, as if bracing himself for whatever he might find.
As he read, his jaw tightened. When he finished, he tossed the letter onto the table with a scowl.
"He wants a meeting," Kael said, his voice clipped. "Claims it's to discuss trade agreements, but I doubt that's the full extent of it."
Amara frowned. "And you don't trust him."
"Darius doesn't make a move unless he stands to gain from it," Kael said. "He's testing me. He knows I'm vulnerable right now."
Norman stepped forward. "If I may, my lord, it might be wise to send a representative. Someone he won't expect."
Kael's eyes flicked to Amara, and she immediately understood where this was going.
"No," he said firmly, shaking his head. "It's too dangerous."
"I'll go," Amara said, surprising even herself. "If he's testing you, let him. He won't see me as a threat."
Kael turned to her, his expression hard. "You don't know what you're asking. Darius will use every word, every gesture, against you. He'll see you as leverage, not a diplomat."
Amara squared her shoulders. "Then I'll make him underestimate me. If I stay calm, if I don't reveal anything, I can learn what he's really after."
For a long moment, Kael studied her, his dark eyes searching hers. Then he sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're relentless."
"I'm determined," she corrected.
He gestured to the letter. "Fine. But you'll take guards. And if anything feels wrong, you leave immediately."
Amara nodded. "Agreed."
The next day, Amara arrived at Lord Darius's estate, her carriage rolling to a stop before a sprawling, opulent manor. The stark contrast to Kael's practical home made her stomach churn. This was a man who valued appearances above all else, a man who wore his wealth and power like a shield.
Darius greeted her in the grand hall, his smile sharp and predatory. He was tall and lean, his graying hair neatly combed and his dark eyes filled with calculation.
"Lady Vyren," he said smoothly, bowing slightly. "What an unexpected pleasure."
"I'm here on behalf of my husband," Amara replied, keeping her voice calm and measured. "You requested a meeting."
"Indeed," Darius said, gesturing for her to follow him. "Come. Let's discuss matters over tea."
The parlor was just as extravagant as the rest of the estate, with gilded furniture and tapestries depicting scenes of conquest. Darius poured tea for both of them, his movements almost theatrical.
"I must say," he began, "you're quite the surprise, Lady Vyren. I didn't expect Kael to send his wife to handle such delicate matters."
Amara sipped her tea, meeting his gaze without flinching. "Lord Vyren trusts me to act in his stead. I hope you'll extend the same courtesy."
Darius's smile widened, though it didn't reach his eyes. "Of course. Now, about these trade agreements—"
He launched into a detailed discussion of grain tariffs and shipping routes, but Amara quickly realized it was all a distraction. Darius was testing her, gauging her knowledge and reactions. She responded with vague but polite answers, refusing to give him anything substantial.
As the conversation continued, Darius's tone shifted. "It must be difficult," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Managing an estate like Kael's. So many mouths to feed, so few resources."
"We manage quite well," Amara replied evenly.
"Do you?" Darius asked, his voice laced with mock concern. "Kael has always been... ambitious. But ambition can be dangerous when stretched too thin."
Amara's heart raced, but she kept her expression neutral. "What exactly are you implying, Lord Darius?"
Darius's smile sharpened. "Only that alliances can be fragile. And when they crumble, it's often the ones closest to the center who suffer most."
The threat was clear, but Amara refused to be rattled. She placed her teacup down with deliberate precision, her gaze steady. "Thank you for your insight, Lord Darius. I'll be sure to share your concerns with my husband."
Darius inclined his head, clearly pleased with himself. "Please do. And let him know I'm always available for... discussions."
When Amara returned to the estate, Kael was waiting for her in the courtyard. His expression was a mixture of worry and frustration, but when she stepped out of the carriage unharmed, some of the tension in his shoulders eased.
"What happened?" he asked as she approached him.
Amara relayed the details of the meeting, omitting nothing. As she described Darius's veiled threats, Kael's jaw clenched, and his hand rested instinctively on the hilt of his sword.
"You handled yourself well," he said when she finished. "Better than I expected."
Amara arched an eyebrow. "Was that a compliment?"
Kael allowed a faint smile. "Don't let it go to your head."
She smiled back, a flicker of pride warming her chest. For the first time, she felt like they were beginning to work as a team, even if they still had a long way to go.
---
As they stood in the fading light of the courtyard, Kael's expression grew serious. "Darius is planning something," he said. "This was just the beginning."
Amara nodded, her resolve hardening. "Then we'll be ready."
Unbeknownst to them, a shadowy figure watched from the tree line beyond the estate, slipping silently into the forest. Darius's parting gift had already been set into motion.