Eva barely managed to escape her encounter with Lady Celeste. The confrontation left her shaken but unharmed—physically, at least. Celeste's threat echoed in her mind, but Eva knew she had to act fast. She made her way to Alaric's chambers, her heart pounding as she recounted the details of the encounter.
When Eva finished explaining, Alaric's face was a storm of emotions: anger, concern, and something else—fear for her. He stood abruptly, pacing the length of his study, his fists clenched.
"She threatened you?" His voice was low, dangerous.
Eva nodded. "She knows I've been watching her. She's more dangerous than we realized, Alaric. I think she's planning something bigger—something that could jeopardize the entire court."
Alaric stopped pacing and turned to face her, his jaw tight. "I warned you to be careful, Eva. Celeste is no ordinary noblewoman. She's a predator, and you've stepped into her hunting ground."
"I didn't have a choice," Eva replied, meeting his gaze. "If I hadn't acted, we'd still be in the dark about her plans."
Alaric's expression softened slightly, but his resolve remained firm. "You were brave. Reckless, but brave. Now we need to ensure she doesn't get another chance to harm you—or anyone else."
Alaric summoned his most trusted advisor, Lord Garreth, a man known for his keen intellect and unshakable loyalty. Together, the three of them pieced together a plan to expose Celeste and her co-conspirators.
"We need solid evidence," Garreth said. "A single confrontation won't be enough to convince the council. Celeste has too many allies."
"She's already made a mistake," Eva interjected. "I overheard her mention a courier delivering messages. If we can intercept one of those, we might have the proof we need."
Alaric nodded. "Agreed. Garreth, I want a team monitoring every courier that enters or leaves Celeste's estate. Eva, I need you to stay out of sight for now. If Celeste suspects you're still meddling, she'll come after you again."
Eva bristled at the suggestion of staying hidden, but she understood the necessity. "And what about Edrik?" she asked. "He's just as involved as Celeste."
Garreth exchanged a glance with Alaric before replying. "Lord Edrik is impulsive. If we apply the right pressure, he might betray her."
Alaric's lips curled into a grim smile. "Then let's make him sweat."
Two days later, Alaric arranged for a private meeting with Lord Edrik under the guise of discussing trade agreements. The meeting took place in a secluded chamber, far from prying eyes.
Edrik arrived, his usual air of confidence slightly frayed. Alaric's reputation as a strategist and warrior preceded him, and the tension in the room was palpable.
"I appreciate you meeting with me, Lord Edrik," Alaric began, his tone deceptively calm. "There are matters that require your insight."
Edrik shifted in his seat, clearly uncomfortable. "Of course, Your Highness. How can I assist you?"
Alaric leaned forward, his piercing gaze locking onto Edrik. "I've been hearing troubling rumors, my lord. Whispers of treachery within the court. Surely, a man of your standing would want to see such threats eliminated."
Edrik's eyes darted to the door, then back to Alaric. "Naturally, Your Highness. Treachery is a grave offense."
"Indeed," Alaric said, his voice dropping to a near-growl. "And yet, I can't help but wonder—why is your name so often mentioned in these whispers?"
Edrik paled, his composure cracking. "I… I don't know what you mean."
Alaric rose to his feet, his towering presence filling the room. "Don't play coy with me, Edrik. I know you've been meeting with Celeste. I know about the courier. Now, you can either tell me everything, or I can ensure that when this conspiracy unravels, you'll be the one held accountable."
Edrik's resolve crumbled. Beads of sweat formed on his brow as he stammered, "I-I didn't want any part of it! Celeste forced me into it—threatened my family if I didn't comply!"
Alaric's eyes narrowed. "What is she planning?"
Edrik hesitated, but the weight of Alaric's glare was too much. "She's orchestrating a coup. She wants to dethrone you and replace you with a puppet—someone she can control. The couriers… they're delivering instructions to her allies across the kingdom."
When Edrik finished his confession, Alaric signaled to the guards stationed outside the chamber. "Take him to the dungeons. Keep him alive—for now."
As the guards led a trembling Edrik away, Alaric turned to Garreth, who had been observing from the shadows.
"Prepare our forces," Alaric commanded. "If Celeste is moving against us, we need to act before she does. I want every one of her couriers intercepted and every one of her allies identified."
Garreth bowed. "It will be done, Your Highness."
Alaric exhaled deeply, his mind racing. Celeste's betrayal was deeper than he had anticipated, and the kingdom's stability was hanging by a thread. But his resolve was stronger than ever.
Turning to Eva, who had been silently watching from a hidden alcove, he said, "You were right to bring this to me. Now, we finish what she started."
Eva nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "Together."