The messenger's words hung heavy in the air.
King Casimir's grip on Caroline's hand tightened. "Who attacked?" His voice was low, controlled—but she could feel the fury simmering beneath.
The messenger swallowed hard. "Masked men. They slaughtered the guards outside the chamber—then set fire to the council hall."
Caroline's stomach lurched.
King Casimir turned sharply to his captain of the guard, who had been standing just behind them. "Double the palace watch. Seal the gates. No one leaves unless I order it."
The captain bowed. "At once, Your Majesty."
Caroline forced herself to breathe, to think. "The council—who was inside?"
The messenger hesitated. "Lord Soren was found dead. Lord Gareth is missing. The others managed to escape before the fire spread."
King Casimir's expression darkened. "Soren was one of my most trusted men."
Caroline felt a cold dread settle over her. This was not just an attack. It was a message.
"Who gains the most from this?" she asked quietly.
King Casimir's gaze flickered to hers. "Seraphina," he said. "Or whoever is feeding this rebellion from within."
Caroline shivered. "The court will panic."
King Casimir exhaled sharply. "Let them. I want them afraid." His eyes glowed like embers. "Whoever did this will expect me to react—to hesitate."
Caroline lifted her chin. "Then we don't."
Something flickered in his gaze—approval, amusement.
"You're catching on, my queen." His voice was low, almost teasing, despite the chaos surrounding them.
Caroline felt her pulse stutter. She had been a princess only hours ago. Now, she was standing at the center of a storm—a wife, a queen, a target.
A sharp knock on the chapel doors interrupted them. A soldier entered, blood splattered on his armor.
"Your Majesties," he said grimly. "We've captured one of the attackers."
King Casimir's smile was slow, dangerous. "Good."
He turned to Caroline. "Would you like to join me in questioning him, wife?"
Caroline's breath caught at the challenge in his voice.
She squared her shoulders. "Yes."
King Casimir's smirk deepened. "Then let's begin."
Together, they stepped into the darkness.