"And not by bandits," Lucien replied. "They were taken using royal writs. Faked ones. With my signature forged."
Liora's jaw tightened.
"There's a pattern," Rowan added, stepping forward. "These girls aren't being taken randomly. Every one of them, orphans, weak family connections, or simply… unseen."
Samuel laid another file in front of her. "Do you know the name Serana Delve?"
Liora paused. "She was a healer. I met her once during a gathering outside my town. Why?"
"She's missing," Samuel said. "Three months now."
Lucien looked at Liora directly. "We need someone they wouldn't suspect. Someone who can ask questions, listen to whispers, and enter places they'd never allow me into."
Liora met his gaze. "And you think that person is me."
Lucien didn't answer. He didn't need to.
"I want the truth too," she said after a beat. "About the rings. About my aunt. About why my name was the one handed to the queen dowager."
