The spring breeze of Lean still held warmth as it swept back between the palace walls of Rahlian. Echoes from the Eastern Mountains and Southern Border lingered, yet new undercurrents surged from the depths of the church. Aveline and Lucian had just returned from their Lean inspection, and the royal study overflowed with reports and secret missives.
At dawn, she sat behind an ivory desk, poring over a confidential letter from the Southern Border church. The writer, calling themselves the "North Mountain Secret Envoy," spoke humbly but hinted at probing: "Your Highness's holy light shines upon all. The church wishes to join the royal house in protecting the kingdom, hoping to repeal parts of the Universal Alliance clauses to avoid disrupting ecclesiastical power." Aveline frowned, tossing the letter aside. Lucian stepped forward, tearing it into pieces. "Someone in the church harbors ill intent. This letter isn't a peace offering—it aims to fracture our alliance."
"We need to unmask the mastermind," she said gravely. Rising, her gaze pierced the candlelight on the desk. "Summon Meixia, Loth, and Karina. Set a trap at Springwell Pavilion tonight. Invite Cardinal Demer, the church envoy, to a private meeting—use his name to flush out the real insider."
As night fell, Springwell Pavilion glowed with faint yellow lanterns. White roses swayed in the moonlight, their scent mingling with sweet osmanthus. Aveline wore a thin gold robe, only a simple holy light badge at her waist—understated yet unable to hide her imperial aura. Lucian donned a dark blue combat tunic, standing guard below the pavilion steps. Meixia, Karina, and Loth took positions at three secret passages, vigilant.
Soon, a formal church honor guard arrived. The leader, Cardinal Demer in civilian clothes, was tall and lean, with a refined face but scrutinizing eyes. He greeted Aveline and entered the pavilion to sit.
"Your Highness," Demer smiled politely. "I come tonight to discuss 'church fund allocation' and finalize a five-year renovation plan with church authorities."
Aveline nodded. "Perfect timing, Cardinal. We also need to revisit our alliance terms. However, due to past issues, I need your candor—do you know of the letter from the 'North Mountain Secret Envoy'?"
Demer's expression remained calm, but a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. "I know not who this envoy is. If you have doubts, Your Highness should verify their authenticity."
Aveline smiled without edge. "As a visiting envoy, Cardinal, you need not involve yourself. But... if anyone uses the church's name for personal gain, we must uncover them together to keep falsehoods from tainting faith." Her tone was gentle, but every word weighed like iron.
She signaled an aide to bring forth scrolls—all recent church correspondence and financial records. She pushed a crumpled letter toward Demer. "This was sent by the 'North Mountain Secret Envoy.' If you're not them, you can surely reveal its true origin."
Demer stroked his beard. Moments later, he pointed out inconsistencies in the seal—slightly different from official church stamps, with unseemly wording. He immediately apologized: "Your Highness is right. This did not come from us. If needed, I can convene clergy to restore proper seal procedures and clear the church's name."
Aveline nodded. "Also, this letter mentions a 'meeting next week to discuss repealing church privileges'—clearly an attempt to sow discord." She looked to Lucian. "Loth, Karina, escort the cardinal and his men to the secret chamber for questioning. Ensure no mistakes."
Secret guards emerged, escorting Demer and his retinue to a cell. Lucian and Aveline followed, placing remaining letters and accounts on the interrogation table.
After the investigation, they returned to Springwell Pavilion. Moonlight rippled on the spring, misty as fog. Lucian removed his metal pauldron, draping it over Aveline's shoulders. "You exposed the secret envoy and safeguarded the alliance today, yet never once relaxed."
She unfastened a gold robe clasp, moonlight spilling over her neck like morning dew. Lucian bent to kiss her neck, fingertips wandering down her back to remove her cape, baring snow-white shoulders. "Your Highness," he whispered, "tonight I offer only tenderness, not state affairs."
Aveline unclasped Lucian's Royal Flame medal, fingertips tracing the warmth beneath his chest armor. They moved to a brocade couch in the side corridor. Candlelight flickered, but their shadows burned with intense light. Lips and fingertips wove private vows:
Aveline murmuring: "In life's tempest, you are my only haven."
Lucian kissing her back: "In your arms, power and holy light fade—only us remain."
Deep into night, and candlelight mingled with soft breaths. The warmth on the couch and the afterglow of new policies were cherished in their bodies and hearts.