~Kaida Orion POV~
Then the vine-scribe councilor spoke: "But vessel breathed new imprint without heartblood oath. That breaks contract clause!"
Lupus strode forward. "You plotted to erase third heir, you blackmailed archivist, you tried to sequester chest last night. Voice threats to Kaida's heart. And still you deny root truth."
A guard searched him, found sealed letter ordering removal of third heir imprint.
He waved the letter. "Signed by House Wei matriarch to jail chest."
The doors thundered, and sovereign's voice boomed:
"Stop!"
Guards froze, the doors opened wide and the sovereign entered. He lifted gaze to the chest. It glowed violet.
He paused. "I see new imprint, a third heir, was my decree broken?" Council murmured.
I stepped forward, chest still in arms. "Your Majesty, they removed one imprint from registry, attempted to extract dual vessel. We rescued second sister and oath restored third imprint by root channel." Sovereign nodded slowly.
