The palace was restless that night.
Whispers slid through the corridors like shadows, slipping beneath doors, clinging to silk curtains and marble pillars. Servants spoke in hushed tones. Guards lingered longer at their posts.
Something was coming.
Aelira stood by the tall arched window of her chamber, watching the moon hang low and pale over the kingdom. The light spilled across the floor, silver and cold.
Perfect.
Behind her, the door closed softly.
"You shouldn't be standing so openly," Kael said quietly. "The walls have ears tonight."
Aelira did not turn. "Let them listen."
Kael crossed the room, stopping just short of touching her. He wore no insignia, no colors that tied him to any faction—just shadow and steel. His eyes, however, were sharp with concern.
"They're ready," he said. "Viremont has gathered support. The Queen intends to move at dawn."
"I know," Aelira replied.
Kael studied her profile. Too calm. Too composed.
"Once the accusation is made," he said, "there's no turning back."
Aelira finally faced him.
Her expression was serene—but her eyes held something darker. Older.
"That's the point."
Kael exhaled slowly. "Your witnesses are in place. The ledgers are hidden where they'll be 'found.' The mage council believes they're acting independently."
"Good."
"And the servants?" he asked.
"They'll speak," Aelira said softly. "Fear loosens tongues faster than loyalty ever could."
Kael hesitated. "And if they try to silence you before the hall?"
Aelira stepped closer.
The shadows at her feet stirred.
"Then they'll fail."
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Kael reached out, his fingers brushing the back of her hand—brief, grounding. Dangerous, in its tenderness.
"You don't have to stand alone in there," he said quietly.
Aelira's gaze softened—just for him.
"I already did," she replied. "Once."
She withdrew her hand.
"Tomorrow," she continued, voice steady again, "they will accuse me of being a monster."
Kael's jaw tightened. "And you'll let them."
"Yes."
"Why?"
Aelira turned back to the window, watching the moon disappear behind a drifting cloud.
"Because monsters aren't pitied," she said. "They're feared."
And fear makes people careless.
A knock echoed at the door.
Short. Formal.
Mara's voice followed, trembling slightly. "Your Highness… the Queen has summoned the court for an early assembly."
Aelira smiled faintly.
"So it begins."
Kael stepped back into the shadows. "I'll be watching."
"I know," Aelira said.
The door opened.
As Aelira walked out, her reflection lingered for a moment in the glass—no longer the forgotten princess.
But the woman who had already decided who would fall.
Tomorrow, the snare would tighten.
And they would call it justice.