The throne hall was full.
That alone made it dangerous.
Nobles lined the marble floor in layers of silk and ambition. Whispered conversations rippled through the air like insects trapped beneath glass. Every eye turned as Aelira entered, her steps unhurried, her posture flawless.
She wore black.
Not mourning black.
Judgment black.
At the far end of the hall, Queen Seraphine sat upon her throne, radiant in white and gold—purity draped over rot. The king remained silent beside her, his expression unreadable.
"Princess Aelira," the queen said warmly. "You are late."
Aelira bowed her head just enough to be respectful. "I was summoned, not invited."
A murmur spread through the hall.
The queen's smile did not falter. "Bold words. Let us hope they are matched with innocence."
There it is.
Lord Viremont stepped forward, robes heavy with embroidered crests, eyes glittering with triumph.
"Your Majesties," he said, voice loud and clear, "we can no longer ignore the danger festering within the royal bloodline."
Aelira lifted her gaze.
She said nothing.
Viremont gestured sharply. "Princess Aelira has been hiding forbidden magic. Dark magic. Witnesses saw the testing chamber destroyed. Guards were injured. Records erased."
Gasps echoed.
Aelira felt the weight of a hundred gazes press against her skin.
"She has deceived the crown," Viremont continued. "And if she is allowed to remain free, she will threaten the stability of the kingdom itself."
Silence followed.
Heavy. Expectant.
The queen turned toward Aelira, eyes filled with false sorrow. "Aelira… is this true?"
This was the moment they expected her to break.
To deny.
To plead.
To rage.
Aelira simply met the queen's gaze.
"I will answer," she said calmly, "after the accusations are complete."
The hall stirred.
Lord Viremont scoffed. "You dare dictate the proceedings?"
"I dare request accuracy," Aelira replied evenly. "If I am to be condemned, let it be done properly."
The king shifted for the first time. "Continue, Lord Viremont."
A flicker of unease crossed the noble's face—but he pressed on.
"We submit written testimonies," he said, producing sealed documents. "From guards. From servants. From mages."
Aelira watched the papers change hands.
So carefully prepared.
So confident.
The queen accepted them with a nod. "Grave accusations indeed."
She turned back to Aelira.
"What do you have to say in your defense?"
Every breath in the hall stilled.
Aelira lowered her head.
And smiled.
"I have nothing to say," she answered softly.
The reaction was immediate.
Shock.
Confusion.
Satisfaction.
Lord Viremont laughed. "You see? Even she admits—"
"I said," Aelira interrupted, lifting her head, voice cutting through the hall like a blade, "that I have nothing to say."
Her gaze swept across the nobles.
"But I have much to show."
The queen's fingers tightened on the arm of her throne.
Aelira took one step forward.
"Before judgment is passed," she continued, "I request that all evidence be examined."
The queen hesitated—just a heartbeat too long.
"…Very well," she said. "We will review it."
Aelira inclined her head.
Perfectly obedient.
Perfectly calm.
As the nobles whispered again, Kael—standing among the shadows—met her eyes briefly.
It was time.
The trap had closed.
And they were still applauding the hunter.