Morning in the Citadel broke like a whisper rather than a roar. Pale sun filtered through clouds still stained with stormlight. The towers stood silent, watching as invisible forces moved beneath the polished floors and between ancient columns. At first glance, it was a day like any other. But Seris had learned—especially in this life—that quiet often meant danger.
She sat in the war room, reviewing maps and troop distributions. Several outposts had gone silent near the Ruined Steps, but no scout had returned to confirm why. Kael leaned against the far wall, arms crossed, brow furrowed.
"They're hiding something," he said at last.
Seris looked up. "Who?"
"The council. Since the summons from the Eastern coast, they've grown colder. Distant."
She sighed, folding the map. "They were never truly warm to begin with."
He stepped forward. "No. But this feels different. Calculated."
Seris nodded slowly, then stood. "Time to find out what they're planning."
---
Elsewhere – A Gathering of Shadows
Deep in the Echo Hall, where no echoes were ever allowed to reach the outside, Veira and Rhemar stood with five other council members. Between them, the black-sealed scroll from the Eastern emissary lay unfurled, its words like venom:
> "Eliminate the Flame-Bearer before she burns the realm from within."
"Assassination would be too obvious," Ulric muttered.
"And too dangerous," Veira added. "Her bond with Kael… with the people… any direct action would backfire."
"We don't need to kill her," Rhemar said coolly. "Just isolate her. Undermine her trust. Make her question her own allies."
He turned to Veira. "And you know exactly how."
She smiled, and it wasn't pleasant.
---
That Afternoon – Garden Courtyard
Seris walked through the flowered paths of the royal gardens, the perfume of lilacs heavy in the air. Children of noble families were training in small dueling rings—little more than games, but still a reminder of the Citadel's traditions.
Veira approached her there, dressed in white and lavender, like a flower masking thorns.
"Lady Seris," she said sweetly. "A word?"
Seris gave a guarded nod. "Of course."
They walked together through the courtyard.
"I imagine it's difficult," Veira began, "being a warrior in a room full of rulers. You're a blade among quills."
"I don't mind the contrast," Seris said. "Blades cut through lies faster."
Veira laughed. "Still sharp, I see. But… some blades turn too quickly. And cut those who hold them."
Seris narrowed her eyes. "Speak plainly, Councilwoman."
Veira stopped near a marble fountain and turned. "Very well. There are rumors. That Kael has been receiving private reports. From the East. Unmarked, encoded. Not registered with the council."
Seris's eyes narrowed. "You're suggesting he's hiding something from me?"
"I'm not suggesting," Veira said gently. "Only warning. Secrets, after all, have a way of destroying even the strongest bonds."
Seris clenched her jaw, chest tightening. "If you have evidence, present it. If not, I won't tolerate games."
Veira stepped closer. "Just… be careful where you place your heart. Not all warriors stay loyal when kingdoms shift."
And with that, she turned and left.
---
That Night – Seris's Chambers
Seris sat in silence, the wine in her cup untouched.
Kael entered, tossing aside his coat. "Something wrong?"
She didn't answer immediately. She studied him. His face. His hands. His ease.
"Where have you been?" she asked finally.
Kael blinked. "Out training. Why?"
"Training. Or… meeting foreign emissaries?"
He frowned. "What are you talking about?"
She stood. "The council told me you've been receiving unmarked messages. Hidden reports."
Kael's expression darkened with offense. "From them?"
"Answer the question," she said.
"I've received messages, yes. About a growing threat from the East. I kept them quiet because they mentioned you."
"Me?"
He stepped closer. "They fear you. Your power. They're baiting the council to turn against you."
Her breath caught.
"I didn't tell you," Kael said softly, "because I knew how they'd twist it. I was trying to protect you."
The tension between them held like a bowstring drawn to breaking.
"I need to know I can trust you," she whispered.
"You can," he said. "But if you ever start trusting them over me… they've already won."
Silence stretched between them.
Then she moved—swift, sudden. Their lips met, not out of desire, but need. Her fingers curled into his shirt, his hands holding her like she might vanish.
They sank into the sheets with desperation between them, not pleasure. The need to feel real, to feel truth, and to burn away the doubt. Their bodies moved with practiced rhythm, but their hearts searched for confirmation in every kiss.
When it was over, they lay together in silence, sweat cooling between them, but the chill of politics pressing harder than ever.
---
Hours Later – The Hidden Passage
Seris moved through the Citadel's old servants' corridors, guided by instinct and shadow. Something Veira said still clawed at her mind. She followed the hallway until she found what she didn't know she was looking for—a locked side door with no markings.
She pried it open with whispered magic.
Inside: scrolls. Dozens. Letters sealed with the mark of the chained serpent.
Her heart pounded as she realized—these were not messages from the East to Kael.
They were to the council.
Including one marked with her name… and a bounty.
---