Aurelia's trials became legend. But legend breeds envy.
Across the Venetian underworld, factions who had once bowed now whispered behind closed doors. "She's too powerful." "He's gone soft." "Their heir will ruin the balance."
One of Lucien's oldest allies Don Bravari met secretly with a mercenary mage from the East. "They'll fall," he said, pouring red wine. "We just have to time it right."
And in the dark, he unrolled a map of the DeCarlo palace.
At its center: a crimson 'X' over the queen's quarters.