Chapter 71
Alaric never stated the end goal of this spy mission.
He just said to watch, to blend in, and not to cause trouble. But now, standing at the entrance to the rebel king’s hall, I wished desperately he’d told me more
Amira adjusted her dark traveling cloak, raising her chin slightly. Her black gown beneath the cloak was elegant, embroidered with tiny silver threads that caught the sparse torchlight. She wore confidence as naturally as her expensive silk, while I fought not to fidget with my simple navy gown, the fabric heavy but plain, better suited for a lady’s maid or servant. The only adornment 1 allowed myself was a silver clasp at my throat.
She caught me staring and raised a perfectly arched eyebrow. “Do try not to embarrass us.”
I rolled my eyes. “Says the one who spent half the journey trying to provoke me.”
Amira smiled coldly. “Consider it training.”
“Right”
We stepped inside the hall together, and I immediately noted how different it felt from Alaric’s court. There was none of the polished marble, none of the glittering chandeliers or carefully arranged flowers. Instead, rough stone walls rose around us, banners in deep crimson and black hanging heavily, emblazoned with a crest I didn’t recognize. The air smelled of old metal and burning logs, the heat coming from a fire pit in the room’s center.
Nobles in heavy, practical robes stood clustered in groups, murmuring in voices that faded the moment we entered. Their eyes swept over us, weighing us carefully–especially me.
“Remember,” Amira whispered sharply, leaning in. “Your name is Elena. My handmaiden.”
“I haven’t forgotten,” I murmured back. “I suppose you’re Lady Marina, the disgraced noble?”
She gave me a tight, satisfied smile. “Very good.”
We moved further in, and my heart hammered faster. Every face seemed harsher, war–hardened. My throat tightened.
“Announcing His Majesty, King Harden of the Northern Lands!” a deep voice echoed.
My breath caught.
All eyes turned as the heavy doors swung open again.
And then he appeared
My stomach twisted, my pulse quickening to a painful beat
Elas–the stranger from the stream. Except now he stood straight–backed, his black cloak trimmed with deep scarlet, his silver armor gluting beneath the heavy fabric. Buttons undone carelessly at his throat revealed a hint of bronzed skin. His dark hair fell perfectly, framing sharp features and cold, glittering amber eyes.
My heart stopped as those eyes found me. A slow, knowing smile curled his lips, teasing and dangerous.
He knew. The bastard knew exactly who I was.
Amira ellowed me sharply. “Stop staring
I swallowed hard, forcing my gaze down. But it was already too late. The rebel king had noticed me–recognized me—and his gaze burned into my skin like a brainl
JUPAIK TE
He reached the dais, casually sinking onto a heavy throne carved from dark wood. His fingers tapped lazily on the armrest as a ser approached, whispering something quickly its eyes stayed fixed on me the entire time
“Who do we have here?” he finally asked, his voice smooth, commanding, yet layered with hidden amusement. “Step forward”
ra moved first, head held high, her voice ste
Amira
Le steady “I am Lady Marina of Westhaven. I’ve come seeking refuge, Your Majesty‘
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Chapter 71
He tilted his head slightly, considering her. “Westhaven‘ Interesting.” His gaze slid to me. “And you?”
I stepped forward reluctantly, my heart racing as I bowed my head. “Elena, her servant.”
He chuckled softly, clearly enjoying the game. “Servant, I see.”
Ammira glanced between us, her brow furrowing slightly in confusion.
He leaned forward, elbows resting casually on his knees, “Lady Marina, what brings you so far north, to my humble court?”
Amira answered smoothly, unfazed. “Persecution from the southern king. I’ve heard your court welcomes those fleeing oppression
He smiled again, dangerous and lazy. “Oppression. A powerful word. And you believe I’m capable of helping you?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
He turned back to me suddenly, eyes sparkling with mischief. “And you, Elena. Do you also flee oppression!”
I swallowed. “Where Lady Marina goes, I follow
He laughed openly at that, leaning back. “How loyal Loyalty can be dangerous here.”
“I’ll take my chances,” I said softly, eyes steady on his
Something flickered in his expression. Respect, perhaps? Or curiosity.
Amira was watching closely, suspicion darkening her gaze, clearly aware that something unspoken was passing between us.
King Harden rose slowly, pacing toward us, movements precise and deliberate. He circled us like a predator, and I felt his attention like a physical touch on my back.
“You’ll stay as guests in my castle,” he finally said. “Though your story intrigues me, Lady Marina, I must learn more before I trust you completely.”
That made me hum. Amira received a letter from the rebel king last night. How come they are acting as if they don’t know each other?
I didn’t say anything Lowering my eyes.
Amira inclined her head gracefully. “Understandable, Your Majesty
“And Elena,” he stopped just behind me, his voice dropping to an intimate murmur. “I’m particularly interested in your…loyalty.”
My puise raced, blood rushing loudly in my ears. I could feel him close, too close, and my breath quickened.
¿mira’s eyes narrowed further, and I forced myself to keep calm.
“I’m sure it won’t disappoint,” I replied coolly, refusing to turn around.
“Good” He stepped away, returning to his throne. “We’ll speak again soon.”
With a subtle nod, he dismissed us, turning his attention back to his advisors.
We retreated slowly, and the moment we were out of carshot, Amira hissed in my ear. “What the hell was that?”
“What?” I asked, feigning ignorance
“Don’t play dumb, Liana,” she snapped, lowering her voice sharply. “You know him.”
I kept my face blank, forcing a casual shrug “You’re paranoul”
She grabbed my wrist, hier grip painful. “Do not sabotage this for me. If this is successful, I can become Alaric’s closest allies. So will Max. We would be on another level of connection. So you better not think it
“Let go” I said quietly, pulling my arm free Tm not sabotaging anything. If you want connection so bad, you would know I am the I una and respect the
respect a goat better than I would respect you Respect you iny ass” She glared breathing sharply through her nose. “To chung you
Chapter 71
“And I’m watching you.
Amira stalked away, leaving me alone in
in the crowded hall. My heart still
el, adrenaline pumping through my veins.
“Careful,” came a low voice beside me. “Games are risky to play with me
I turned sharply. King Harden stood near, having stepped silently from his conversation. His amber eyes sparkled with armisement.
Lexhaled slowly. “You’re the one playing games.
“I rather like games. He leaned slightly closer, eyes dancing. “Don’t you?”
“Not particularly.”
He chuckled. “And yet you played along at the stream. You lied”
– the
“So did you”
He smiled slowly. “True. But your lies interest me more.”
I lifted my chin. “I don’t care about your interest.”
“I think you do,” he countered smoothly, “Because you’re still here.”
I hesitated, biting my tongue. “Maybe I’m just good at following orders.”
“Maybe,” he agreed. “Or maybe you’re here for something else entirely.”
“Like what?”
His gaze grew intense, pinning me in place. “Freedom. Escape. Revenge.”
I stared at him, suddenly aware how clearly he saw me. “You don’t know me.”
“But I want to,” he murmured, his voice dangerously soft. “I find myself quite intrigued by palace hands named Elena”
“It’s just a name.
He smiled again, almost sadly. “Nothing is ever ‘just‘ anything.”
I swallowed hard, stepping back. “I have to go.”
He inclined his head gracefully, stepping aside. “Until next time, Elena,“
I walked quickly away, heart pounding, thoughts spinning. I could feel him watching, his gaze following me until I vanished down the
corridor.
My chest tightened.
No–King Harden.
A man who lied as easily as he breathed.
A man dangerous enough to make Alaric uneasy.
Yet my mind replayed our conversation. The smirk. The way he leaned closer, like we shared a secret.
And, worst o of all, the memory of his kiss burned clearly in my
d making my face flush
I had come here to spy to uncover secrets
But now, standing in the rebel king’s castle. I feared it was my own secrets that would betray me first.
