AUTHOR’S POV
Seconds later, they stepped out into the manicured, dark stone gardens of the palace. The freezing night air offered a sharp contrast to the stifling heat of the ballroom.
High hedges carved into intricate mazes offered private alcoves for the politicians to conduct back-alley deals away from the public eye.
To keep Julian talking and maintain her distance from the hall, Karina steered the conversation directly into high-level politics.
"Your father seems very confident in the Northern Crest's security," Karina noted, taking a slow sip of the cold cocktail. "But the rumors suggest the entire western seaboard is destabilizing. What is the High Council actually planning to do about Alpha Chase and the Silverfang territory?"
Julian scoffed, eager to show off his insider kno
