Castle Blackthorn had awakened from its brief silence.
The mourning banners that had once draped the castle walls had been removed, replaced by the crimson and silver banners of House Vane. Servants hurried through the corridors, soldiers drilled in the courtyards, and nobles once hesitant to choose a side now whispered openly.
King Aldren had returned.
The game had changed.
But not everyone intended to lose.
⸻
In the highest tower of Castle Blackthorn, the Dowager Duchess stood before a roaring fireplace.
Lady Seraphine Vane had ruled the inner court for three years.
Not officially.
Never by title.
But through fear.
Through influence.
Through carefully placed favors and even more carefully placed debts.
Now…
Her grip on the kingdom was slipping.
She hated it.
A servant ent
