The council chamber had never felt so cold.
The enemy king’s letter lay open in the center of the war table, its black wax seal broken, its message poisoning every conversation.
Bring her home.
Three simple words.
Three words that had shaken the kingdom more than an army ever could.
Outside, soldiers prepared for another battle.
Inside, the people sworn to protect Kaelira were preparing to fight each other.
“The answer is obvious.”
Darian’s voice cut through the silence.
“We move the Queen to the Iron Keep. It’s the most secure fortress in the kingdom.”
Lucien slowly shook his head.
“If we lock her behind walls again, the people will think we’re afraid.”
“We should strengthen the palace instead.”
“And wait for another assassin?” Darian snapped.
“The last attack happened insid
