Chapter 33
The first night of the Solstice Festival drew to a close without further incident, the grand celebration rolling on while the players in this quiet drama retreated into the night. While Arden spent the hours navigating the weight of her frustration, Douglas was in a state of pure, unadulterated triumph.
He didn't care that he was assigned to Duncan’s detail for the remainder of the weekend, a task he would usually find tedious. For him, every moment spent on duty was a small price to pay for the news he had received. Knowing that his plan had successfully maneuvered the High Council into extending Arden’s service, even by a single week, was a victory he savored like fine wine.
To Douglas, that week wasn't just a delay; it was proof that he could pull the strings of her life f
