𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙦𝙪𝙚𝙚𝙣

Chapter 13: The Secret Message

Chapter 13: The Secret Message

The Dark Emperor's face turned red with rage as he glared at Lady Aria. "How dare you crash my banquet?" he thundered.

Lady Aria stood tall, her eyes flashing with defiance. "I came to deliver a message to the queen," she repeated, her voice steady.

Kestrel's curiosity was piqued. What message could Lady Aria possibly have for her? And why had she risked the Dark Emperor's wrath to deliver it?

The mysterious figure was now standing beside Lady Aria, his eyes fixed on the Dark Emperor. Kestrel sensed a sudden jolt of tension in the air, as if the very fate of the realm hung in the balance.

"Very well," the Dark Emperor growled, his voice dripping with malice. "Deliver your message, Lady Aria. But be warned: if it is treasonous, you will suffer the consequences."

Lady Aria nodded, her eyes locked onto Kestrel's. "The message is for the queen's ears alone," she said, her voice firm.

The Dark Emperor's face darkened with anger, but he seemed to be considering Lady Aria's request. After a moment, he nodded curtly. "Very well. The queen may hear your message in private."

Kestrel felt a surge of relief as the Dark Emperor gestured to one of his guards. The guard escorted Lady Aria and Kestrel to a small antechamber off the main hall.

As soon as the door was closed behind them, Lady Aria turned to Kestrel with a urgent look on her face. "Your Majesty," she whispered, "I have come to warn you. The Dark Emperor is planning something big, something that will change the course of the realm forever."

Kestrel's heart was racing as she listened to Lady Aria's words. What could the Dark Emperor possibly be planning? And how could she stop him?

The mysterious figure appeared in the doorway, his eyes locked onto Kestrel's. "We don't have much time," he whispered urgently. "The Dark Emperor's guards are closing in. We must get you out of here, now."