Chapter 6 - WHISPERS IN THE COURT
As the imperial column finally crested the final ridge overlooking Solaria, the magnificent capital stretched out below them like a glittering tapestry of white marble and golden spires. But beneath its majestic exterior, the city was a powder keg.
News of the dragon’s awakening had preceded them by days. High Chancellor Vane, having seized control of the senate during Roan's absence, had weaponized the panic. He claimed the emperor had been bewitched by a southern witch and that the dragon was a demonic threat that needed to be exterminated.
As Roan’s entourage passed through the massive iron gates of the outer wall, the citizens lined the streets in stunned silence. Some cheered, recognizing the imperial standard, while others muttered prayers of terror at the colossal shadow of Oren circling above the central plaza.
"Vane has fortified the inner palace," Roan said grimly as his horse trotted through the cobblestone avenue. "He has the royal guard under his command and has locked the Sunken Heart chamber beneath the throne room."
"Then we break through," Ellen said firmly, adjusting the leather pouch at her belt where a fragment of the glowing scale rested.
"We don't need to break through," a cool, measured voice echoed from a side alley.
Out stepped Lady Katherine, the head of the imperial intelligence network and one of the few high-ranking officials who had secretly resisted Vane’s coup. She bowed quickly to Roan, her eyes darting nervously toward the sky where Oren let out a low, warning growl.
"Your Majesty, you're back just in time," Katherine whispered rapidly. "Vane is performing a blood ritual at the Sunken Heart tonight. He believes that by sacrificing a true royal descendant, he can bypass the dragon's test and absorb the primordial power himself."
Roan’s face drained of color. "He thinks he can force the bond?"
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"Worse," Katherine replied, glancing at Ellen. "He knows the resonance requires two matching souls—the keeper and the ruler. He captured your younger sister, Princess Lyra, from her estate yesterday. He plans to use her blood to trick the seal."
Ellen’s breath hitched. "We have to move now."
