Chapter 3 - Shadows in the Court
Lord Vane, Adrian’s chief advisor—the very man who had urged him to abandon Elara years ago—stepped into the room, flanked by Ambassador Kael of Norwyn.
Vane took in the sight of the shattered marble on the floor and the tipped-over candlestick. His eyes darted across the room, settling on Adrian, who stood near the fireplace with his sword half-drawn.
"Your Majesty!" Lord Vane exclaimed, his tone dripping with forced concern. "We heard a disturbance. Is everything well?"
Ambassador Kael’s gaze locked onto the empty altar where the statue had stood. A sharp smirk touched the ambassador's lips. "Where is the sacred Queen, King Adrian? Did the sight of Norwyn’s bride displease you so much that you smashed her?"
Adrian stepped between the men and the hidden alcove, his expression cold and unreadable. "The statue fell. The marble was brittle. Is this the 'sacred gift' Norwyn offers Valeria? A fragile prop?"
Ambassador Kael stepped forward, his eyes glinting with malicious triumph. "That was no mere prop, Sire. That was the vessel of our peace. The ritual requires the bride to remain untouched in your quarters for three days. If she is broken, the treaty is void—and our legions will cross your borders by sunrise."
Adrian tightened his grip on his sword hilt. "The treaty stands. Leave my chambers. Now."
Vane hesitated, peering around the room suspicously, but Kael bowed with mock deference. "As you command, Your Grace. But remember... peace is as fragile as stone."
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Once the doors were locked again, Adrian rushed back to the alcove. Elara was sitting up, her face pale with exhaustion.
"They aren't here for peace, Adrian," she whispered, tears glistening in her eyes. "The statue was a siphon. The dark magic in that stone was designed to drain your life force and the royal lineage magic of Valeria while you slept. Norwyn meant to destroy you without firing a single arrow."
