"We weren't expecting an envoy."
"Exactly," Samuel added. "And she's not alone. She brings a diplomat from Aradel. Unannounced."
That made Lucien rise.
"Aradel hasn't sent a diplomat since the last treaty."
"And they wouldn't now," Rowan said, "unless something changed. Quiet alliances don't stay quiet forever."
Lucien's gaze drifted to the window.
The court was about to fracture again.
And this time, it would not be because of petty noble disputes or old bloodlines. This time, it would be coin, war, and foreign hands trying to pull the strings.
"We meet them tonight," Lucien said. "And no word of this leaves this room."
Liora stepped closer. "You trust me to be there?"
Lucien didn't answer immediately. He simply looked at her.
And then, quietly, "Yes."
From across the city, the envoy stepped out of the carriage, silver veil fluttering in the breeze, and offered her hand to the diplomat beside her.
Together, they would enter a palace riddled with secrets.
