"Before I was forced to run."
"For what?"
"For knowing too much," Saelis said. "I was once betrothed to a prince. He died. Not in battle, not by fate. Poisoned. I was blamed."
"And now you're here. Why?"
Saelis's expression sobered. "Because the men who destroyed my country are now in your court."
Liora's blood ran cold.
"You mean Corvane?"
Saelis shook her head. "He's just a puppet. The real hand lies higher. One of your council ministers. And if he succeeds, your kingdom won't survive a decade."
Liora took a breath. The palace was already a fragile web of secrets, choked by power plays. But this… this could split it apart.
"Do you have proof?"
"Enough to start a war," Saelis whispered. "But I came for allies. Not blood."
Footsteps approached. Rowan stepped in. Tension wrapped the air.
Saelis calmly veiled herself again. "You should decide, Lady Liora. Whether you'll let the rot fester or burn it out."
She turned and walked out.
