By the time I returned to the palace, dawn was just breaking.
The gilded spires caught the first light like spears of flame, and for a moment, the capital looked almost pure.Almost.
But beneath that beauty, the rot deepened.
I stepped through the marble halls like I belonged there — because I did.But the weight of last night's pact pressed heavy on my shoulders.The Broken Fang.Sera Varyn.A sword aimed at the nobility, and now mine to wield… if I dared.
Servants bustled past, their eyes sliding off me like I was invisible.Good.Let them keep underestimating me.That was my shield.That was my weapon.
But then I turned a corner—And nearly collided with Evelyne.
She froze.So did I.
For a heartbeat, the world narrowed down to just the two of us in that sunlit corridor.
Her hair was unbound, tumbling over her shoulders like dark silk.No jewels. No court mask.Just her — raw, unguarded.And in her crimson eyes, I saw the storm gathering.
She knew.Not everything.But enough to suspect I was moving pieces in the dark.
"Brother," she greeted softly.Sweet. Too sweet.Like honey laced with poison.
"Sister," I replied, voice smooth as glass. "Out so early? Plotting already?"
Her lips curved."Always.If I don't, I'll end up under someone's boot."
She stepped closer — not enough to draw attention, but enough to drop her voice to a whisper only I could hear.
"And you, Leonhart?Whose game are you playing now?"
For a fraction of a second, our gazes locked — and the air cracked between us.Neither willing to yield.Neither willing to blink.
"I only play to win," I murmured.Simple. Honest.And utterly unhelpful.
She chuckled, low and dangerous."Good.I'd hate to think you've grown soft."
Then she was gone — sweeping down the corridor, her silk slippers whispering over the stone like a threat.
My heart pounded in my chest as I exhaled.
That had been close.Too close.
If Evelyne ever found out about Sera and the Broken Fang…The board would catch fire.
Later that morning, the summons came.
Duke Albrecht requested — no, demanded — my presence at the council hall.His words were honeyed, but the message was clear:Submit. Or be crushed.
I donned my finest black doublet, embroidered with silver thorns.Symbolism was everything in court.Let them see me and wonder — was I mourning, or preparing for war?
The council chamber was already packed when I arrived.Dukes, counts, ministers — every vulture in the kingdom gathered to pick at the bones of power.
Albrecht sat at the head, his golden chain of office heavy around his neck.His smile didn't reach his eyes.
"Prince Leonhart," he drawled, rising to greet me."You honor us with your presence."
Liar.Every word was a trap.
I gave him a shallow bow."Duke Albrecht. I would never miss such a… critical gathering."
The other nobles chuckled, some nervous, some mocking.Good.Let them laugh.Soon, they'd choke on it.
Albrecht gestured grandly."We are here to discuss the future — the marriage alliances, the military campaigns, the taxation reforms…"He smiled."And of course, your role, my prince."
Ah.So that was his game.Box me in.Tie me to his faction with golden chains and smiling threats.
But I smiled back, razor-thin."And I am eager to serve the realm.But only in ways that… suit my talents."
His eyes narrowed.The first crack in his polished mask.
I leaned forward, voice silk and steel."Surely, you wouldn't waste me on mere ceremonial duties, would you, Duke?I was thinking — perhaps I could take over the management of the eastern border garrisons.The rebels there have been… troublesome, haven't they?"
Silence fell like a blade.
Because everyone here knew:The eastern garrisons were a powder keg.Control them, and you controlled a third of the army.The rebels?They were ghosts — or so they thought.But I knew better.Because Sera and her Broken Fang were out there, waiting for my signal.
Albrecht's smile grew brittle."I fear that may be… too much responsibility for one so young, prince."
"Then perhaps you doubt my loyalty?" I asked softly.Louder now, for all to hear.
A hush swept the room.No one accused a prince of disloyalty in public.Not unless they wanted blood.
Albrecht paled — just a shade."No, of course not.But we must proceed with caution, yes?"
I straightened, letting my voice ring out clear and cold."Caution is wise.But weakness invites vultures."
And every man in that chamber felt the sting.Because they all knew — the vultures were circling.Around me.Around Evelyne.Around Albrecht himself.
I caught Evelyne's eye across the room.She was watching, unreadable.But I saw it — the flicker of surprise.I wasn't playing meek little brother anymore.I was claiming pieces on the board.
The meeting dragged on, full of empty words and false smiles.But I left knowing one thing:
Lines were being drawn.Alliances shifting.And somewhere, deep in the shadows, the first spark had been lit.
Tonight, I would fan that spark.And soon — very soon — this kingdom would burn.