The halls of the palace echoed with urgency as Arianne's brothers gathered, their expressions grim. The revelation of her identity had changed everything, and with Sir Edric racing toward the capital, time was running out.
Aldric, ever the strategist, laid out a map of the palace on the table. "If Edric arrives and presents his evidence, Father will have no choice but to act. We must control the narrative before he does."
Arianne nodded, her mind whirling. "Then we need proof that his accusations are false. We need to turn the tables before he even gets here."
Kael, still recovering from their ambush at the bridge, leaned forward. "That means finding Rian. If he survived, he could be the key to convincing Father."
A sharp knock interrupted their discussion. A guard entered, his face pale. "Your Highnesses, General Rian has arrived."
Arianne's breath caught. Relief and dread warred within her as she turned toward the doorway.
Reunion and Reckoning
Rian stepped into the chamber, his armor battered and a fresh wound visible on his temple. His eyes locked onto Arianne's, and for a moment, the room fell away.
"You made it," she whispered.
"Barely," he admitted, his voice rough. "Edric had men waiting for us. We lost some, but we pushed through."
Aldric regarded Rian carefully. "And Edric?"
"He's alive," Rian answered, "but he won't stop. He's coming with proof that Arianne was in the border camp, disguised as a soldier. He'll use it to turn the court against her."
Arianne straightened. "Then we don't let him. We present our own case first."
Aldric's gaze darkened. "And what case is that?"
Rian turned to him. "That Sir Edric has been manipulating the court, undermining the royal family for his own gain. We have witnesses from the border camp who can testify."
Kael crossed his arms. "That could work, but we'd need to act fast. Once Edric speaks, it'll be difficult to undo the damage."
Arianne met Rian's gaze. "Then we act now."
The Council's Verdict
The royal council chamber was filled with murmurs as the gathered nobles awaited the king's arrival. Arianne, flanked by her brothers and Rian, stood tall despite the weight pressing upon her.
The doors swung open, and King Eldric entered, his gaze unreadable. "Why have you called this meeting?"
Before Aldric could speak, the doors burst open again. Sir Edric strode in, his face set in triumph. "Your Majesty, I bring grave news."
The room fell silent as Edric unfurled a parchment. "I have undeniable proof that Princess Arianne has been masquerading as a soldier at the border. She has betrayed her lineage and the sanctity of the throne."
Gasps rippled through the chamber. The king's expression darkened as he turned to Arianne. "Is this true?"
Arianne took a deep breath. "Yes. But it was done for the kingdom's protection. I went to the border to understand the struggles of our people, to fight for them as they fight for us. I have no shame in that."
Edric sneered. "A princess on the battlefield? It is an insult to our traditions!"
Rian stepped forward. "No, it is an honor. Princess Arianne's actions saved countless lives. She fought beside her soldiers and earned their loyalty."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through some of the nobles. The tide was shifting.
Aldric lifted a document. "Furthermore, we have gathered evidence that Sir Edric has been using his influence to weaken the kingdom's defenses, all to further his own power."
Edric's face paled. "Lies!"
The king's gaze hardened. "Enough. I will hear both sides in full before passing judgment. Guards, escort Sir Edric to his chambers under watch."
Arianne exhaled shakily as Edric was led away. The battle wasn't over, but they had bought themselves time.
Rian turned to her, his voice soft. "You were brave today."
She met his gaze, a warmth spreading through her chest. "I had no choice. I had something worth fighting for."
And in that moment, she knew—Rian wasn't just her protector. He was her future.
The Storm Passes
As night fell, Arianne stood on the palace balcony, the cool breeze whispering against her skin. Footsteps approached, and she knew without turning that it was Rian.
"You should rest," he murmured.
She smiled faintly. "So should you."
A comfortable silence settled between them before he spoke again. "When this is over… what do you want, Arianne?"
She turned to him, her heart pounding. "I want to choose my own future. I want to be with someone who sees me for who I truly am."
His hand brushed against hers. "Then let me be that choice."
She looked up at him, at the man who had been at her side through everything. And for the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to hope.
"I already have."