The echoes of Edric's departure still lingered in the grand hall long after the heavy doors had shut behind him. Arianne remained standing, her fingers curling around the edge of her gown as she tried to steady herself. She knew this moment was a victory, but it felt hollow. Edric's parting words haunted her—his veiled threats had planted seeds of doubt in the court, and she knew they would take root if left unchecked.
Rian gently touched her arm, his warmth grounding her. "It's over, for now."
She turned to him, searching his eyes for reassurance. "Do you believe him?" she asked. "Do you think there are others?"
Rian hesitated. "I think a man like Edric does not speak idly. There may still be forces working against us."
Aldric stepped forward, his expression unreadable. "Father will begin an investigation, but we cannot assume we are safe. Edric may be gone, but his influence lingers."
Arianne nodded. "Then we must be vigilant."
The king dismissed the court soon after, and Arianne found herself walking through the palace corridors with Rian beside her. The tension of the morning still coiled tight in her chest, and she needed air. Without a word, she led him toward the royal gardens.
As they stepped into the open courtyard, the scent of fresh roses and lavender filled the air. The sunlight cast long golden streaks across the stone pathways, and for a moment, the weight of responsibility lessened.
Rian exhaled slowly. "It feels different, doesn't it?"
Arianne glanced at him. "What does?"
"The palace. The kingdom. Everything. Knowing that Edric was conspiring against us—it makes me wonder how much of what we believed to be stable was just an illusion."
She reached for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. "We will rebuild it. Stronger than before."
Rian squeezed her hand gently. "And you, Arianne? Where do you see yourself in all of this?"
She hesitated. "I never imagined myself as anything other than a princess. But after everything… I feel like I've become something more."
He smiled. "You have. You are more than a princess—you are a warrior, a leader."
A soft breeze rustled the leaves, and Arianne closed her eyes for a moment, letting herself feel the warmth of his presence. When she opened them again, she saw something flicker across Rian's face.
"What is it?" she asked.
He hesitated. "There's something I need to tell you. Something I should have told you before."
Arianne's heart clenched. "Go on."
Rian took a deep breath. "I was sent here, to the palace, not just as a general. My father—he had his own reasons for placing me here."
She stared at him, confusion clouding her thoughts. "What are you saying?"
He looked down, his jaw tightening. "He wanted me to ensure that I gained the trust of the royal family. To secure an alliance, one way or another."
Arianne stepped back, her mind racing. "Are you saying… you were sent here to manipulate us?"
"No," Rian said quickly. "I never followed his orders. I never had any intention of betraying you. But I should have told you the truth."
Arianne searched his eyes, looking for any trace of deception. But all she saw was regret.
She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "And now? Where does your loyalty lie?"
"With you," he said without hesitation. "It has always been with you."
Arianne studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Then we move forward together."
A shadow passed over Rian's face, but he nodded in return. "Together."
Yet in the back of her mind, the words of Edric still lingered. Be careful whom you trust.
Arianne could only hope that she was making the right choice.