Valerian's gaze hardened.
"Keep an eye on her."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Have the royal mages examine the mark. Immediately. And keep this matter secret. We cannot allow something like this to leak out, especially to those dogs and cunning foxes. Now that Noctis is weakened, those fools would try to take advantage of the situation. We can't afford to make a mistake."
The knights looked at one another.
"Yes, Your Majesty. But how can we explain this to your vassals? Some of them are curious about why the palace is so silent, including Prince Julien. He wants to know why you suddenly attacked Noctis and why the Lightpool suddenly lost its power. He wants us to tell him what really happened."
Valerian became silent for a moment before his jaw tightened. "Do not tell him anything. We can't allow the other nobles, especially him, to hear about this yet."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"For the meantime, keep her locked up, but do not harm her. Give her anything she needs."
