"That's a wise plan, Tenebrarum," the king said, his voice calm but heavy with the weight of command, "but this is the only way."
A hush fell over the hall, the murmurs of the nobles dying instantly under the gravity of the words. Some shifted uneasily, glancing at one another, as if to confirm that what they had heard was real. Others straightened, nodding grimly—they understood strategy, even if it stung pride or sense of morality.
Magnus sank slightly in his seat, his thoughts a storm.
Matrona… a marriage to bind a witch? And to me? This is not just politics… it's a death sentence.
Kaelen's jaw tightened. His fingers curled into a fist under the table. A chained witch, a political move, and yet the crown prince walks unshaken…
Tenebrarum remained motionless, his mask reflecting the flickering torchlight, but inside, his mind raced. He thought of Velmara's power, her cunning, the hidden depths of her daughters. He thought of the fragile peace the king sought to impose, a peace built on sacrifice and deception.
The nobles exchanged uneasy glances. Some whispered, others bit their lips, but none dared challenge the king. Even with Tenebrarum's imposing presence at the table, the weight of authority pressed down upon all of them.
The king leaned back, fingers steepled. "Prepare the arrangements. Magnus will be the representative of our house. And… ensure the alliance is recognized without delay. Velmara cannot be allowed to gain advantage."
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Aurelia remained seated on the edge of her bed, her body still weak and heavy, even though morning light filtered softly through the curtains. The day had barely begun, yet exhaustion clung to her bones.
She felt trapped.
Agreeing to escape the palace had been reckless—but right now, the thought of leaving was the only thing that gave her strength. The only thing that felt like hope.
Slowly, carefully, she folded dresses, simple garments, and a few necessary items, slipping them into a small bag. Her movements were cautious, as if any sudden sound might shatter her resolve.
The door burst open.
Sorana rushed in, eyes red and swollen. The moment she saw Aurelia, she dropped to her knees, her hands pressing to the floor.
"My lady," she cried, voice breaking. "I am sincerely sorry. I didn't know the poison would react that way. Please forgive me."
She bowed deeply, her forehead touching the ground.
Aurelia exhaled, tired but calm.
"It's fine," she said softly. "You've been forgiven."
Sorana lifted her head slowly—and then her gaze froze.
The bag.
Her eyes widened as she stared at it clutched in Aurelia's hand.
"My lady… what are you doing?" she asked, dread creeping into her voice.
"Preparing," Aurelia replied simply, turning her back as she folded another dress.
"For what—if I may ask?" Sorana said.
The shock was no longer hidden now. Her eyes widened, breath catching as understanding slowly dawned.
"I won't lie to you, Sorana," Aurelia said, her voice steady despite the exhaustion weighing on her chest. "I'm escaping the palace."
Sorana shot to her feet.
"Do you want to die?" she cried, crossing the room in two strides. "Tenebrarum would kill you!"
She seized the bag and yanked it from Aurelia's hands.
Aurelia didn't resist.
She only looked at her—tired, pale, but unyielding.
"I know you see this as foolish," she said quietly. "But I can't stay here any longer. This place is changing me into someone I don't recognize."
Sorana's grip tightened on the bag. "My lady… how would you even escape?"
Aurelia hesitated for just a heartbeat, then lifted her chin.
"I have help," she said softly. "You don't need to worry."
Sorana's hands trembled as she gripped the edge of the table. "My lady… you have everything you need here. Why risk such a thing?"
Aurelia's gaze sharpened, unwavering. "Okay, then tell me—if I asked you to stay among humans… those who hurt, tortured, and violated you… would you?"
Sorana didn't answer. Her head bowed, silent, shame and fear coiling together.
"Yes. You wouldn't," Aurelia continued, her voice low but firm. "Tenebrarum has killed so many… and I've just discovered he took my only brother from me. He's taken too much. Yet, somehow… I still find myself caring for him and his brother as the days pass. I can't stay here. I must leave by dawn. I need you… Sorana. I need you to help me."
Sorana's chest rose and fell in ragged, uneven breaths, tears brimming in her eyes as her hands shook violently.
"My lady… forgive me," she choked out, voice trembling with terror. "But… I—I have to back out. Tenebrarum… he already suspects I poisoned you. He believes I deserve punishment today."
"Punishment? What?" Aurelia's violet eyes widened in horror. The memory of Felicia flashed in her mind—the way Tenebrarum had executed her without hesitation. Her heart clenched, and a cold dread seeped through her.
Sorana's shoulders quivered as she sank to her knees, sobs wracking her body.
"My lady… I will be hanged today." Sorana shivered violently. "It's… it's not even as horrible as I imagined. I thought… I thought he would slice me… tear me apart… but… but the thought of the rope, the waiting… it's enough to make me want to crawl into the ground and disappear."
Aurelia's body went cold as ice, a shiver racing down her spine. Why was Tenebrarum doing this?
Hanging Sorana.
Today.
The walls seemed to close in around her, the air thick and suffocating. She grasped Sorana's trembling arm, anchoring her to the world with desperate force.
"No," she said, her voice raw and jagged. "That won't happen. I won't allow it."
Sorana shook her head weakly, lips quivering. "You cannot stop him… no one does, my lady."
Aurelia's jaw tightened, her violet eyes flashing with determination. "Then I will go to him. Now."
She turned sharply, her mind racing. "Sorana, help me. I need a bath immediately—hot, calming. And bring me the finest dress. I will meet him. I will face him."
Sorana's eyes widened, a mix of fear and disbelief. "Your ladyship… are you certain?"
Aurelia's hands were already shaking, but her voice carried steel. "Certain enough. I will not let him take you. Not today. Not ever."
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To be continued...