The great court was filled to its edges.
Nobles in layered silks, ministers heavy with insignia, guards lining the walls, servants standing at the lowest steps—every rank of the kingdom gathered beneath the vaulted ceiling. No one whispered. No one breathed too loudly.
Raven Darward Acosta sat upon the throne, one arm resting lazily against the carved dragon head beside him.
"Speak," he said.
The head of the Tiger Clan stepped forward, bowing just enough to be respectful—but not submissive.
"Your Majesty," he began, voice smooth and practiced, "it pains us to raise this matter publicly. But a king who loses his royal seal raises questions of governance. Of security. Of whether a regency—"
Raven lifted a hand.
"Continue," he said mildly.
Encouraged, others joined in. Concerns. Accusations. Carefully veiled contempt. They spoke of youth, of inexperience, of how such an error could endanger the realm.
When the last voice fell silent, Raven leaned back.
Then he laughed.
The sound echoed.
"A regency," he repeated. "Over a seal you believed lost."
Confusion rippled through the hall.
Raven clapped once.
The doors opened.
Halvra was dragged forward in chains, screaming. The maid followed, pale and shaking. Behind them came Vanella.
Every eye turned.
"The seal," Raven said calmly, "was recovered last night."
Shock struck the court.
Halvra collapsed to her knees. "Your Majesty! I was forced! I was told to take it—just to hold it! They said it would be returned!"
Her gaze locked desperately on the Tiger Clan head.
He did not look away.
But he did not move to save her either.
Halvra sobbed harder. "You promised—!"
A sharp sound cut the air.
An arrow struck her heart.
She fell lifeless at the King's feet.
A collective gasp tore through the court.
Guards surged forward, but Raven raised a single finger.
"Enough."
He had known this would happen.
And he had allowed it.
His gaze slid to the Tiger Clan ministers.
"You came seeking leverage," he said evenly. "You found exposure instead."
The Tiger Clan held their heads high. Defeated—but not broken. Their eyes already calculated tomorrow.
Raven turned his attention to the hall at large.
"The court is dismissed," he announced. "Return to your duties. Remember what you witnessed today."
No one argued.
As the court dispersed, whispers followed Vanella—fearful, hateful, curious.
Raven's eyes found her once more.
"You," he said.
She knelt instantly.
"From this day forward, you are a royal servant," Raven declared. "You serve only the King."
Gasps rippled again.
Vanella bowed deeply. "Yes, Your Majesty."
Raven watched her as the hall emptied.
Interest had become intention.
And the Tiger Clan left with their dignity intact—and vengeance in mind.