Raven made his decision before dawn.
If the Tiger Clan wanted proof of distraction, he would give them something far more dangerous—certainty wrapped in doubt.
He summoned Vanella at first light.
The message alone caused a stir. A royal servant summoned privately, again. Heads turned. Tongues sharpened.
Vanella arrived with her head bowed, hands folded tightly before her. She did not look up. She did not need to. She could feel the weight of the chamber pressing in on her.
"You will accompany the mid-court session today," Raven said calmly. "You will stand behind the throne. Attend to my needs."
Her breath caught.
This was unheard of.
Servants—especially captives—did not enter mid-court unless summoned for punishment.
"Yes, Your Majesty," she said quietly.
Raven studied her for a long moment. Her posture was flawless. Too flawless. A servant learned obedience. She carried command in her bones.
"Do not speak unless spoken to," he added.
She nodded once.
That was all.
The court gathered slowly, silk and steel filling the chamber. Ministers whispered openly now. The Tiger Clan entered together—measured steps, heads high, eyes alert.
Lord Jinhai noticed her immediately.
The servant behind the throne.
The Ross girl.
So this is her, he thought.
Vanella felt the scrutiny like a blade between her shoulders. Her skin prickled. The air felt wrong—too dry, too tense. She forced her breathing steady.
Court proceeded.
Trade disputes. Border patrols. Minor petitions.
Then Jinhai spoke.
"Your Majesty," he said smoothly, bowing just enough to be respectful. "It seems palace traditions are… evolving."
A ripple moved through the chamber.
Raven raised a brow. "Explain."
Jinhai's eyes flicked briefly—deliberately—to Vanella. "We are unfamiliar with servants standing so close to the throne. Particularly those of uncertain loyalty."
The silence that followed was sharp enough to draw blood.
Vanella's hands curled slightly. She felt it then—a surge beneath her skin. Subtle. Dangerous. The torches flickered faintly, just for a heartbeat.
Raven noticed.
He did not react.
"She serves at my discretion," Raven said evenly. "As all servants do."
Jinhai smiled. "Of course. But the court worries. Ross was an enemy kingdom. Emotions can linger. Vengeance, perhaps."
Vanella's pulse thundered.
She wanted to scream.
She did not.
Raven leaned forward slightly. "Is that concern… or accusation?"
Jinhai bowed again. "Only prudence, Your Majesty. The Tiger Clan values stability."
Liar, Raven thought.
He waved a hand. "Then be assured. I do not keep unstable things at my back."
The message was clear.
The Tigers had pushed.
They had not pierced.
Yet.
After court, whispers exploded.
"She stood behind the throne."
"The King defended her."
"The Tigers challenged him—and failed."
"For now."
Vanella returned to her duties, heart racing, mind spinning. She did not understand what she had survived—but she knew she had crossed a line she could never return from.
And deep within her, unseen and unnamed, something stirred again—responding not to fear now, but to pressure.