A King Who Watches
The study was dim, lit only by a single brazier and the faint glow of runes etched into the walls.
Raven stood by the window, hands clasped behind his back, gaze fixed on the palace grounds below. The night was quiet—but not peaceful.
Kallen entered without ceremony.
"They've moved," he said.
Raven didn't turn.
"The maid," Kallen continued. "The one planted in the palace. She left the servants' quarters after midnight and went directly to Lady Tanya's chambers. Stayed long enough to exchange information."
Raven exhaled slowly.
"So," he said, "the tiger bares its claws at last."
Kallen crossed his arms. "Do we detain her?"
"No." Raven's voice was calm. Too calm. "Not yet."
He turned then, eyes sharp and cold as cut obsidian.
"I want to know every seed they've planted in my palace," he said. "Every ear that listens. Every hand that reaches where it should not."
Kallen nodded slowly. "You're letting her stay."
"She will insist on it," Raven replied. "And I will graciously allow it."
Kallen's lips twitched. "To trap her."
"To expose her," Raven corrected. "A trap is only useful if the prey believes it safe."
Silence stretched.
Then Kallen's expression darkened. "They attacked Vanella. Inside the palace."
Raven's jaw tightened.
"I misjudged them," he said quietly. "I thought they would not dare. I was wrong."
He turned away again, anger coiling beneath his composure.
"I have grown dormant," he admitted. "Too restrained. Too measured."
Kallen watched him carefully.
"They mistake my restraint for weakness," Raven continued. "They forget what it cost this realm to place me on that throne."
He looked back at Kallen.
"That ends now."
A dangerous smile curved his lips.
"If it is a show they want," he said softly, "they will surely get one."
Kallen felt a chill—not of fear, but anticipation.
"And Vanella?" he asked.
Raven's gaze hardened.
"Double the guards," he ordered. "Silent ones. The kind that breathe without being seen."
He paused.
"And no one touches her. Ever again."
Kallen inclined his head. "As you wish."
Raven returned to the window, staring out at the sleeping palace.
The tigers had crept too close.
And the dragon was finally awake.