Annaïs Mezerin would never be the king’s bride. She’d be lucky if she ever stood in the same room as him again.
Not only that—but it was Lady Neda, the Beta consort and former steward, who now controlled her fate.
Reiya sat back slightly, observing the woman in a new light. She’d once seen the Beta as someone who had no choice but bent to others’ will, following currents of power rather than shaping them.
Yet, tonight, she’d guided the ship to the shore of her choosing.
Reiya’s lips twitched, unsure whether to admire or fear her.
Perhaps battles weren’t always won through power or position.
Sometimes, they were won by knowing when to pour the tea.
“A Sparo delivered a letter,” the king said. “From the King and Queen of Aethonia.”
His gaze settled on Reiya. “It seems the Duke of Caerelle has pressed them to intercede on Castiel’s behalf.”
The warmth in Reiya’s chest dimmed. She exchanged a look with Kaelen and Alarik.
Kaelen spoke first. “Let me guess. He wants his son returned.”
His father’s silence confirmed it.
Alarik’s voice was cool, but edged with tension. “And what did they say?”
Lady Neda set her cup down gently, the porcelain barely making a sound. “They relayed the duke’s request. But the decision rests here, with your father.”
Reiya felt the weight of their gazes settle on her. She inhaled slowly, keeping her focus on the amber liquid in her cup.
“They believe returning him is necessary to maintain peacefulrelations,” Azarion continued, his voice measured, but the strain was audible. “The duke insists his son must face trial in Aethonia. A fair one.”
Kaelen scoffed, looking away. “As if a trial here wouldn’t be fair? In Aethonia, with his father pulling the strings—how fair will that be?”
Alarik leaned back, arms folding across his chest. “Castiel kidnapped the future Tazahrina and aided a coup. He’s possibly involved in aiding the escape of a traitor. Sending him back is an insult. We haven’t even interrogated him properly.”
She had every reason to want Castiel punished here, where he’d face the weight of his crimes firsthand. But she knew this was bigger than justice—bigger than her own anger.
Once, she had run from the responsibilities, the impossible choices a princess must make. But Thorir had been right about one thing: safeguarding Aethonia had been—and still was—her duty.
As twisted as this was, she’d been given a second chance to make the right decision.
The king’s expression remained steady, but something thoughtful flickered beneath it. “I understand your concerns. But this isn’t only about justice—it’s about stability. The duke is a powerful ally to Aethonia, and alienating him risks strain.”
Lady Neda’s voice was gentle but firm. “Your marriage strengthened ties between Asadia and Aethonia, but peace remains fragile. The Crown knows this. That’s why they’ve sent this request—not because they doubt Castiel’s guilt, but because diplomacy demands it.”
Reiya’s grip tightened faintly around her cup. “The Vaelmonts are one of Aethonia’s most powerful families,” she murmured, and heads turned toward her. “Even without a crown, the duke’s influence stretches across trade, council, and diplomacy. Losing Castiel wouldn’t just be personal—it would be political. They won’t let it pass without consequence. At first, it would be small changes—a quiet withdrawal of financial support, strained trade agreements. They could erode confidence in the Crown little by little, casting doubt, swaying key alliances. All without lifting a blade.”
Alarik frowned. “Would the duke really go that far?”
Reiya hesitated—not because she doubted it, but because she didn’t.
“A duke isn’t a king,” she admitted, “but in Aethonia, the Vaelmonts don’t need a crown to get what they want.” Her gaze returned to the king. “And my father values stability above all else. If sending Castiel home ensures that, he’ll push for it.”
The king nodded. “A wish to maintain a kingdom’s peace is something I understand well.”
Kaelen exhaled, frustration threading through his voice. “Diplomacy is one thing. Handing him back wrapped in silk is another.”
Reiya swallowed against the knot forming in her throat.
