Page 68 of Maid For The Dark Elf

I settle into the leather seat, forcing my expression into neutral lines. "The investigation is complete, Your Majesty."

"And?"

"Lord Aethan Ardyn was murdered by three members of his own extended family. Therovar, Velryssa, and Darion Ardyn." I place the sealed confession documents on his desk. "They've admitted to everything under questioning."

Grymlock's white eyebrows rise slightly as he breaks the magical seals and scans the pages. "Their motive?"

"They believed Lord Aethan planned to destroy their branch of the succession line. Years of anonymous correspondence convinced them murder was their only option."

"Anonymous correspondence." The King's voice sharpens with interest. "From whom?"

"Unknown." The certainty in my voice surprises even me. "Whoever orchestrated Lord Aethan's murder succeeded in creating exactly the kind of political chaos they wanted."

The King steeples his fingers, considering my words carefully. "What of House Ardyn's future? I trusted Aethan nearly as much as I trust your father."

"Stable, thanks to Aurelia's marriage to Alaric." I can't quite keep the pride from my voice when speaking of my sister's sacrifice. "Alaric is the legitimate heir—Lord Aethan's nephew, hidden since childhood due to scandal. He plans to relocate House Ardyn's primary seat to Orthani, leaving Vhoig behind."

"Interesting choice." Grymlock's violet eyes narrow thoughtfully. "Practical, given the circumstances. Too many enemies remain embedded in Ardyn lands here."

"Precisely his reasoning."

The King rises from his chair, moving to the tall windows overlooking the palace gardens. His reflection wavers in the glass like a ghost of centuries past.

"Tell me about your investigation methods, Caelric. How did you uncover what my own spies missed?"

I choose my words carefully, unwilling to reveal Rosalie's crucial role without her permission. "House Vaerith used our social connections to gather intelligence. Wedding preparations provided excellent cover for visiting noble estates and observing family dynamics."

"Clever." He turns back toward me, approval evident in his ancient features. "And the breakthrough that led to discovering Lord Aethan's body?"

"A servant remembered overhearing conversation about an old hunting map shortly before the murder. We followed that lead to an abandoned watchtower on Ardyn lands."

"A servant." His tone carries subtle emphasis, suggesting he understands more than he's revealing. "How fortunate that someone was paying attention when it mattered."

Heat rises in my chest, though I maintain careful composure. "Indeed."

"Your father trained you well, Caelric. This investigation required political subtlety, investigative patience, and diplomatic finesse. You demonstrated all three while maintaining absolute discretion." He returns to his chair, violet eyes holding mine steadily. "House Vaerith is fortunate to have such an heir."

The praise should fill me with satisfaction. Instead, it feels hollow against the backdrop of what I've lost.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"But?"

The single word hangs in the air like a challenge. Grymlock's centuries of experience reading people make hiding emotions impossible.

"The investigation is complete," I repeat, my voice carefully neutral.

"Yet you look like a man who's won a battle while losing the war." He leans back in his chair, studying me with paternal concern. "What troubles you, son?"

Son. The informal address catches me off guard, revealing the depth of affection Grymlock holds for House Vaerith. For a moment, the weight of royal protocol lifts, replaced by something approaching familial warmth.

"Nothing that affects my duties to the Crown."

"Very well." A smirk tugs at the corner of Grymlock's mouth, though something wistful flickers in his ancient eyes. "Though this didn't quite turn out as I'd hoped, losing an honorable noble family from my court."

The admission catches me off guard. Few rulers would openly express such sentiment about political arrangements, yet Grymlock's centuries of wisdom have taught him the value of genuine loyalty over mere obligation.

"With respect, Your Majesty, I believe this serves the Crown better than keeping them here." I lean forward slightly, conviction strengthening my voice. "You now have a family you can trust governing Orthani. House Ardyn's influence there will stabilize the entire region."