The discussion stretched into silence, tension thick as each of them weighed the risks. Alex's fingers tapped absently against the table, his mind racing. Then, almost hesitantly, he spoke.
"There's one place we can find the truth," he said. All eyes turned to him, and he swallowed before continuing. "The Hall of Bonding. Every marriage and adoption is recorded there—from the moment vows are spoken until death claims them. If we look into the Duke of Veymore's records, we'll see his marriage, his husband, and his son. Their names, their origin, even their mana affinity. The answers we need are all there."
Edrin let out a low whistle. "The Hall of Bonding? That's… bold. And suicidal. You know the security on that place."
Kael's brow furrowed. "Exactly. The entire hall is laced with protective wards. Step wrong and every alarm in the capital sings."
Alex straightened, his voice steadier now. "Not if we do it right. The wards were designed centuries ago by earth and air users. Which means they only recognize their own touch. If two people with earth and air mana work together, they can move through without triggering the defenses."
A hush fell over the table. Then Kael's gaze flicked to Edrin, and Edrin arched a brow right back. Slowly, almost reluctantly, Kael nodded.
"Earth and air," Kael said.
Edrin grinned, sharp and boyish. "Guess that makes us the perfect pair, partner."
For the first time, Kael's lips curved—barely, but enough to spark a flicker of warmth. The table didn't miss the subtle exchange.
Lady Marriane leaned back, eyes narrowing in thought. "Even if you slip inside unnoticed, there are guards, clerks, registrars. How do you propose we handle that?"
Alex's pulse quickened. This was the part he had been holding back, waiting for the right moment. "We give them something bigger to watch. A distraction grand enough to pull every noble eye away from their usual vigilance." He turned to Lady Marriane. "A fashion show. The biggest this city has ever seen. Nobles, royal family—every major house invited. If you and I host it, my Lady, they'll believe in its importance. And with so many eyes on the show, the Hall of Bonding will be left with skeleton security."
Marriane's brows rose, intrigue flickering across her face.
"And," Alex added quickly, heat creeping up his neck, "I'll model myself. To prove the significance of the event. If the nobles see me walking, they'll take it as a statement, not just a show."
The silence that followed was thick with surprise. Then—
"Brilliant," Saphira said flatly, though there was pride beneath the sharpness of her tone. "You never cease to surprise me, Rosetta."
Edrin barked a laugh. "Look at you, thinking like a mastermind!"
Riven leaned back, a grin tugging at his mouth. "Sharp as ever, Cupcake. Gods, I love watching you outsmart everyone in the room." His tone carried teasing warmth, but his gaze on Alex was pure admiration.
Alex's ears went red. "I just… thought it through, that's all."
"I'll model too," Riven cut in smoothly, lips quirking. "Wouldn't want you showing up without me by your side."
That earned a ripple of amusement around the table, and Alex bit back a smile, touched by his steady presence.
Saphira tapped her quill against her parchment. "Then it's settled. I'll work with Aunt Marriane and Alex to make the event happen. We'll need designs, staff, models, venues—if we move quickly, we can have everything in place within weeks."
Marriane inclined her head, the faintest smirk tugging at her lips. "It's ambitious. Risky. But if anyone can make the nobles dance to their tune, it is us."
Alex sat back, heart pounding. For the first time since Grevan's warning, he felt the fog of fear give way to something stronger. Determination.
Around the table, his friends and allies leaned in, united. The path was dangerous, but the plan was theirs—and together, they would walk it.