The outer wall was unnaturally quiet.
Not peaceful quiet.
The kind of quiet that felt watchful.
Like the palace itself was awake and listening.
The sky was still painted in deep shades of blue when the Queen Dowager stepped through the hidden eastern gate with only one hooded guard trailing behind her.
Her dark cloak concealed her identity perfectly while the cold morning wind swept through the empty pathways.
She walked fast.
Purposefully.
Not once looking back.
The guards stationed nearby immediately lowered their heads without a word as she passed. None dared question her movements.
Because in Arameor, the Queen Dowager was almost as feared as the gods themselves.
And today...
She looked dangerous.
The older woman's face remained calm but her mind was raging underneath.
Elara.
That girl had ruined everything.
Kaelis was supposed to remain untouchable emotionally. Cold. Ruthless. Focused only on power.
That was the entire point.
But now?
