Elowen received an envoy in her private chamber, not in the great hall. No witnesses. No guards. Just the two of them, the fire crackling between them, and the weight of a decision that could change everything.
The envoy was a lean wolf with cold eyes and a silver tongue. He bowed low, but his voice was confident. "Lord Corvin sends his regards, Princess Elowen. He believes you are a woman of vision. A woman who understands that power belongs to those bold enough to take it."
Elowen's expression didn't change. "What does Corvin offer?"
"The eastern throne. Independence from the crown. A partnership of equals, not the scraps thrown to you by your brothers who see you as a threat to be managed." The envoy stepped closer. "Corvin knows you were meant for more. He knows you have been denied what is rightfully yours."
"He knows a great deal."
"He makes it his business to understand the powerful."
The envoy left the letter.
