Chapter 62; Feeble Denial

ELARIA POV

Thrystan has grown careless. He didn't cover his tracks well this time, nor did his little lover. After interrogating that rebel, he should have ended it swiftly. But now... now, I'm going to finish what he couldn’t because Thrystan is a threat to himself and this loose end can be his undoing with father.

Brax enters the palace stables, his figure cloaked in shadow, hood drawn low over his eyes, and gloved hands concealed in thick leather. He moves with the grace of a predator, always a step too close, too familiar.

"Apologies for being late, love," he says with a sly smile, leaning in to brush a kiss against my cheek.

I pull back sharply, irritation flaring. "How many times have I told you to stop calling me that? Especially out here—someone could hear."

His face falls, disappointment flickering briefly in his eyes, but I don’t let it soften me. I refuse to coddle him, not when we stand on such dangerous ground. Still, I lean in, pressing a quick kiss to the tip of his nos