The moon rose high above the palace.
But in the halls, light was a liar.
Shadows moved. Whispers stirred.
And in a quiet courtyard where statues wept ivy—
Cladus waited.
Sword on his back. Steel in his stare.
He had followed the map Elara found.
Followed her. Then followed him.
And now…
"You've been meddling," Cladus said.
Auren turned, brows raised, smirk ready.
"Meddling? I prefer the word 'assisting with flair.'"
"Really, Cladus, where's the gratitude?"
But Cladus didn't flinch.
Didn't fall for the grin.
"You knew about the ships. You knew they'd burn."
Auren's smile flickered.
"Gasp. Accusing me of arson? I'm wounded."
"You rerouted the cargo," Cladus said. "I tracked it. You saved it—moved it to a hidden cove before the docks exploded."
"And yet here we are, un-roasted and un-grateful," Auren drawled.
"Why?" Cladus demanded. "Why help her? What do you want?"
The jester mask slipped, just for a moment.
"Does it scare you?" Auren said quietly.
"That I might want her to win?"
"Or does it scare you that she might not need you to do it?"
Cladus's jaw tensed.
But before he could speak—Elara appeared.
---
Elara's eyes locked on Auren.
She held the map he gave her. The one he denied writing.
"Tell me the truth."
"Darling, I lie so beautifully," he said.
But his voice lacked the usual mirth.
"You helped. Then pretended you didn't. Why?"
"Because," he said softly, "if I told you I cared, you'd kill me with it."
Silence.
Her grip on the map tightened.
"Who are you really, Auren?"
He didn't answer.
Because just then—
A trumpet sounded in the distance.
And from the palace gate…
He arrived.
---
Serina stood at the entrance.
Draped in raven silk.
Welcoming a guest.
A tall man with silver hair, gloved hands, and a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.
"May I present Lord Maelric of Astereon," she said sweetly.
"Former royal advisor. Diplomat to the Empire. And…"
She glanced at Auren.
"…an old friend to the crown."
Auren stumbled back.
The color drained from his face faster than blood from a wound.
"No," he whispered.
"Not him."
Elara looked at Auren. Then Maelric. Then Auren again.
Something cracked.
The gold in Auren's voice disappeared.
"Majesty," Maelric said, bowing to Elara.
"I'm here to serve. To guide. As I once guided your prince."
Auren turned. Walked away. Fast.
But not fast enough to hide the tremble in his shoulders.
---
Elara watched him go.
Watched Cladus step after him.
Watched Serina smile like a spider with a fresh web.
And finally, she whispered:
"He's not who I thought he was…"
"…but I don't think he wants to be."