The throne room of Valleria had never been so silent.
The stained windows filtered light across the marble floor, casting fractured colors that bled over Cambria's armor. She stood at the center, unmoved, regal, eyes fixed on the open scroll in her gloved hands. Every syllable on it was a betrayal. Every line, a confession soaked in blood and silence.
Behind her, the high doors creaked open.
Lucien Vale entered, flanked by only two guards his choice. A show of faith, or perhaps arrogance. Cambria didn't turn. She didn't need to. She could feel his presence like a storm pressing against her back.
"You summoned me, my Queen," he said, voice deceptively mild.
She turned slowly. "Did you think you wouldn't be called to account?"
Lucien lifted his chin. "I expected it. Though I hoped... some shadows might stay buried."
Cambria's hand clenched around the scroll. "Tell me, Father. How long have you known about the blood oath between Knox and Evelyn?"
