She turned toward Caelen. “Prince Caelen, can you get word to your parents?”
Caelen was already speaking to one of his men. “We will offer what help we can. Sorrowsea will not let the garrison fall if we can help it.”
Syrena nodded, visibly relieved.
“Commander Slade,” she said next, her tone crisp. “Will your army be ready to move out?”
Commander Slade?
Slade stepped forward, composed as ever. “We can be mobilised within the hour.”
“Pick your soldiers wisely.” Syrena nodded. “And send prayers to our men. This attack will not go unmet.”
A roar went up from the crowd— soldiers pounding fists to chests, weapons raised.
A surge of defiance rolled through the courtyard like thunder.
I turned toward the main hall, already calculating what I’d need to pack. Weapons. Clothes. Rations. The medallion pressed cold against my ribs.
And maybe my new accessory.
I barely made it ten steps before a hand closed gently around my arm.
I jumped, spinning—only to see Jasper standing there, his expression hesitant.
“Princess,” he said carefully, “Her Majesty would like to see you.”
Phoenix didn’t move, but his eyes followed me the whole way.
I didn’t speak right away.
Of course she did.
“Did she say why?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.
Jasper hesitated. “Only that she asked it be private.”
I sighed, resigned, and glanced back at Caelen.
He gave me a slight nod, still watching the courtyard like he wished he could follow.
I lifted a hand in a small wave. Not quite goodbye. Justwait for me.
Phoenix was still watching me too—brows drawn, concern etched deep across his face.
You better wait for me too,I thought.Or I will kick your ass.
I was led to the throne room—one of the few places I hadn’t entered yet.
It was grand, as expected.
Ornate pillars lined the walls. Golden trim glinted in the sunlight. Rows of raised stands flanked the centre path, designed for those who came to take audience with the Queen.
It was cold elegance. Beautiful, but distant.
I would’ve preferred her sitting room. The place where she offered wine and forced small talk. But this?
This was deliberate. A power play.
