Chapter 24 · The Seal and the Knife

"You are not taking her south." Calian's voice cut across the council chamber. "Not while she stands under my protection."

The royal envoys stopped beside the carved doors. Behind them, six armed guards filled the entrance, hands resting on polished sword hilts.

I stood at the foot of the throne steps with Calian's blood still drying on my mouth and my mother's broken ring burning against my palm. My knees wanted to fold. I locked them anyway.

The false man wearing my brother's face was gone. Lord Vey had vanished too. The recording from the ring had died before my mother could finish warning us, leaving one name hanging in the room like a blade.

Vey.

And now the royal court wanted me taken south before anyone could ask why.

The chief marshal stepped forward. His gray uniform was clean. Too clean for a man who had watched half the council turn on itself tonight.

"Your Highness," he said, bowing to Calian. "The queen's order is clear. Seraphina Valentine is wanted for questioning in the capital. She leaves before dawn."

Calian moved down one step.

"She leaves when I say she leaves."

The marshal's gaze slid to me.