Chapter 17 · She Knows His Real Name

"Let's not make this messy."

Gareth stood at the end of the corridor. Three crossbows aimed at Valen's chest. His hand stayed on the sword grip. Eliza's breathing was fast beside him—still clutching the burnt parchment and the execution order underneath.

Two names. His. Her brother's.

Gareth's voice came out calm. Too calm. "You walk with us now, or the boy dies in an hour. Your choice."

"You knew," Valen said. "From the start."

Gareth smiled. Not a big smile. Just enough to show he'd been waiting for this. "My father suspected. I confirmed it three days ago." He stepped closer. "Your sword style gave you away, *Prince Valen*."

He said the name like it was a joke.

"Carlos the mercenary. Good cover. Lasted longer than I thought."

The crossbowmen didn't move. Professional. Fingers on triggers. Valen counted the distance. Twenty feet. Too far. He'd get one step before the bolts hit.

Eliza stepped forward.

"Wait."

Gareth's eyes shifted to her. "Princess. This doesn't concern you."

"It does." Her voice shook but she kept talking. "You have my brother. You have the execution order. What do you want?"

"I want him." Gareth pointed at Valen. "Alive, preferably. Dead works too.