Chapter 15: Beneath the Surface

Kaela’s return to the banquet hall was met with the same lively atmosphere, though her unease lingered like a shadow. She scanned the room instinctively, her eyes searching for Lucian. His absence was tangible, a reminder that he was out there, addressing some unknown danger.

She took a seat at a quieter corner of the room, hoping to gather her thoughts. The incident with Marcellus replayed in her mind, each detail sharpening her suspicion of his motives. His behavior had been too calculated, too deliberate. She clenched her fists under the table. It wasn’t just Lucian who had enemies in this court—her presence here had drawn its own share of attention, and not all of it was benign.

---

The noblewoman, Lady Annalise, sauntered by, her laughter like the chime of crystal bells. She paused near Kaela’s table, her eyes glinting with something between curiosity and malice.

“My, you look rather pale,” Annalise remarked, tilting her head with feigned concern. “The pressures of court life can be overwhelming, I imagine.”

Kaela forced a polite smile. “I’m quite well, thank you.”

Annalise’s lips curved into a knowing smirk. “Good to hear. Though, I must say, it’s surprising how quickly you’ve adjusted to our ways. It almost makes one wonder…” She leaned in slightly, her voice lowering to a conspiratorial whisper. “...what you might be hiding.”

Kaela’s heart skipped a beat, but she refused to let her composure falter. “I’m an open book, Lady Annalise. Perhaps it’s your imagination playing tricks on you.”

Annalise chuckled softly, the sound devoid of warmth. “Perhaps. But you know, secrets have a way of surfacing in the most unexpected ways. Enjoy the rest of the evening.”

With that, she glided away, leaving Kaela to grapple with the unspoken threat in her words.

---

Moments later, a familiar presence drew her attention. Calum, one of Lucian’s closest confidants and a skilled strategist, approached her table. His dark hair was neatly combed back, and his expression was unreadable, though his eyes carried a glimmer of concern.

“Lady Kaela,” he greeted, bowing slightly. “The prince sent word for you. He thought you might prefer a quieter place to wait for him.”

Relief flooded Kaela. “Thank you, Calum. I think that’s a good idea.”

Calum offered her his arm, and she accepted it, grateful for the reprieve. He led her out of the hall and through a series of winding corridors until they reached a small, private sitting room. The room was cozy, with a crackling fire and plush chairs.

“Lucian will join you here once his duties are complete,” Calum explained, his tone measured.

Kaela nodded. “Thank you for looking after me.”

“It’s my duty, my lady,” Calum replied. But as he turned to leave, he paused. “If I may offer a word of advice… Be cautious of those who seem too eager to know you. The court is a place of games, and not all play fairly.”

His words echoed her earlier thoughts, and she gave him a small smile. “I’ll remember that.”

As Calum left, Kaela sank into one of the chairs, her mind racing. The events of the evening had left her shaken, but also resolute. She couldn’t afford to remain passive in the face of these threats. If she was to stay in the Holy Empire, she would need to navigate its dangers with her own strength.

---

Some time passed before the door opened again, and Lucian entered. His expression softened when he saw her, and he crossed the room in a few strides, kneeling before her chair.

“Kaela,” he said, his voice laced with concern. “Are you alright? I heard what happened.”

She nodded, touched by his immediate worry. “I’m fine, thanks to your guard. But Lucian, Marcellus… there’s something about him. He’s dangerous.”

Lucian’s jaw tightened. “I’ve suspected as much. He’s ambitious and untrustworthy, but I didn’t think he would go so far as to threaten you directly.”

“He didn’t succeed,” Kaela said firmly. “And I won’t let him intimidate me. But we need to be careful.”

Lucian took her hand in his, his touch warm and grounding. “You’re stronger than you realize, Kaela. But you’re not alone in this. I’ll deal with Marcellus.”

The firelight flickered across his features, highlighting the determination in his eyes. Kaela’s heart swelled with a mix of gratitude and affection.

“Thank you,” she murmured.

Lucian smiled faintly. “You don’t need to thank me for protecting you. It’s something I’ll always do, no matter what.”

Their gazes locked, and the world seemed to fade away. In that moment, the weight of the evening lifted, replaced by a sense of safety and connection.

---

As Lucian rose to his feet, he extended a hand to her. “Come. Let me show you something.”

Curious, Kaela took his hand and followed him out of the room. They walked in comfortable silence until they reached the palace gardens. The moonlight bathed the flowers and trees in a soft glow, and the sound of the fountain added a soothing melody to the night.

Lucian led her to a secluded spot near the fountain, where a small bench was tucked away beneath a canopy of blooming jasmine. He gestured for her to sit, and then he took a seat beside her.

“I come here when I need to clear my mind,” he said, his voice quiet. “I thought you might find it comforting as well.”

Kaela smiled, her earlier tension melting away. “It’s beautiful.”

Lucian turned to her, his expression unreadable. “So are you.”

The words hung in the air, and Kaela felt her cheeks warm. She met his gaze, and for a moment, all the uncertainties and dangers faded into the background.

“Lucian,” she began, but he gently placed a hand over hers.

“You don’t have to say anything,” he said softly. “Just know that whatever comes, I’m here for you. Always.”

Kaela’s heart swelled, and she leaned into the warmth of his presence. In the midst of the shifting shadows and hidden dangers, this moment felt like a promise—a beacon of hope in the storm.

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