Chapter 19: A Blade in the Dark
The chamber was quiet, save for the faint crackling of the fireplace. The hour was late, but Seraphina sat in her throne-like chair, one leg crossed over the other, watching the flames dance as she considered Ronan's proposition.
The Council had always been a thorn in her side. They had tolerated her ascension, but only because they had no choice. Yet tolerance was not loyalty. And soon, their patience would run thin.
She tapped a finger against the armrest. "Who among them is the weakest link?"
Ronan leaned against the nearby table, arms crossed, his sharp green eyes glinting in the dim light. "Duke Marcellus."
Seraphina's lips curled into a smirk. "The old snake? I expected you to name someone more… cunning."
"Oh, he's cunning," Ronan admitted. "But he's also predictable. His greed outweighs his loyalty. If the Council were to make a move, he'd betray them the moment he felt cornered."
Seraphina hummed in thought. "And if he were to fall first?"
"The others would scramble. Some would flee, some would try to seize his assets. But most importantly—" Ronan's smirk sharpened, "—they would turn on each other."
A classic strategy. Divide and conquer.
Seraphina's fingers drummed against the wood of her chair. "Then we set the stage. Arrange for a scandal, one that forces Marcellus to defend himself before his peers."
Ronan's brow lifted. "And what scandal do you propose?"
Seraphina rose from her seat and walked toward the window, gazing down at the capital below. The streets were empty at this hour, but she could picture them filled with whispers—rumors spreading like wildfire.
She turned back to Ronan, her eyes gleaming. "One that makes him appear disloyal. A conspiracy. Perhaps… a secret deal with a foreign kingdom?"
Ronan let out a low chuckle. "Clever. The Council despises foreign influence. If they believe Marcellus has been negotiating behind their backs, they'll devour him."
Seraphina stepped closer, until she was mere inches from him. "And once they are done tearing him apart, we step in—clean up the mess, take control of his wealth and allies."
Ronan studied her, amusement playing at the edges of his expression. "You enjoy this, don't you?"
Seraphina's smirk deepened. "I enjoy winning."
A knock at the door interrupted them.
Seraphina's sharp gaze flicked toward the entrance. "Enter."
The door creaked open, and a young spy stepped inside, bowing low. "Your Majesty, news from the northern border. The envoy from Eldoria has arrived ahead of schedule."
Seraphina's expression darkened. Eldoria.
A kingdom that had once been an ally… before they had turned their backs on her during her father's downfall.
"Interesting," she mused. "And why would they arrive early?"
The spy hesitated before answering. "They are requesting an urgent audience… They claim to bring information regarding a traitor in the capital."
The room fell silent.
Seraphina exchanged a glance with Ronan.
"A traitor?" she echoed, her voice dangerously soft.
The spy nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. They would not give names, only that it involves someone close to the throne."
Seraphina's grip tightened on the edge of the table.
A traitor. Close to the throne.
A slow, chilling smile spread across her lips.
"Very well," she murmured. "Let's see what these foreign liars have to say."