The invitation arrived wrapped in silk.
Not sealed by the queen.
That alone made it dangerous.
Aelira read the note once, expression unreadable.
A private luncheon. Western terrace. Noon.
— Lord Cassian Vale
A name she remembered.
In her first life, Cassian Vale had been charming, clever, and ambitious. A noble with just enough influence to matter—and just enough arrogance to believe he could touch what was not his.
He had survived her execution.
That meant he had chosen the right side.
Aelira folded the note carefully.
"How unfortunate," she murmured.
The western terrace bloomed with late-spring flowers and polite deception. Sunlight spilled across white stone tables. Soft music played. Servants hovered discreetly at the edges.
Cassian Vale rose the moment Aelira arrived.
"Your Highness," he said smoothly, bowing. "I was honored you accepted."
Aelira smiled.
Soft. Perfect.
"I was curious," she replied. "Curiosity can be dangerous."
Cassian laughed lightly. "Only if one fears answers."
They sat.
Cassian spoke easily—of court gossip, of the queen's recent silences, of how interesting it was that Aelira had captured attention without ever raising her voice.
"You've changed," he said, studying her openly now. "The court is noticing."
Aelira lifted her cup. "The court notices what it's told to."
Cassian's gaze lingered. "And what should I notice?"
Before she could answer—
The air shifted.
Aelira felt it instantly.
Pressure. Stillness. The subtle tightening of space.
She did not need to look to know.
Kael Draven stood at the edge of the terrace, half-shadowed by a marble column, arms crossed, gaze fixed on their table.
Watching.
Cassian noticed too.
His smile sharpened. "Ah. The commander."
Aelira did not turn. "Is he interrupting us?"
"Hardly," Cassian replied, eyes flicking toward Kael again. "Though he does seem… invested."
Aelira met Cassian's gaze coolly. "Careful, Lord Vale. Speculation is how men lose their heads."
Cassian chuckled. "Is that a threat?"
"It's advice."
Cassian leaned closer. "I admire strength," he said softly. "Especially when it's hidden."
That was when Kael moved.
He crossed the terrace with unhurried precision, stopping beside Aelira's chair. His presence alone changed the atmosphere—servants stilled, music faltered.
"Princess," Kael said evenly. "Her Majesty requests you."
A lie.
Aelira recognized it instantly.
Cassian rose slowly. "Is that so? I wasn't aware—"
"You weren't meant to be," Kael replied, gaze never leaving Aelira.
Silence stretched.
Aelira stood.
"Another time, Lord Vale," she said pleasantly. "Enjoy your luncheon."
Cassian smiled. "I always do."
His eyes lingered on her as she walked away.
Kael noticed.
His jaw tightened.
They didn't speak until they reached the corridor beyond the terrace.
"That was unnecessary," Aelira said calmly.
Kael stopped.
Turned.
"Was it?" he asked quietly.
"You interrupted a conversation."
"He was assessing you," Kael said. "Testing."
Aelira arched a brow. "And?"
"And I don't allow that."
The words landed harder than either of them expected.
Aelira stepped closer. "You don't allow it," she repeated softly. "Or you don't like it?"
Kael's gaze dropped—to her mouth, then back to her eyes.
"Both," he said.
Silence pulsed between them—tight, dangerous, undeniable.
Aelira smiled slowly. "Then you'll have to get used to it."
Kael leaned in, voice low and controlled. "No."
Her pulse spiked.
"I'll remove the problem."
Aelira's smile sharpened. "Careful, Commander."
Kael straightened, restraint snapping back into place.
"That man," he said, "will not touch you."
She tilted her head. "And if I allow him to try?"
Kael's eyes darkened.
"Then," he said quietly, "he'll learn what possession costs."
Aelira watched him walk away, heart steady, shadows calm.
Interesting, she thought.
Very interesting.