Lord Cassian Vale liked to think he understood danger.
It was a comforting illusion.
He was leaving the western wing when he felt it—the subtle shift in the air, the quiet pressure that made seasoned men slow their steps without knowing why.
"Lord Vale."
Cassian turned.
Kael Draven stood a few paces away, posture relaxed, expression unreadable. No guards. No witnesses. The corridor was empty but for the two of them.
"Commander," Cassian said smoothly. "I was just—"
"Walking," Kael finished. "Yes."
Cassian smiled. "If this is about the luncheon, I assure you—"
"It is," Kael said.
The smile faltered—just a fraction.
Kael took a single step closer. Not threatening. Not hurried. Close enough for Cassian to notice the faint hum of wards etched into the black metal at Kael's wrist.
"Princess Aelira is not a curiosity," Kael continued calmly. "She is not a ladder. And she is not available for court games."
Cassian's gaze sharpened. "I wasn't aware she required a guardian."
"She doesn't," Kael replied. "She has one."
The words landed softly.
Precisely.
Cassian laughed. "You speak as though you own her."
Kael's eyes cooled.
"I speak as someone who has removed men for less," he said quietly.
Silence stretched.
Cassian studied him, reassessing. "Are you threatening me?"
"No," Kael said. "I'm clarifying outcomes."
He leaned in just enough for his voice to drop.
"You may speak to her when she allows it. You may look when she permits it. You may leave when she dismisses you."
Cassian swallowed.
"And if I don't?"
Kael straightened.
"Then," he said evenly, "your name will disappear from court records. Your allies will forget your face. And the queen will decide you were never useful."
Cassian's breath hitched.
"That sounds like treason."
Kael's lips curved faintly. "No. That sounds like housekeeping."
For a long moment, neither man moved.
Then Cassian inclined his head. "Understood."
Kael stepped aside.
Cassian passed him quickly, spine stiff, composure cracked beyond repair.
Kael watched him go, expression returning to stillness.
Later that evening, Kael found Aelira in the abandoned study.
She looked up as he entered, eyes sharp, knowing.
"You spoke to him," she said.
"Yes."
She regarded him quietly. "What did you say?"
"Enough."
Aelira smiled faintly. "That's vague."
"It was meant to be."
She rose and stepped closer. "You realize this will only make the court more curious."
Kael met her gaze steadily. "Let them be."
"And if Cassian ignores your warning?"
Kael didn't hesitate.
"He won't."
Something about the certainty in his voice made Aelira's pulse quicken.
"You didn't ask my permission," she said softly.
"No," Kael agreed. "I acted."
She studied him for a long moment.
Then—
"Next time," she said, "tell me first."
Kael inclined his head. "Next time."
The silence between them settled—not tense, but charged.
Aligned.
Outside, the palace continued its careful dance of lies and politeness.
Inside, two predators had just agreed on their hunting ground.