Chapter 23 The Hidden Threat

• The tension in the palace was palpable as Ariella left the council chambers. She had succeeded in securing a fragile alliance with the nobility, but she knew this victory would only last if she could keep the promises she’d made. The road ahead would be a balancing act between maintaining power and ensuring that the kingdom’s future was secure. Every decision she made would have consequences, and she couldn’t afford to make mistakes.
• As Ariella walked through the palace corridors, her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hurried footsteps. She turned to find Kael approaching, his face tense.
• "Ariella," Kael said, his voice low. "There’s something you need to see. It’s urgent."