The Thorn Courtyard was quiet.
The last of the blood had been scrubbed from the tiles. The shattered goblets swept away. The fallen chandelier in the eastern wing had already been replaced.
From the outside, House Vaelthorn appeared untouched.
But within, the air had changed.
---
Noble Reactions
In the northern gallery of the estate, nobles whispered.
They spoke not of the assassin, nor of the wine-soaked evening, nor even of the blade that Kael had drawn in full view of the court.
They spoke of his words.
> "No more shadows."
> "House Vaelthorn will no longer be silent."
Some called it bravado. Others called it madness.
But none could deny the truth:
Kael Vaelthorn had stepped fully into the court of power—and planted himself at its center.
---
Aldric's Silence
In the high tower, Duke Aldric Vaelthorn stood at his study window, hands clasped behind his back.
Lady Merien entered, calm as moonlight.
"You let him speak," she said.
"I did."
"You let him kill the assassin without trial."
"I did."
"And now the nobles look to him more than to you."
A pause.
Duke Aldric's voice was cold.
"Then let them."
Merien raised an eyebrow. "You're surrendering?"
"No," Aldric replied. "I'm watching."
Then he turned to her.
"You're playing your own game, Merien. One that no longer concerns succession."
Merien's eyes flicked—just once.
He smiled faintly.
"You think I don't see it?"
---
Kael's Study – Burnt Letters
Kael sat at his desk.
The sealed scrolls from the banquet were gone—burned in the hearth beside him.
Lyra leaned against the window, arms folded.
"Seven nobles have sent new offers," she said. "Half of them proposing their daughters as political shields. The other half offering apologies and land charters."
Kael didn't look up. "And how many asked if I'm well?"
Lyra gave a humorless smile.
"None."
Kael exhaled slowly.
"I don't need their gifts."
"But you'll need someone to deal with the marriage proposals."
Kael finally looked at her. "You're volunteering?"
A beat.
"…No," Lyra said quickly, eyes flicking away.
Kael laughed, the sound soft and surprising even to himself.
---
Training Ground – Rin's Progress
Rin rolled across the dirt, her braid whipping through the air.
Serentha's boot landed inches from her shoulder.
"Too slow," the old knight barked.
Rin grunted, rolled again, and came to her feet.
"I didn't freeze."
"No," Serentha admitted. "But if I were using real blades, you'd be bleeding."
"You're not," Rin shot back.
Serentha cracked the faintest grin. "Confidence suits you."
They reset.
Lyra passed by the yard and gave Rin a quick nod of approval.
Rin smirked as she dodged Serentha's next feint.
---
Kael's Chamber – The Shadow Returns
That night, Kael stood alone at the window of his private chamber, overlooking the Vault tower.
Four chains broken.
The whispers had quieted.
But the presence remained.
Watching.
Waiting.
> Soon.
> Soon.
He touched the seal on the dagger's case.
Then turned away.
He wouldn't descend yet.
Not until he was ready.
---
A Letter from the Capital
The next morning, a sealed letter arrived from the royal capital.
Kael opened it slowly.
A formal invitation.
A noble delegation would be visiting in ten days.
A peace envoy. And—unsurprisingly—marriage envoys among them.
Lyra read over his shoulder, then snorted.
"They're not even trying to be subtle anymore."
Kael groaned.
Then narrowed his eyes.
"Seven families."
"Guess they think the fourth chain means you're officially worth selling their daughters to."
Kael glanced at her.
"I could use a decoy."
Lyra raised an eyebrow.
"I'm not wearing a dress."
"You look good in one."
"…I'll kill you."
---
Final Scene – A Hint of What's to Come
That evening, Kael stood on the balcony again, watching the lanterns rise from the village below.
He heard footsteps behind him.
Lyra joined him, her cloak wrapped loosely around her shoulders.
"Everything's going to change soon," she said.
"It already has."
They stood in silence for a moment.
Then Kael said, "Thanks."
"For what?"
"For not leaving."
Lyra tilted her head.
"I thought you'd be smarter than that."
Kael smiled.
She looked at him for a long moment.
Then turned away.
The petals of the thornvine bloomed late that night—black and red against moonlight.
And beneath the estate, something ancient waited.
---
End of Chapter 71