* * *
The fact that Eleanora Aiselle was alive was a matter of utmost secrecy. In fact, just this morning, the bureau had leaked the news of her untimely death to the press, attributing it to a lost battle against a rare disease. While all members of the public had already left the courtroom, I knew better than to trust any of the nobles present to keep their mouths shut.
“No one is to speak of Eleanora Aiselle unless granted my express permission,” I declared, infusing the words with power as a ribbon of golden mana encircled the edges of the courtroom.
The silencing spell would ensure that whatever happened next would stay within these walls. There was one very important reason why news of Eleanora’s survival could never become public: Adrian Rossinell must never know that she was alive. The woman in question was practically bristling with rage, and I knew I had to say something before panic overtook the room. Already, Kyle’s hand was hovering dangerously over his revolver.
