The feast's flickering torchlight cast eerie shadows across Kaerys's face as she stood at the edge of the great hall. Every smile she exchanged was a thread in a web woven to ensnare her enemies. Her fingers brushed the hidden dagger at her waist, a cold reminder of the risks she willingly embraced.
Lord Daven approached, his eyes gleaming with a dangerous mix of desire and calculation. "You move with grace among vipers, Lady Velaryon."
Kaerys's lips curved into a sly smile. "And vipers are most dangerous when underestimated."
He leaned closer, voice a murmur. "Careful, or one day, the serpent's fang may find your throat."
A Shadow's Betrayal
In a dim chamber behind the feast, a whispered conversation took place between two shadowy figures. One was draped in the silks of nobility, the other cloaked in rags.
"The Merchant Queen's trust wavers," the noble hissed. "We must accelerate the plan."
The ragged figure's eyes flashed with greed. "Soon, the heir will fall. And with him, the last hope of unity."
The Dragon's Roar
Outside the city walls, Serenthis circled high above, her wings beating thunder into the sky. Flames flickered in her throat, a warning fire to the dark forces gathering below.
Neron stood beside Aelthara, his jaw clenched. "The storm breaks soon. We must be ready to strike."
Aelthara nodded, her hand finding his. "Together, we will burn away the shadows."
A Kiss of Fire
Back in the feast's heart, Kaerys found herself cornered by Lord Daven. His hand brushed hers with a possessive heat.
"Do you trust me?" he whispered.
Kaerys's eyes locked onto his, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face before her steel returned. "Trust is a luxury I cannot afford."
He smiled, intrigued. "Yet here you are—playing a dangerous game."
She leaned in, voice low. "The most dangerous games have the greatest rewards."
The First Strike
Suddenly, the hall erupted in chaos—a scream, a flash of steel. Jaro's warning came too late as a blade found its mark in the dark.
The game had begun.
End of Chapter 32