The air in the Queen's private study was thick with the scent of cooling wax and cold resolve. Qingxue and Jingyao stood over a map of the capital, their voices low as they finalized the trap.
"I'll call him to the North Pavilion," Qingxue said, her fingers tracing the edge of the palace walls. "It's secluded. I'll tell him I've found new evidence and I need his 'counsel' before I go to the Council. He's arrogant enough to believe I still trust his judgment."
Jingyao nodded, though his expression remained grim. "While you keep him occupied, I'll slip back into the Liu mansion. If he's the Envoy, he has documentation. I need the names of the mercenaries, the ledger for the Jinxiu gold, and anything that points directly to Lord Fei. I want to end this tonight."
"Be careful," she whispered, her hand briefly covering his. "Liu Hao is one thing, but the men guarding that mansion are not ordinary soldiers."
