The court dispersed in uneasy silence, whispers trailing behind them like smoke.
Daya was escorted out by two servants, her head lowered, though her heart still pounded with the echo of Vanda's words. She is under my protection.
The weight of them both frightened and warmed her.
Meanwhile, Vanda remained in the great hall. His advisor stepped forward, robes sweeping across the marble floor. The man bowed, his silver hair catching the light.
"Your Highness," he said softly, voice like a serpent's hiss. "That display may have silenced the nobles for the moment… but fire left untended always seeks to burn."
Vanda's gaze narrowed. "Speak plainly, Aric."
Aric lifted his eyes, sharp and calculating. "A king may wield strength, but even kings have weaknesses. You have just revealed yours to the entire court."
Silence stretched between them.
"You speak of Daya," Vanda said at last, his voice low.
Aric inclined his head. "A maid. A fragile human with no bloodline, no allies, no place in this kingdom. She is a flame that will draw enemies to you, for they will see in her the one thing they can use against you."
Vanda's jaw tightened. He rose slowly from his seat, the air thickening with heat. "And what would you have me do, Aric? Cast her out? Leave her to the wolves of Arven?"
Aric did not flinch, though sweat trickled down his temple. "I would have you think as a ruler, not as a man. If you care for her as you claim—" His lips curved faintly. "—then you must decide whether protecting her is worth the kingdom itself."
For a long moment, neither spoke.
Finally, Vanda turned, his cloak sweeping behind him like a shadow of flame. His words were quiet, but they rumbled like distant thunder.
"I am not a man who bends to threats. If they dare touch her, I will show them why dragons are feared."
Aric bowed once more, but his smile lingered as he straightened. "Then I pray your fire is enough… for the storm that is coming."
From the corner of the hall, unseen by either, a pair of eyes watched—narrow, cold, and full of contempt.
And Daya's name was already upon their lips.