Morning broke over the palace in streaks of gold and rose. In the great hall, banners of silver and indigo hung from rafters, swaying softly as servants darted about, preparing for the day's audience. The air smelled of beeswax, bread, and polished stone.
Alex lay curled at Elara's feet like any other tame lamb, head on his forelegs. From this vantage point, he could see everything: the dais where King Theron and Queen Miriel sat, the long marble floor that led to the doors, and the line of courtiers waiting to whisper into the royal ear. Above, balconies of carved wood cast latticed shadows across the room.
Elara was practically vibrating beside him. Today she wore her training tunic hidden under a formal overdress; her circlet sat slightly askew from nerves. She stroked his wool absently, unaware of the tension radiating through his little body. So this is the inner court, Alex thought. Perfect place to listen.
Thistle crouched under the nearest bench, her ears flicking. Through their link, Alex caught a low grumble: Behave. Eyes everywhere today.
The herald struck his staff. "Announcing Master Kaiven of the Azure Veil!" A tall figure swept into the hall — a man in travelling robes the colour of stormclouds, trimmed at the shoulders with blue feathers. His eyes glittered like chips of ice.
Alex stiffened. Blue feathers.
Kaiven gave an elegant bow. "Your Majesties. I come on behalf of the Northern Enclave to deliver a gift and a warning." With a snap of his fingers, two assistants brought up a sealed crystal chest that was glowing faintly.
The King's voice rumbled. "Speak your warning, mage.
Kaiven's gaze slid, almost lazily, across the hall — and for an instant, landed on Elara and the small lamb at her feet. His nostrils flared as though catching a scent. Then he smiled. "We have heard rumours of strange magic stirring near your borders. Creatures marked by bells and old symbols. It would be… unwise to harbour such things."
Alex kept perfectly still, fighting against the urge to bare phantom teeth. They're looking for me.
Elara shifted, frowning. "What sort of creatures?" she asked quietly, but the King hushed her with a raised hand.
Kaiven's assistants set the crystal chest down at the foot of the dais. "A token of goodwill," he said. "And a reminder that the Enclave watches. Should such creatures appear, you would do well to send word."
The Queen's smile was polite and empty. "Your concern is noted."
While the adults played their word games, Alex extended his senses, like he had at the fountain. The crystal chest pulsed — slow, sickly rhythm. Not a gift — a beacon. A tracker. They're setting a snare right in the throne room.
Thistle's warning buzzed at the edge of his mind. Do not move.
I'm not, Alex shot back. But if that thing goes to the gardens—
Elara's hand had tightened in his wool. He realised she was trembling. She did not understand the words spoken, but she felt the threat. "It's all right, little one," she murmured to him, more to steady herself than him.
When the audience ended and Kaiven swept out with his retinue, the air in the hall seemed to lighten - only slightly. The King ordered the chest locked in the vault. Courtiers began to disperse.
Elara scooped Alex into her arms and held him tighter than usual. "We're going to the training yard," she whispered. "I need to think."
Alex let himself be carried, mind racing. Good, the yard will be empty now. Time to find out what they left behind. Above them, unnoticed, a single blue feather fluttered from the rafters and fell onto the marble floor.