**Chapter Thirty-Seven
The Assassination Attempt, the Queen's Last Card, and the Moment Aerin Chose War**
The attempt happened at sunset.
Which was ironic.
Because Elira had just finished telling Mira she was having a "peaceful day."
"I watered flowers," Elira said proudly.
"I smiled at nobles," she added.
"I did not threaten anyone."
Mira nodded calmly. "A perfect record."
Aerin smiled. "Let's keep it that way."
The universe, unfortunately, took that as a challenge.
The Arrow
They were crossing the outer garden when it happened.
A soft whistle.
A flicker of motion.
Aerin didn't even see it.
Elira did.
She moved instantly.
Not to attack —
but to shield.
The arrow struck the stone pillar behind them, buried deep in the marble.
Guards shouted.
Steel flashed.
Chaos erupted.
Elira scanned rooftops, heart hammering.
"That wasn't me," she muttered automatically.
Aerin grabbed her shoulders.
"You're okay," he said urgently. "Stay with me."
Mira's eyes were sharp, already analyzing angles.
"Sniper position," she murmured. "Planned."
The Captured Assassin
The attacker was caught within minutes.
A hired killer.
Foreign.
Professional.
And terrified.
They dragged him into a guarded chamber, wrists bound.
Aerin entered with Mira and Elira.
The assassin looked at Elira — wide-eyed.
"I swear," he blurted out,
"I'm not trying to replace you!"
Elira blinked.
"…What?"
The assassin swallowed.
"I was paid to kill the King," he said.
"Not you."
Elira frowned.
"That is still rude."
Aerin folded his arms.
"Who paid you?"
The assassin hesitated.
Then whispered one name.
Valessara.
The Kingdom Explodes
The news detonated like a bomb.
The Queen.
Hiring a killer.
Attempting regicide.
Nobles panicked.
Foreign envoys whispered.
The streets buzzed with fear and rage.
Elira paced in Aerin's chambers like a caged storm.
"She tried to kill you," she said shakily.
"I want to end her."
Aerin caught her hands.
"No," he said gently. "We do this properly."
Elira exhaled hard.
"I will behave," she said.
"…Angrily."
Mira nodded. "That is acceptable."
Cassian's Breaking Point
Cassian looked like he hadn't slept in days.
He found Aerin alone that night.
"She's dangerous," Cassian said quietly.
"She always was."
Aerin studied him.
"You still care."
Cassian's jaw tightened.
"I cared," he admitted.
"And she used that."
His voice cracked.
"I don't want to be her weapon anymore."
Aerin rested a hand on his shoulder.
"Then don't be."
Cassian nodded slowly.
"…I choose you," he said.
Something settled.
Valessara's Last Move
Valessara didn't deny it.
She didn't apologize.
She didn't beg.
She walked into court like a storm wrapped in silk.
"If the King dies," she said coolly,
"Aqura collapses. I acted to prevent chaos."
The room erupted.
Elira clenched her fists.
"That is evil logic," she muttered.
Valessara met Aerin's gaze.
"You are a risk," she said.
"You are sentimental. Weak. Unpredictable."
Aerin stepped forward.
"You tried to murder me," he replied calmly.
"You are no longer welcome in my court."
Silence.
Then gasps.
Then fear.
Aerin Declares War — Politically
Aerin turned to the council.
"From this day forward," he said, voice steady,
"Valessara is stripped of influence, power, and protection."
He looked directly at her.
"You wanted control," he said quietly.
"You get exile."
Valessara's smile shattered.
"You wouldn't dare," she hissed.
Aerin didn't raise his voice.
"I just did."
For the first time,
he wasn't reacting.
He was leading.
Elira's Darkness — and Choice
That night, Elira sat alone, staring at her old dagger.
Her reflection stared back.
The killer she had been.
The woman she was becoming.
Aerin joined her silently.
"You could have let me kill her," Elira whispered.
"I won't turn you back into what hurt you," he replied.
Elira's eyes softened.
"I want to protect," she said quietly.
"Not destroy."
Aerin smiled gently.
"That makes you stronger than any assassin."
Final Beat — A Kingdom Shifts
Valessara prepared for exile.
Cassian stood with Aerin.
The council watched Aerin with new respect.
And the people whispered something new:
"Our King is not weak."
"He is kind — and dangerous."
"He will protect us."
The Harem Alarm chimed — not in chaos.
But in escalation.
Aerin had chosen a side.
And now the world would respond.