CHAPTER 9
BLOOD ON THE COUNCIL FLOOR
Varian escaped before the guards could capture him.
The discovery divided the council.
Some demanded Elena's imprisonment.
Others demanded that Aldric reveal whether she was truly connected to the lost heir.
Aldric refused.
"She is under my protection."
A councilman slammed his fist onto the table.
"She may be the reason our kingdom falls!"
Elena stepped forward.
"Then perhaps you should ask why someone has spent twenty years hiding me."
Silence.
Aldric looked at the council.
"From this moment, no one leaves Moonstone Hall without my permission."
That was when the attack came.
An arrow flew through the window.
A guard fell.
Chaos erupted.
Elena saw the assassin before anyone else.
A shadow moved behind the council.
She raised her hand.
A burst of silver light struck the attacker.
He collapsed.
Everyone stared at Elena.
Her hands shook.
She had never used that much power.
Aldric approached carefully.
"Are you hurt?"
"No."
"Then stay behind me."
Elena looked at the council.
"I can protect myself."
"I know."
His voice softened.
"But you shouldn't have to do it alone."
For the first time, Elena saw the man behind the crown.
Not the king.
The father who had spent twenty years grieving.
She understood him.
Perhaps he understood her too.
That night, Aldric finally told Elena the truth about her mother.
The woman in the visions had been his queen.
And the baby she carried had been his son.
But the child had not been the only one born that night.
"There were twins," Aldric said.
Elena's heart stopped.
"Twins?"
Aldric nodded.
"The kingdom was told there was only one child."
Elena stared at him.
"Then who was the second?"
Aldric looked at her.
"I don't know."