The night had deepened by the time Alexi returned to his private chambers. The weight of the day’s events hung heavy on his shoulders, but he knew there would be little rest tonight. There was too much to consider, too many questions left unanswered.

As he paced the room, the flickering candlelight casting long shadows against the stone walls, his thoughts kept returning to Lady Selene. Her decision to support him in the throne room had been unexpected, but it had also been decisive. By challenging Vasilis publicly, she had shifted the balance of power within the Sanguine faction, and that could be the key to turning the tide of rebellion.

But why? Why had she chosen to side with him now, after so many years of aligning herself with Vasilis and the other nobles who sought to undermine his rule?

A soft knock at the door pulled Alexi from his thoughts. He turned, sensing the presence on the other side before the door even opened.

Marcellus stepped into the room, his expression serious. "There’s someone here to see you, my Lord."

Alexi frowned. It was late, and any unexpected visitors at this hour could only mean trouble. "Who?"

"Lady Selene," Marcellus replied, his voice cautious. "She says she has important information that cannot wait until morning."

Alexi’s curiosity flared, but he kept his expression neutral. "Bring her in."

Marcellus nodded and left the room, returning a moment later with Lady Selene in tow. She entered the room gracefully, her silver hair catching the candlelight, and her blue eyes sharp and focused. Despite the tension of the evening, she carried herself with an air of quiet confidence, as though she were in complete control of the situation.

"Lord Alexi," she said with a respectful bow. "I appreciate you granting me an audience at such a late hour."

Alexi gestured for her to sit, though he remained standing. "What brings you here, Lady Selene?"

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Selene’s eyes flicked toward Marcellus briefly before she spoke. "I believe we have a common enemy, my Lord. And I believe that if we do not act quickly, the Sanguine’s rebellion will tear this kingdom apart."

"You defied Vasilis in the throne room," Alexi said, his tone neutral. "That was not a small gesture. Why now? What changed?"

Selene hesitated for a moment, as though weighing her words carefully. "I have been loyal to the Sanguine for many years. But Vasilis… his ambitions have blinded him to the greater threat. He believes that by allying with the fae, he can secure his place as the ruler of Bloodmoor."

Alexi’s eyes narrowed. "And what do you believe?"

"I believe that Vasilis has already made a deal with the fae Prince," Selene said, her voice lowering. "I overheard a conversation between him and one of Zephyrion’s emissaries. They’re planning to stage a coup, but they don’t intend to stop at removing you. They plan to offer Bloodmoor to the fae in exchange for power."

Alexi’s blood ran cold at her words, though his expression remained calm. A coup was one thing—he had expected Vasilis to make his move soon—but the thought of the Sanguine handing over his kingdom to the fae was a far greater danger.

"And why tell me this now?" Alexi asked, his voice cautious. "What do you stand to gain by betraying Vasilis?"

Selene met his gaze with steady determination. "I want what’s best for this kingdom. Vasilis is a fool if he thinks he can control the fae Prince. Zephyrion will destroy us all if given the chance. I am loyal to Bloodmoor, Lord Alexi, not to Vasilis’s reckless ambitions."

There was something in her voice, something sincere and unyielding. Alexi studied her for a long moment, trying to determine whether she was playing another game, but her eyes remained clear and unwavering.

"You realize that by coming to me, you’ve declared yourself an enemy of the Sanguine," Alexi said quietly.

Selene nodded. "I do. But if it means preventing this kingdom from falling into Zephyrion’s hands, it is a risk I am willing to take."

Alexi considered her words carefully. An ally within the Sanguine could prove invaluable, especially if Vasilis was truly working with the fae. But trusting Selene meant placing his faith in someone who had long been aligned with his enemies.

Finally, he spoke. "I will consider your offer, Lady Selene. But understand this—if you betray me, I will not show mercy."

Selene stood, her posture firm and resolute. "I would expect nothing less, my Lord."

With a final bow, she turned and left the room, leaving Alexi alone with his thoughts once more.

As the door closed behind her, Marcellus stepped forward, his face unreadable. "Do you trust her?"

Alexi didn’t answer immediately. His mind was already working through the implications of Selene’s words, the pieces of the puzzle slowly falling into place.

"I don’t trust anyone in this court," Alexi said finally. "But for now, she may be the key to stopping Vasilis before it’s too late."