Chapter 23

Alexei leveled his blade at Stefan's throat. "Who are you truly, and who sent you against me?" he demanded.

The imposter bowed his head bitterly as murmurs rippled through the crowd. The kingdom had almost fallen to this elaborate ruse. But Alexei's loyal allies and cunning had saved it, for now.

With Stefan once more imprisoned, Alexei felt hope cautiously rekindle that order could be restored.

The false Stefan was hauled away in chains, still refusing to reveal his true identity or purpose.

Alexei knew powerful forces were behind this nearly successful coup, and he had to act swiftly to solidify control before the next strike fell.

After hastily gathering reinforcements from nearby estates, Alexei addressed his warily gathered court. "My friends, we have weathered a great deceit intended to topple all we have built. But we did not yield. Remember this in the coming days."

Privately, he conferred with his inner circle of advisers to root out any remaining dissenters hiding behind f