EmberThe energy within the palace has changed. Everyone moves with more urgency, and there is tension palpable in the air.There’s a new urgency beneath everything. Even the way people speak has changed. People are quieter, more curt. There is a sense of strain in the palace, like we’re all waiting
KaineThe palace staff has always been aware that a female guard walks the halls. The guards, the maids, and attendants have watched her move through the ranks, whispering when she passes. Now everyone at court knows as well. The story spread with startling speed. The female guard who stepped in be
Back in my office, I throw myself into work. I reorganize logs, reassign junior guard schedules, and write a detailed incident report from memory. It helps. Keeping my hands busy forces the echo of the King’s voice out of my head.Nara is angry at the King’s handling of the situation. “He didn’t eve
EmberMy presence is requested before I can settle in my office the next morning. A junior guard knocks once, tense in the doorway, and hands me the parchment without a word. He turns and leaves before I can ask anything.I recognize the royal seal immediately.The King has summoned me.I read the
“Now,” I bark, and a guard bolts from the room.The woman clutches me harder. “Please don’t leave.”“I won’t.” My voice sounds strained even to my own ears and I do my best to shake it off. “You’re going to be fine.”I drop to my knees beside her, steadying her shoulders as another wave of pain ripp
I finalize the security plan the evening before the ball. The plan is simple with the the coverage layered and overlapping through the galleries and courtyard in tight rotations. I’ve reviewed each point twice, then again, making adjustments to crowd flow and guest entry routes.Now I stand outside