Later that evening, as the estate quieted, Rowan found Lucien leaning over a map in the study. Candlelight flickered over his face.
"She's hiding something," Lucien muttered.
Rowan didn't ask who. "You want me to press her?"
"No," Lucien said, too quickly. "Just… keep an eye on her."
"You're starting to care."
Lucien didn't deny it.
Rowan's tone changed. "We got word from the southern borders that Petra's walls had foreign scouts near the riverbank."
Lucien straightened. "Whose men?"
"Unmarked, but not locals. There's a possibility we're dealing with interests from the old Elveran coast. And someone at court is feeding them."
Lucien exhaled. "The Minister of Arms was once close to Elveran trade. Pull his travel records."
"You think it's him?"
"I think someone wants Alden's reign shaken from the roots. Petra is the softest stone. They'll start there."
Rowan nodded and left.
Across the courtyard, Liora stood alone in the library with the pendant open in her palm.
