Chapter 17
The wheels of Kael’s car rattled over the cobblestone streets as it sped toward the Alvada Palace. Night had fallen, but the city was far from quiet. News of the assassination attempt had spread, and rumors buzzed like wildfire. As Kael leaned forward in his seat, his mind raced.
I have to warn her, he thought. His jaw clenched as he replayed the conversation he had overheard. Liora’s voice, filled with fear and guilt, echoed in his ears. Her family—the Hestrels—had a connection to the attack. He couldn’t prove it, but the implications were too dangerous to ignore.
When the palace gates came into view, Kael ordered the driver to stop. He stepped out, his heart pounding as he approached the guards stationed at the entrance. Their eyes were sharp, their hands resting on their weapons, a clear sign of heightened security.
“State your business,” one of the guards barked, his tone brisk.
Kael took a deep breath, forcing his voice to remain calm. “I need to speak with Lady Celestina. It’s urgent.”
The guards exchanged a look before the senior of the two stepped forward. “The palace is under strict security. No visitors are allowed, especially not uninvited ones. Turn back.”
“I’m not leaving until I speak with her,” Kael said, his voice firm. “It’s a matter of her safety.”
The guard’s expression didn’t waver. “The president’s daughter is well-protected. She doesn’t need anything from you.”
Kael bristled at the dismissal. “You don’t understand,” he said, his tone rising. “The governor’s family—they might be connected to the assassination attempt. She needs to know this.”
The guards stiffened at his words but remained resolute. “If you have information, you can report it to the authorities. Lady Celestina will not be disturbed.”
Kael’s frustration boiled over. “You’re making a mistake!” he shouted. “If you don’t let me in, you could be putting her life in even greater danger!”
“Enough,” the senior guard said, his voice cold. “Leave now, or we’ll remove you by force.”
Celestina stood by one of the tall windows in her private study, gazing out at the moonlit gardens. Despite the warmth of the room, a chill lingered in her chest. The events of the day weighed heavily on her—the attempt on her life, her father’s insistence on heightened security, and the whispers of uncertainty from the dignitaries.
A knock at the door broke her thoughts. “Come in,” she said, turning toward the sound.
One of her guards stepped inside, bowing slightly. “My lady, Kael Veridan is at the gate. He’s insisting on speaking with you.”
Her heart skipped a beat at the mention of his name, but she quickly masked her reaction. “What does he want?”
“He claims to have information about the assassination attempt,” the guard replied.
Celestina’s eyes narrowed, her jaw tightening. “He’s not to be trusted. Tell him to leave.”
“My lady,” the guard said hesitantly, “he seems… desperate. Shall I hear him out?”
“No,” Celestina said sharply. “I don’t want to hear anything from him. Send him away.”
The guard hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “As you wish.”
Outside the gates, Kael paced back and forth, his frustration mounting. He could feel the eyes of the guards on him, their expressions a mix of suspicion and disapproval.
The senior guard returned, his face impassive. “Lady Celestina has no interest in speaking with you. Leave immediately.”
Kael’s chest tightened. “Did you tell her what I said? Did you tell her it’s about her safety?”
The guard’s expression didn’t change. “I delivered your message. Her response was clear. You’re not welcome here.”
Kael’s hands clenched into fists. “She doesn’t understand. I need to explain—”
“You need to leave,” the guard interrupted, his tone steely. “We won’t warn you again.”
Kael’s desperation flared into anger. “Do you think a gate can protect her from what’s coming? If the Hestrels are behind this, they won’t stop until—”
The guard stepped forward, his hand on the hilt of his sword. “Enough. Leave, or you’ll face the consequences.”
Kael glared at the guard, his breathing heavy. He wanted to push past him, to storm into the palace and make Celestina listen. But the sight of more guards approaching forced him to take a step back.
“Fine,” he spat. “But tell her this—ignoring me won’t make the danger disappear.”
