Chapter 88
The palace was buzzing with activity as Kael prepared for his latest maneuver. Celestina stood in the corner of their shared office, watching him command the room with his usual mix of charm and authority. His voice was smooth, but every word carried an undercurrent of control.
“This meeting is critical,” Kael said to a group of advisors. “It will demonstrate our stability and strength. Celestina, of course, will be there to represent the Alvada legacy.”
Her stomach twisted as he turned toward her, his smile warm yet calculated.
“You’ll attend, won’t you, my love?” he asked, his tone leaving little room for refusal.
Celestina nodded, forcing a smile. “Of course.”
Inside, her mind was racing. She knew this wasn’t just a political meeting. Kael was setting a trap, one she was certain involved Dimitri.
The following morning, Celestina found herself seated at the head of a long conference table, flanked by Kael and several high-ranking officials. The room was oppressively formal, with Kael leading the discussion while Celestina played the role of the dutiful wife.
“Dimitri is a threat that cannot be ignored,” Kael said, his voice commanding. “This meeting will show that we’re united in eradicating instability.”
Celestina clenched her fists beneath the table. She couldn’t let Kael use her as a pawn, but she also couldn’t risk exposing herself too soon.
“Excuse me,” she said, interrupting him. “But isn’t it dangerous to focus solely on Dimitri? Shouldn’t we be addressing broader issues that affect the people directly?”
Kael’s jaw tightened, but he recovered quickly. “You’re right, of course,” he said smoothly. “But Dimitri’s actions undermine everything we’re trying to build. His capture is essential for progress.”
Celestina leaned back, her expression neutral, but she knew she’d planted doubt in the room. As the meeting dragged on, she subtly shifted topics, raising questions about Kael’s proposals and steering the conversation away from his timeline.
Kael’s frustration grew evident as the minutes ticked by, his usually calm demeanor showing cracks. When the meeting finally ended, he pulled her aside, his grip on her arm firm but not painful.
“What was that?” he asked, his voice low and controlled.
“I was just offering my perspective,” Celestina replied innocently.
Kael studied her for a moment before his lips curved into a tight smile. “Of course. I value your input. But next time, let’s discuss things beforehand, shall we?”
Celestina nodded, hiding the satisfaction bubbling beneath her unease. She’d disrupted his plans, if only temporarily.
Later that afternoon, as Celestina walked through the palace gardens, she felt someone fall into step beside her. Turning, she saw Liora, her expression unusually tense.
“We need to talk,” Liora said in a low voice.
Celestina’s guard went up immediately. “What about?”
Liora glanced around to ensure no one was listening, then slipped a small note into Celestina’s hand. “Read this later. And remember—trust no one. Not even me.”
Before Celestina could respond, Liora walked away, her posture calm and composed as though nothing had happened.
Celestina’s heart raced as she unfolded the note once she was alone. The words were scrawled hastily:
“Kael knows more than he’s letting on. Be careful.”
Her pulse quickened. Was Liora trying to help her, or was this another layer of Kael’s manipulation?
That evening, Kael invited her to a private dinner in their quarters. The setting was romantic—candles flickered on the table, and soft music played in the background. But the intimacy felt suffocating, a trap disguised as tenderness.
“You seemed distracted today,” Kael said as he poured her a glass of wine.
“Just tired,” Celestina replied, keeping her tone light.
Kael’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn’t press the issue. Instead, he set down the bottle and leaned forward, his expression softening.
“I’ve been thinking,” he said, his voice gentle. “Maybe it’s time for us to leave all of this behind. The politics, the pressures—it’s not what I want for us.”
Celestina froze, her heart pounding. “Leave?” she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Kael nodded, his hand brushing hers. “We could go abroad. Start fresh. Build a life where it’s just the two of us. Doesn’t that sound perfect?”
His words were sweet, but Celestina felt the weight of their underlying intent. He wasn’t offering freedom—he was proposing isolation, cutting her off from everyone who could help her.
“That… sounds lovely,” she said, forcing a smile.
Kael’s eyes searched hers, and for a moment, she thought he didn’t believe her. But then he smiled and raised his glass.
“To new beginnings,” he said.
Celestina clinked her glass against his, her fingers trembling slightly.
As they finished dinner, Kael leaned back in his chair, his tone casual but deliberate.
“I’ve planned something for us,” he said. “A yacht trip tomorrow. Just the two of us, to discuss our future.”
Celestina’s stomach dropped, but she kept her expression neutral. “That sounds wonderful,” she said.
Inside, her mind was racing. This wasn’t a romantic getaway—it was a trap.
