The solar was thick with tension when Eladin burst in, cheeks flushed, eyes blazing like a storm trapped inside.
Charlotte looked up from the maps scattered across her desk, a half-eaten piece of cake forgotten beside her.
Eladin: "Why wasn't I told? Why does everyone whisper around me like I'm a child who can't hear the thunder?"
Charlotte smiled—keen, amused, but soft.
Charlotte: "Because you're my brother, and the outside world isn't kind. Secrets are shields, not chains."
Eladin tossed a handful of curls from his face and strode forward, a tempest of fury.
Eladin: "Shields? It's a trap. I'm tired of watching from the sidelines while you play queen like it's a game. It's not a game, Charlotte. People die."
Charlotte pushed back her chair and rose to meet him fully. Her voice dropped—firm, burning.
Charlotte: "Yes, they do. That's why I need you to be clever. Not reckless. Not furious. You think I want this? To smile among vipers? Every day I choose to fight. Because if I don't—"
She paused, eyes gleaming.
Charlotte: "—then everything we love burns to ash."
Eladin's anger softened, replaced by something quieter. But only for a moment.
Eladin: "Then let me fight beside you. Let me be your blade."
Charlotte shook her head, a sly grin spreading.
Charlotte: "Ah, but who would eat all the cake while I'm busy running the kingdom?"
Eladin blinked, disarmed by the joke.
Eladin: "You eat too much cake."
Charlotte: "That's leadership, dear brother. Sweet and necessary."
Mira's sharp laughter broke the tension as she stepped forward, signing rapidly.
Mira:"And dangerous in excess."
Charlotte laughed—a clear, ringing sound that pushed back the shadows.
Charlotte: "Enough cake and danger talk. Eladin, I want you to learn everything—politics, swordplay, deception. The day will come when you decide whether to wield the blade—or the crown."
Eladin nodded, resolve reigniting.
Suddenly, a tremendous crash echoed from the corridor. They whirled toward the door.
A pale, ashen messenger burst in, breathless.
Messenger: "Your Highness! A secret message intercepted from House Vellador. They're moving faster than expected. Tonight. The feast. They plan to strike."
Charlotte's eyes narrowed.
Charlotte: "Tonight? Then the game truly begins."
She reached for her cloak, cinching it tight, a fire-and-ice smile curling her lips.
Charlotte: "Time to show what a queen and her court can do. And maybe… bring more cake."