The head maid didn't turn to look at him. Her eyes remained on the sleeping child, but her voice, although soft, was firm.
"Well done. Maintain the illusion. Keep the city calm and routine. No unnecessary violence, no chaos. The last thing we need is to draw attention. Everything must look normal... for her sake... and his."
Her hand continued to gently caress the child's head, and the little girl murmured softly in her sleep, unaware of the storm swirling around her.
The Shadow leader's red eyes glowed faintly as he watched the interaction. Something about the calmness in the maid's voice, her tenderness, and the way she protected the child stirred a flicker of curiosity... maybe even suspicion.
He closed his eyes slightly, as if thinking deeply before speaking.
"I hope your loyalty still belongs to the Kaelzars," he said, his voice sounding colder this time. "The princess and the young emperor deserve only the most loyal servants."
