In a stone pavilion inside the palace, Alexius sat before a window overlooking the training ground, watching the soldiers duel. The air was still, but his heart wasn't.
Madus entered, wearing his dark cloak, carrying an old scroll of papers.
"The whispers are growing louder, Alexius," Maddus said, placing the papers on the table. "The council is speaking, and all eyes are on you."
"Are they talking about me as a king? Or as a threat?" Alexius replied without turning around. "Both. And that's what's making them nervous."
"Perdus is investigating," Alexius said, staring out into the courtyard. "Have you told him everything?"
"I've told him enough for him to suspect… not to judge."
"And are you afraid of him?"
"No. But I don't underestimate someone who reads between the words."
Orestes, one of Perdus's men, entered, his face taut and his voice low:
"Sir, something serious is going on. A guard has discovered a small explosive device behind the curtain in your suite."
Alexius stood up immediately and said sharply:
"A device? What do you mean?"
"A small clay pot filled with an explosive. It's attached to a silk thread. If the curtain were to move suddenly… it would explode."
"Have you confirmed the type of explosive?" Madus asked, staring at him.
"Yes. It's a type only produced in the Western Isles. Only those who know how to smuggle it have it."
"And who placed it?"
"No one saw it. The guards didn't notice anyone entering or leaving. The night was thick… and the curtains were closed."
"Is this the first warning? Or the first murder attempt?" Alexius said, staring at Madus. Maddus replied coldly:
"In the palace, there's no difference between a warning and an attempt. Both are sent from the same hand."
In the investigation room, Perdus sat reviewing the incident report. Critton entered, holding a red wax scroll.
Critton said:
"The device was precise. Used only in political assassinations. Professionally made."
Perdus stared at the paper.
"Do you think Maddus is behind it?"
"Maybe. Or maybe he wants to portray Alexius as a victim… to gain the council's sympathy."
"Both possibilities are dangerous."
Maddus entered Perdus's room and said, placing his hand on the table:
"Have you started the investigation?"
"Yes. And I'm starting with you."
"I'm the one who exposed Alexius. Why kill him?"
"Maybe because he started talking more than you wanted."
Madhus said as he approached:
"Perdus, you are brilliant… but you confuse caution with obsession."
"And you confuse protection with control."
"Are you accusing me?"
"I don't accuse… I'm observing."
In his suite, Alexios sat with Milos for the first time since the incident.
"Are you okay?" Milos said as he entered silently.
"My body is fine… but my head is full of questions."
"Do you suspect anyone?"
"I suspect everyone… even you."
Milos stared at him.
"I didn't ask for your appearance. But I didn't refuse it."
"And do you regret it?"
"No. But I don't rest easy."
"Because I might be the king?"
"Because you might be something else."
Alexios said:
"Will you stand with me? Or against me?"
- "I will stand with Athens. If I am part of it… I am with you."
- "And if you are a threat to it?"
- "I will be the first to confront you."
That night, Alexios sat alone, writing in his leather notebook:
> "The throne is not demanded… but it is not given easily. Whoever wants to rule must first survive."