Kaelen's POV
Kaelen couldn't stop staring at the white rose.
It sat on his desk like an accusation. Fresh petals. Perfect bloom. And that note—The Ghost You Helped Create.
Viktor cleared his throat. Your Grace, about Lord Aldwin
Leave me.
But—
I said leave me! Kaelen's voice cracked. Everyone out. Now.
The messenger fled. Viktor hesitated, then followed.
Alone, Kaelen picked up the rose. His hands shook. Someone had been in his study while he was distracted. Someone who knew about the trial.
Someone who might actually be
No. Impossible.
Princess Cassia was dead. He'd watched them seal her coffin.
Hadn't he?
Kaelen's eyes moved to the locked cabinet. He'd avoided it for five years. Inside were the original case files from Princess Cassia's trial.
He'd locked them away because looking at them meant remembering her face. Her desperate eyes.
But Lady Sera's words wouldn't leave him alone.
Following orders was easier than seeking truth.
Kaelen stood. Walked to the cabinet. His key trembled in the lock.
Inside, three thick folders gathered dust. He pulled them out and spread them open.
The first thing he saw was her portrait. Princess Cassia at age twenty. Silver-blonde hair. Storm-blue eyes. A slight smile.
He'd condemned that face to death.
Kaelen forced himself to keep reading.
WITNESS STATEMENT—Captain Greaves: I discovered weapons in Princess Cassia's chambers. When I questioned Her Highness, she had no explanation.
Kaelen frowned. Five years ago, this had seemed damning. Now, questions emerged.
Why would Cassia leave weapons so obviously placed?
WITNESS STATEMENT—Lord Marcellus: Documents found in the princess's desk detailed plans to assassinate her brother. The handwriting matches hers exactly.
Kaelen pulled out the handwriting analysis. Done by Master Henrik Blackwell.
He grabbed another file—records he'd secretly compiled. Checked Henrik's name.
The expert had retired three days after the trial. Paid an enormous sum. Never worked again.
Why would a respected expert suddenly retire after one case?
Unless he'd been paid to lie.
Kaelen's heart raced. He kept reading, and with each page, the cracks grew wider.
Witness One disappeared six months after the trial. Moved abroad. No address.
Witness Two died in an accident four months later.
Witness Three retired suddenly with mysterious wealth.
Every person who'd testified against Princess Cassia was either dead, disappeared, or suspiciously rich.
How had he not seen this?
Because you didn't want to see it, a voice whispered. Because doubt would have required courage.
Kaelen pulled out the trial transcripts. Flipped to Princess Cassia's final words:
I stand before you falsely accused. Every piece of evidence appeared as if by magic—perfectly timed, perfectly placed. I loved my brother. I would have protected him with my life. But someone wants me dead, and they've made you all their weapons. When truth comes to light—and it will—history will remember which of you had courage and which had only obedience.
The words hit him like a physical blow.
Courage and obedience.
He'd chosen obedience. Done his duty without question.
And sent an innocent woman to suffocate in darkness.
Kaelen buried his face in his hands. She'd scratched at her coffin. Bled. Died alone in the dark.
Because of him.
A sound made him look up.
Someone was at his door. Picking the lock.
Kaelen's hand went to his dagger. He stood silently, watching the door handle turn.
It opened.
A figure in a dark cloak stepped inside. Hood up, face hidden.
Who are you? Kaelen demanded.
The figure pulled back their hood.
Silver-blonde hair tumbled free. Storm-blue eyes met his.
It was Lady Sera. But also—impossible—Princess Cassia's face.
Kaelen's world tilted.
Hello, Duke Nightraven, she said softly. I see you've been reading about my death.
You're— He couldn't form words. You're dead.
Did you watch them seal my coffin? Or someone else's coffin dressed as me? Her voice was calm, but her eyes blazed. Your 'perfect' execution wasn't so perfect.
Kaelen grabbed the desk for support. How
Friends got me out with three minutes of air left. Three minutes. I can still feel that darkness crushing me. Still taste dying alone because you chose obedience over truth.
He wanted to speak. To apologize.
But what explanation could possibly matter?
Why are you here? he managed.
Because Lord Aldwin is dead. Because the people who framed me are killing everyone who might tell the truth. She pulled a paper from her cloak. I found this in his study.
She placed it on his desk.
Kaelen read it, and his blood turned to ice.
A list of names:
Lord Aldwin - eliminated Duke Kaelen Nightraven - questioning, must be dealt with Commander Viktor - loyal to Duke, potential problem Lady Mira Silverwind - knows too much, priority target
At the bottom, signed with a seal:
Lady Elara Thornwick
Your cousin, Kaelen breathed.
My cousin who I trusted. Who orchestrated my execution. Cassia's voice shook. She's planning to kill you. You and everyone who might help me. Soon.
Glass shattered.
An arrow slammed into the wall behind Cassia's head, missing by inches.
Kaelen grabbed her and pulled her down as more arrows flew through the window.
They know I'm here, Cassia gasped.
How many?
Enough.
Kaelen looked at her—at the princess he'd killed, now alive and bleeding from glass cuts.
The secret passage behind the bookshelf, he said quickly.
I know. I grew up in this palace, remember?
More arrows. Closer.
Go! I'll hold them
Don't be stupid. They'll kill you.
The door exploded inward.
Five men in dark masks rushed in, swords drawn.
Kaelen pulled Cassia behind him, dagger raised.
Well, he said, voice surprisingly calm. I suppose we're about to find out if the princess and the executioner can fight on the same side.
Cassia drew a hidden blade. Try not to die. I'm not finished being angry at you yet.
The assassins attacked.
And Kaelen discovered that five years of guilt had taught him one important thing: he would die before he let anyone hurt her again.
Even if she hated him for it.