Chapter 29

• Seraphina, meanwhile, focused on solidifying her alliances within the court. She held private meetings with key nobles, subtly testing their loyalty and gauging their responses. Some proved steadfast, their dedication to the crown unwavering. Others... raised questions.
• Among those who caught her attention was Lord Cedric, a minor noble who had recently gained favor in the court. His polite demeanor masked an ambitious streak that Seraphina found unsettling. She instructed Lyra to keep a close eye on him, suspecting he might hold secrets of his own.
• One evening, as Seraphina walked the palace gardens, she was joined by Leander. The moonlight cast a pale glow over the flowers, their fragrance mingling with the crisp night air.