"Now that everyone's back from their little breather," Veronica said smoothly, "Sinephilim and I have decided on the best path forward."
"Don't keep us in suspense," Rhenvar replied dryly, but sharper than before.
Veronica allowed a faint smile. "Nice to see your sense of humor returning."
Then her face sharpened. "The best plan… is to use the king and crown prince as bait."
A heavy pause followed.
"That's going to be very difficult," Felicia warned. "Even suggesting it could be considered treason."
"I know. But you have Theo's ear. He trusts you."
"I'll do what I can."
If he truly loves you, he won't be hard to convince.
Veronica composed herself. "We know Aucteros and Charles intend to assassinate the royals, claim the throne, and hold a royal wedding, with either Felicia or myself as the bride. I could not find out why."
Willow bristled. "So, we lure them out and kill them?"
"Exactly," Veronica said.
"Felicia and Sinephilim will remain at the king's side. That forces Charles or Aucteros to act directly. If they want to fulfill the prophecy or the 'plot', they'll have to strike. And we'll be waiting."
She continued.
"Willow and I will stay hidden under our cloaks. Rhenvar operates in the shadows. With the ring in Willow's possession, Charles won't be able to control him again."
"And if Charles mind controls Willow?" Sinephilim asked coldly.
"Charles' mind control is powerful, but the festival will be crowded. I've seen his blessing myself; he has trouble with two things. Range and how many people are around him."
He also has an easier time controlling someone he is already connected with, good thing that ring keeps Rhenvar under control.
"What about the plot?" Felicia asked.
The room fell still.
Ah. Yes. The plot.
"If the novel you told me about truly dictates events," Veronica said carefully, "then certain moments may be locked. Like the massacre at the ball."
And my own death.
Her eyes met Felicia's.
"If what you told me was really the truth. That means- to beat the prophet, we may need to do something unthinkable."
Her voice dropped.
"We're going to ask the King to die."
"Damn, that sucks."
Veronica groaned.
"Rhenvar you probably let Veronica and Felicia do the talking." Sinephilim glared at Rhenvar.
"Whatever."
****
The palace.
They arrived at the palace and were granted an audience without delay.
The royal halls were quiet.
Not the peaceful kind, the watchful kind. Silence draped every stained-glass panel, every marble step. Even the guards, cloaked in silver and blue, stood like statues.
Felicia's steps echoed. Veronica moved beside her, every motion graceful and precise. Behind them came Rhenvar, silent and solemn. Willow walked without a word, his fingers brushing the pocket where the ring rested.
The great doors opened into the king's private audience hall.
King Gerald stood at the far end, beside his son, Crown Prince Theodore. Light spilled across them from tall stained-glass windows, red for war, gold for judgement, blue for glory. The colors made the king look like judgment carved from flesh.
Theo, by contrast, looked like a younger version.
"Crown Princess Felicia," Gerald said evenly. "You requested this audience. You said it was urgent."
She bowed. "It is, Your Majesty."
Veronica knelt beside her. "Thank you for receiving us."
Theo's gaze shifted to the others. "You bring questionable company."
Rhenvar waved.
"Questionable," Veronica admitted, "but necessary. It's about Aucteros."
Gerald stepped up, his movements slow but heavy. "Speak then."
Veronica rose. "You are in danger."
The King's brow twitched. "I'm aware."
"Not from rebels. Not from Aucteros or Charles. From prophecy."
That made the prince flinch.
"You mean the plot of that book Felicia spoke of?" Theo asked quietly.
Gerald's voice darkened. "Explain."
"We believe the attack at the festival isn't just likely; it's inevitable," Veronica said. "Charles and the book mage, Aucteros, plan to assassinate both of you. To usurp the throne. To anchor some kind of ritual with the royal wedding."
Theo stiffened. "We suspected it as much. But you said it was inevitable. What do you mean?"
"Prince Theodore," she said, turning to him. "You remember Felicia's explanation, about the tragic romance novel?"
"I do," the prince answered, voice low.
"Then you understand. We're in a book, your Highness. And that book has key plot points, scenes that must occur. We believe some cannot be avoided."
The King's eyes narrowed, judgment sharpening.
"And what makes you so certain these events can't be altered?" He asked, tone firm.
Felicia stepped in and answered gently. "We've tried. We've intercepted parts of their plan, like the demonic beasts at the ball but the massacre… it happened anyway. It's like the story bends around our resistance. Which means we need you to play your part."
King Gerald's jaw tightened. "And what part would that be?"
Veronica hesitated. Then she bowed her head. "Become bait."
Theo looked stunned, turning to Felicia. "Nej you can't be serious."
"We are," Felicia said softly. "Your public presence at the festival will force Charles or Aucteros to act. And when they do, we'll strike."
Theo's voice trembled. "What exactly happens at the New Year's Festival?"
Veronica's gaze locked on Theo.
The test to see if he truly loves Felicia.
"In the original novel," Felicia said, "King Gerald is assassinated by the rebels."
"This is madness! Treason! You're asking me to gamble with my father's life, over what some book says?"
Silence fell.
Veronica met his gaze. "The story continues. With or without your say."
Theo stepped forward. "You're asking us to walk into our own execution."
"Yes," Felicia said. "Because it's the only way to stop them."
Theo turned to King Gerald, voice shaking. "Father…"
Gerald raised his hand.
Then, after a long moment. He spoke. Not as a king, but as a man burdened by this new fate.
"…A crown is not armor. It never was." He looked toward the stained glass.
"If this plot cannot be broken… then we'll use it. As royals, we serve our people, even in death."
Theo swallowed hard. "You mean that?"
Gerald faced him.
"I'd rather die on my feet than watch this world be destroyed."
Then he turned to Veronica, eyes burning with the full weight of his divine blessing. "Make your plan. But if this fails- "
He stepped closer.
"-then I'll make sure the serpent's head will be severed, even if I'm dead."
Veronica did not flinch.
Theodore stepped closer. "This better work, Duchess Venenatus."
Veronica bowed.
"I trust it will, your Highness."