112

112
Chapter 112

The news reached Leandro and Thomas late in the afternoon. One of the guards who had been stationed with the convoy sent a discreet message to Leandro, saying he had seen with his own eyes that the royal car had been empty, save for the driver.

Leandro’s face darkened as he read the message, crushing the note in his fist. “He never left,” he growled, pacing the length of the room like a caged beast.

Thomas leaned lazily against the table, puffing on a cigarette. “Of course he didn’t. You should have expected this, brother. Federico isn’t a fool.”

“This means he’s discovered something,” Leandro snapped, his voice low but sharp. “He’s hiding, staying close to the palace. That means he suspects someone from within is involved in these attacks.”

Thomas smirked, unfazed. “Good. Let him suspect. Let him stew in his paranoia. But sitting behind those palace walls makes him look weak. He’s hiding instead of leading.”

Leandro stopped pacing, his eyes narrowing. “Then we force him to come out. We call for a council meeting. It will look suspicious if he doesn’t attend — the council will demand his presence. And when he comes, we will make sure everyone sees that he is not the king they think he is. We will make them see he is unfit.”

Thomas flicked ash into a tray, his grin widening. “Ah, now you’re thinking. If the council loses faith in him, his throne will start to shake. And then…”

“Then we strike,” Leandro finished, his voice almost a whisper.

They shared a cold, satisfied look before summoning one of their loyal guards to begin preparations.

Miles was the first to get wind of the impromptu council meeting. He overheard the news from two servants gossiping near the courtyard and immediately rushed toward the king’s private wing.

Inside, Federico was reviewing some of the reports Azalea had brought him about the farmland allocations when Miles knocked sharply on the door.

“Enter,” Federico called.

Miles stepped in, bowing quickly. “Your Majesty, my Queen. Forgive the interruption, but there is urgent news. The council has been summoned by Lord Leandro and Lord Thomas. They demand the king’s attendance at an emergency meeting this evening.”

Federico’s eyes hardened. “So they’ve found out,” he said quietly, more to himself than to anyone else.

Azalea, who had been standing near the window, turned to face him. “This is their way of cornering you,” she said, her tone steady. “They want to force you out into the open.”

“They will not get what they want,” Federico replied, but Azalea shook her head, her resolve firming.

Federico hesitated, his protective instinct flaring. “Azalea—”

“You trust me, don’t you?” she interrupted softly.

He looked at her for a long moment, then finally nodded. “More than anyone.”

“Then let me do this,” she said, her tone resolute. “If you show up now, you will give them exactly what they want — proof that you have been here all along. I will buy you time, Federico. Time to plan your next move.”

Federico reached for her hand and kissed her knuckles, his eyes still dark with worry but full of pride. “Very well. But Vicky goes with you. And Miles will stay outside the council chambers in case things turn hostile.”

Azalea nodded once, determination flashing in her gaze.

The council chamber was already filled when Azalea arrived. The room was dimly lit, the long table occupied by the kingdom’s most influential lords and advisors. At the head of the table, Leandro stood with a smug look on his face, Thomas seated beside him with a look of lazy boredom.

All eyes turned when the doors opened.

Instead of the king, it was Azalea who entered, her gown trailing regally behind her, her chin held high. The murmurs began immediately, several council members exchanging shocked glances.

Leandro’s smirk widened as he stepped forward. “My queen,” he said with a mocking bow. “I believe there has been a misunderstanding. This is a council meeting, and you—”

“—Are you a woman?” Azalea finished for him, her voice cutting like steel.

The room went still.

“Yes,” Leandro said, feigning innocence. “Tradition dictates—”

“Tradition,” Azalea cut in sharply, her eyes sweeping over the entire table, “also dictates that the king cannot be called away from battle unless it is a matter of absolute necessity.”

The murmurs grew louder, some of the council members nodding reluctantly.

“And yet,” Azalea continued, stepping closer, her presence commanding, “you called this council knowing full well that the king is currently leading an operation to protect our allies. You called this council while our guards are on the front lines, risking their lives. Tell me, my lords — what matter is so urgent that it warrants disrespecting the king’s absence?”

Leandro’s smile faltered slightly. Thomas sat forward, scowling, but Azalea did not give either of them room to speak.

“You claim to act for the good of this kingdom, yet here you are, plotting meetings and power plays while the king is defending our borders. If you have questions for the council, ask them now. But do not dare question the king’s courage while you sit in safety.”

Her words landed like a blow. Several of the lords exchanged uneasy glances, some whispering among themselves.

Leandro’s face darkened. “You overstep, Azalea. You—”

“I am the queen,” Azalea said coldly, cutting him off again. “And when the king is away, I speak in his name. Unless, of course, you would like to challenge the authority of the crown itself?”

Silence fell over the chamber. No one dared to speak.

Leandro’s jaw clenched, his hands curling into fists at his sides. He could feel the tide of the room shifting, the lords now wary of siding with him too openly. Thomas glared at Azalea, but even he knew it would be foolish to push further tonight.

Azalea held their gazes a moment longer, then turned to the rest of the council. “If there is no matter of life or death, then this council is dismissed. The king will be informed of what has transpired here when he returns. Until then, focus on what truly matters — keeping this kingdom safe.”

She turned on her heel and strode from the chamber, Vicky following closely behind. Miles, who had been waiting just outside, fell into step with them, his expression both impressed and relieved.

When they were far enough from the council chambers, Azalea allowed herself a small, satisfied smile. “That should keep them quiet — at least for now.”

Miles chuckled under his breath. “You should have seen their faces, my queen. I think half of them forgot how to breathe.”

Azalea’s expression hardened again. “Let them stew. If they want to play games, then so will we. But next time, we will be ready.”

Back in the council chamber, Leandro slammed his fist on the table the moment the doors closed.

“She humiliated us,” he snarled.

Thomas exhaled smoke slowly, his expression cold. “She bought them time, yes. But this is not over. Next time, we make sure there is no escape — for her or for Federico.”