122

122
Chapter 122

The news of Mack and Ophelia’s arrest spread across the kingdom like wildfire by the next morning. Servants whispered in corners, guards exchanged knowing glances, and the entire royal compound seemed to buzz with tense anticipation.

In Thomas’s chamber, he paced the floor with a cigarette in hand while Leandro sat stiffly in his chair, jaw tight.

“They really arrested them,” Thomas muttered, blowing out smoke. “And in public too. Federico isn’t holding back anymore.”

Leandro’s expression darkened. “We can’t do anything right now. If we move, if we speak—”

“They’ll know we’re behind everything,” Thomas finished grimly. “No. We wait. We act like this means nothing to us.”

Leandro nodded, though his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles went white. “Mack is an idiot for getting caught. Now everything we’ve been building is at risk. We need to be careful. Let Azalea and Federico have their little victory for now. They won’t suspect a thing.”

Thomas ground out his cigarette. “Fine. But this changes nothing. If anything, it only proves how dangerous she is.”

That afternoon, the council was summoned. The chamber was full when Federico and Azalea entered, the tension so thick it was nearly suffocating. The council members stood until Federico sat at the head of the table, Azalea at his side.

“This meeting has been called to address the matter of treason within our kingdom,” Federico began, his voice calm but commanding. “As many of you are aware, Mack and Ophelia were taken into custody last night.”

A murmur swept through the room, but he silenced it with a raised hand.

“They were found conspiring against this throne,” he continued, his words ringing clearly in the hall. “Not only that — we have evidence of their alliance with Maya, who has been plotting to harm my queen and unborn child.”

Gasps echoed across the chamber. Some council members exchanged horrified glances while others clenched their jaws in outrage.

Federico nodded to Miles, who stepped forward and placed a small device on the table. With a press of a button, the room filled with the recorded conversations — Ophelia and Mack’s hushed plans, Maya’s cruel words, even the smug laughter they shared as they plotted Azalea’s downfall.

When the recording ended, silence reigned for several seconds. Then one of the senior councilmen rose to his feet, his face flushed with anger.

“This is treason of the highest order!” he thundered. “There can be no mercy for those who seek to destroy the crown!”

Others voiced their agreement, pounding their fists on the table.

“They should be executed!” another shouted.

“Yes, death is the only fitting punishment!” came a chorus of voices.

Federico sat quietly until the clamor died down. Then he rose, his face solemn.

“This council is right,” he said. “The punishment for treason is death. But before we pass judgment, there is one more person involved who must be dealt with.”

He turned to Miles. “Send the guards. Arrest Maya immediately. She will face the council as well.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Miles bowed and left swiftly to carry out the order.

Leandro and Thomas kept their expressions carefully blank, but inside, their minds raced. Maya's arrest could ruin everything. If she talked, if she implicated them—

Leandro’s hand gripped the arm of his chair until it creaked.

Federico’s voice cut through their thoughts. “This kingdom will no longer tolerate betrayal. Let this be a warning to anyone who thinks they can move against the crown.”

The council murmured in agreement.

When the meeting adjourned, Federico stood and took Azalea’s hand, leading her out with quiet dignity. The guards flanked them, leaving the council members to whisper nervously among themselves.

Far away, Maya had no idea that her freedom was about to end — and that her betrayal was about to be laid bare before the entire kingdom.

\---

The sound of tires screeching outside startled Maya just as she finished throwing her essentials into a travel bag. Her phone was buzzing with frantic messages from Bennett — he was already waiting a few miles away to help her escape the kingdom. But before she could reply, heavy knocks rattled her door.

“Maya of House Rendell!” a guard’s voice boomed. “By order of His Majesty, open up!”

Her heart pounded. Panic clawed at her throat. She knew Ophelia and Mack had been arrested — word had spread like wildfire. If they had been taken, it was only a matter of time before the crown came for her.

She tried to grab her bag and head for the back door, but when she yanked it open, two guards were already there.

“You are under arrest for conspiracy against the crown,” one of them said, his voice cold and unyielding.

“I’m innocent!” Maya protested, backing away. “You don’t understand, I haven’t done anything—”

“Save it,” another guard interrupted. “The king will decide what you are.”

Before she could protest further, they seized her by the arms and dragged her out of the house. Her neighbors peeked through their curtains, whispering as she was shoved into the back of the royal transport.

The drive to the royal holding cells felt endless, every bump on the road making her chest tighten with dread. When they finally arrived, the guards didn’t waste time — they pulled her out and marched her into the dimly lit dungeon.

“Please, I swear, I—” she started, but one guard shot her a glare that made her shut her mouth.

“No talking,” he snapped. “You’ll have your chance to speak at the council.”

They opened a heavy iron door and shoved her inside. The air was damp and cold, carrying the faint metallic scent of fear. Her eyes adjusted slowly, and then she froze.

Ophelia was sitting in the far corner of the cell, her hair disheveled but her smirk firmly in place.

“Well, well,” Ophelia drawled, standing and brushing the dust from her dress. “Look who decided to join me.”

Maya’s heart sank. “This is a mistake,” she said quickly, clutching the bars. “We’re not supposed to be here. They can’t just—”

“Oh, they can,” Ophelia cut her off with a bitter laugh. “And when I get out, I’ll make sure I put Azalea six feet under, even if it’s the last thing I do.”

Maya’s stomach twisted at her words. She slumped against the wall, running a shaky hand through her hair. “Good thing my family traveled,” she murmured. “If my mom were here to see this, she’d have a heart attack.”

Ophelia smirked. “Then pray you get out before they come back. You wouldn’t want them to see you hang.”

Maya shuddered, dread sinking deep into her bones as the cell door slammed shut with a loud clang.