Kayden stood by the window, arms crossed, his emerald eyes dark with thought as he gazed into the moonlit gardens. Across from him, Leon sat with his elbows on the table, rubbing his temples tiredly.

Finally, Leon spoke, his voice low but heavy with urgency. “Are you certain about this information?”

Kayden turned, eyes sharpening. He tossed a small rolled parchment onto the table. “Our spy in the palace confirmed it an hour ago. And I personally went out to investigate. I had been noticing strange movements from marquioness Dorian’s side for a while now.”

"Marquioness Dorian? Isn't she the most influential lady in the high society?"

"Yes. But the main problem is I bumped into your sister. She was spying on you and lady Sylvia but I believe she saw Count Edverard there and followed him. So she maybe knows about all this too."

"Whaaaattt!? Evelyn was there!? That little trouble maker! She always jumps into danger like nothing!" Leon rambled.

"They sure are siblings!" Kayden’s lips curved into a slight smile as Evelyn’s face came to his mind.

"Ahem. Anyways, look at this. We need to form a plan." 

Leon picked up the parchment and read silently. His frown deepened with each line.

Leon threw the parchment back on the table, his jaw tight. “This is madness. He’s risking the entire Empire to seize power.”

Kayden’s lips curved into a cold smirk. “Cassian doesn’t care. He wants the throne… and Evelyn. Even if it means burning the Empire to ashes to build it anew under his rule.”

Leon leaned back in his chair, exhaling sharply. “We need a strategy.”

Kayden walked over and braced his palms on the table, leaning forward. The candlelight illuminated the sharp planes of his face, his emerald eyes blazing with cold resolve.

“We let him think he has won,” Kayden said, his voice low and steady. “We will spread word to border generals to pretend to pull back, but keep their elites hidden in the forests near the capital. When Cassian makes his move, our forces will march back and surround the palace before dawn.”

Leon nodded slowly. “And the infiltrating mercenaries?”

Kayden’s gaze darkened further. “I will deal with them myself. We will station our knights disguised as guards within the palace to counter the infiltration from inside.”

"What about the poisoning? It seems like the reason the Emperor’s health has declined is that poision. It paved way for him having all the authority since he is the crown prince." 

Kayden sighed. "Yes. They seemed to have been trading the dusk root illegally. Count Edverard is personally handling the shipments for quite a long time now. But I don't think he will cut of the emperor finally for now. But preparing in advance instead."

Leon gritted his teeth and murmered. "Count Edverard...." 

"I know you are worried about the lady, but this is not the time Leon. If you try anything foolish things will turn bad. Have patience." 

Leon studied his friend silently for a long moment. In that stillness, he saw the same Kayden from their academy days—unyielding, calculating, always three steps ahead and most importantly always looking out for him even though he rarely showed any expressions.

Leon let out a gentle smile that hid his sad emotions. “You are right as always. Then let's do this. I will secure the docks and cut off any naval reinforcement from Renoa. I will also tighten security around Brighton estate. Evelyn will be his first target if the coup begins.”

Kayden’s jaw clenched slightly at her name, his gaze momentarily distant. "Hmm..."

Leon shot a glance at kayden. "Aren't you going to make an appearance at the ball though?" 

"Don't worry about that. I can handle it." Kayden gave him a reassuring smile.

Kayden let out a quiet exhale, almost a ghost of a smile curling his lips as he looked at his friend. “Then… let’s end his reign before it even begins.”

-------

-Evelyn's Quarters-

"Poisoning His Majesty… mercenary infiltration… and they practically called me useless…"

Laying at bed, staring at the ceiling with wild, unblinking eyes, doubt crept into Evelyn's chest.

"What can I even do…? Politics, war, conspiracies… I was just trying to avoid marriage proposals… I barely know a thing about all this..."

Her eyes burned with determination. "But now… if I stay ignorant, I’ll lose everything…"

The manor was quiet, too quiet. Evelyn tiptoed down the stairs and paused when she heard her parents’ voices.

“…it’s the only way to keep her safe,” her father was saying, his voice heavy with exhaustion.

Her mother sighed softly. “But… do you truly trust him with her life?”

“He promised,” the Duke said firmly. “If anything happens to us… he will protect her. Even… even if it means marrying her to keep her under his name."

Evelyn pressed her hand over her mouth to stifle a gasp. "Marry…? Who… who promised to…"

She stepped back silently, her heart thundering. She didn’t hear a name, but the knot in her chest tightened painfully.

-------

The next morning, Evelyn sat by her window, absently brushing her hair as grey clouds gathered over Aurora Vale, swirling with distant rumbles.

Her thoughts were interrupted when a knock sounded at her door. Lily entered, handing her a heavy envelope sealed in royal gold wax.

“It’s from the palace, my lady.”

Evelyn took it, her fingers numb as she broke the seal. The elegant script danced before her widening eyes.

Lady Evelyn Brighton is cordially invited to attend the Annual Imperial Ball tomorrow evening at the Grand Palace. 

Her chest tightened painfully.

She looked up at the darkening sky beyond her window as the first drops of rain tapped gently against the glass, their rhythm growing louder, faster.