Chapter 168: Further Information

{Aria} 

Aria's footsteps echoed through the empty corridor as she and Lady Belstadt approached her royal bedchamber. The weight of the revelations pressed down on her, making each step feel like a monumental effort.

Lady Belstadt's emerald eyes gleamed in the flickering torchlight.

"Remember, Your Highness," she said, her voice low and urgent. "Discretion is paramount. The fate of our kingdom may well rest on your shoulders now."

Aria nodded, her throat too tight for words. As they reached her chamber door, she paused, her hand on the ornate handle.

"Lady Belstadt," she managed finally, "thank you. For trusting me with this."

The older woman's lips curled into a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.

"Oh, my dear. The pleasure was all mine."

With a final nod, Aria pushed open the door and stepped inside. The soft click of the latch behind her sounded like the closing of a tomb.