Amara's POV
The peace was shattered.
The heavy doors of the chamber burst open with a metallic clang that made my instincts jolt awake. My body tensed even before my eyes fully opened. Chris shifted beneath me, reaching instinctively beneath the pillow where he always kept a blade—just in case.
"Your Majesty! Forgive us," a guard barked, already dropping to his knee the moment he entered, followed by five more. Their faces were drenched in panic. "We have a situation. There's been a breach."
I sat up, the silk sheets slipping off my body as I reached for the robe at the foot of the bed. Chris was already on his feet, eyes sharp, voice cold.
"Speak," he commanded.
"One of the west tower's sentry units spotted a shadow slip through the perimeter. We don't know who it is yet—but they moved like trained intel. We're clearing the castle section by section."
"Was anyone harmed?" I asked, tying my robe with quick precision.
"None so far, my Queen," another answered. "But the intruder avoided all checkpoints with precision. It suggests they've been here before… or someone inside is helping them."
Chris's jaw clenched. "So, not only is my blood spilled in this chamber, but now shadows creep into my home while I sleep with my wife. Get me the Head of Palace Intelligence. Now."
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
The guards scrambled out like startled birds, the room left tense and buzzing with silent alarms. I turned to Chris, grabbing his arm.
"Do you think it's Skylar again?" I asked.
He looked away for a second, calculating.
"No. Skylar would make a statement. This? This is someone testing boundaries. And I want them found. Amara…"
"Yes?"
"Don't leave my side tonight. Not as my wife. As my blade."
I gave a small nod, grabbing the dagger at my bedside. "They'll regret stepping into the den of a king and his lioness."
Chris smirked despite the tension and kissed my forehead. "Then let them come."
The door was shut again, this time reinforced from the outside. But the fire in our eyes had already been lit.
Whatever game had just begun, it wouldn't end quietly.
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