He nodded grimly. "It was given to her… by Merek."
She swallowed. "Why?"
He held up a letter—yellowed with time, sealed with the wax crest of House Merek.
"Because your mother tried to stop a trade deal. One that would've made him rich. And she threatened to expose his link to Saelinne."
Elira's blood ran cold. "So he silenced her."
Kaelion handed her the letter. "He didn't act alone. He had help from within the trade council. And from nobles who feared your mother's ideals."
"But how did the ring get here?" she asked.
He stared at the velvet pouch. "Because someone tried to hide it… and failed."
—Later, Standing at the Frozen Balcony—
The view stretched for miles—snow-covered forests, winding rivers, and far in the distance, the silhouette of the capital.
"You found this before," Elira said softly. "Didn't you?"
Kaelion didn't answer for a long time. Then, "After your coronation in Velanthia. I began questioning the council. My father warned me not to dig. I dug anyway."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"I didn't know how. I thought it would break you."
"It didn't," she whispered, turning toward him. "But it changed me."
They stood in silence, the wind between them.
Then Kaelion pulled her close, pressing his forehead against hers.
"You're stronger than I ever imagined."
"And you're not the monster they say," she replied, wrapping her arms around his waist.
He chuckled bitterly. "Don't ruin my reputation."
But she kissed him before he could speak again—deep, fierce, a kiss full of fire and defiance. And he melted into it.
Their masks burned away. Just man and woman, not prince and princess. Not future and past. Just truth.
—Meanwhile, Back in the Capital—
Lord Merek watched the city lights flicker.
"Send word to House Saelinne," he murmured. "They're closer to the girl than I thought."
The messenger nodded.
"And if she keeps digging?"
Merek smiled. Cold. Certain.
"Then she'll find herself buried next."