Chapter 9: Into the Belly of the Beast

Karina waited until the door clicked shut before turning to General Aldric. "Well, that was entertaining."

Aldric’s expression was stiff, but there was a faint flush creeping up his neck. "I don’t know what you’re implying, Your Imperial Majesty."

"Oh, I’m not implying anything," Karina said innocently, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "I am stating a fact. For some reason, that girl is smitten with you, and you are too dense to notice."

Aldric opened his mouth to protest, but Karina cut him off with a wave of her hand.

"Don’t bother denying it. I saw the way you looked at her when she wasn’t paying attention. You’re not as subtle as you think, General."

Aldric’s flush deepened, and he looked away. "I... that’s not..."

"Whatever you say." Karina stretched, wincing slightly as her fingers brushed against the bump on her forehead. "Anyway. I have something I want to discuss with you. About King Leonidas and what he said to me last night."

Aldric’s expression immediately shifted to one of concern. "What about him, Your Imperial Majesty?"

Karina leaned back in her chair, her red eyes thoughtful. "After dramatically chasing all of you out, he offered to take me and Valen to Shadow’s Edge with him."

Aldric’s eyes widened in surprise. "He what?"

"I know. Suspicious, right?" Karina drummed her fingers on the armrest. "He was very insistent that Valen come along. Said it was ’time his son visited his kingdom.’"

"That’s... unexpected," Aldric said slowly, his brow furrowed. "King Leonidas has never shown interest in Prince Valen before. Not once. And I thought he said he was in process of annulling the marriage? Alongside the other beast kings."

"Exactly my thoughts." Karina’s eyes narrowed. "So why now? What’s changed? He made it very clear yesterday that he wanted nothing to do with me, but now he’s practically begging me to go with him. He claimed that the beast kings were ’reconsidering’ the annulment. What do you make of that?"

Aldric was silent for a moment, processing the information. "He changed his mind? I see. Perhaps he realized that antagonizing you isn’t in his best interest. The other Beast Kings have been growing more aggressive lately. If Leonidas were to lose his connection to the imperial throne, he would be vulnerable."

"Perhaps," Karina mused. "But I don’t think that’s the whole picture. There’s something else. Something he’s not telling me."

She stood up abruptly, her gown swishing around her feet as she walked towards the window. "I want to know what he’s hiding. If Leonidas wants Valen to come to Shadow’s Edge, there’s a reason. A reason he’s not sharing. And I intend to find out what it is."

And what better way to find out, than to walk into the belly of the beast!

Karina turned from the window, forming a decision in her mind. "Aldric," her voice came. "Inform Leonidas that I accept his invitation. I’ll travel to Shadow’s Edge with him and our son."

Aldric blinked, clearly surprised by her sudden change of heart. "You’re... you’re agreeing to go with him?"

"I am," Karina confirmed, her smile sharpening. "I am going to find out what game he’s playing. And when I do, he’s going to regret underestimating me."

She paused, then added with a dry chuckle, "Besides, I could use a vacation. Even if it’s with a emotionally constipated cat king and his ’reasons best known to himself.’"

Aldric opened his mouth to respond, but Karina waved him off.

"You are dismissed, General. Go find out what you can about the Panther Kingdom. And maybe send Sophie a flower or something. She looked like she could use the encouragement."

Aldric sputtered, his face going red. "Your Imperial Majesty, I really must protest—"

"No protests! Get out of my sight. Inform him right now. I need to mentally prepare myself for dealing with Leonidas’s ego."

Aldric, still flustered, bowed stiffly and took his leave. The door clicked shut behind him, and Karina was finally alone.

She let out a long breath, sinking back into her chair and staring at the ceiling.

Three days, she thought. Three days until I have to deal with the panther king up close and personal. In his kingdom. With his people.

Whatever you’re hiding, Leonidas, I’m going to find it. And I’m going to use it against you.

Just wait and see.