The cool night air smelled of damp earth and pine as Jasper walked back to the palace, worried about the growing tension between Prince Damian, the council, and OakenShaw's surprise involvement.
He was no stranger to palace politics, nor was he blind to the subtle moves being made behind closed doors.
But tonight, something felt off.
As he neared the outer road, a flash of movement caught his eye. His sharp senses picked up the faint creak of carriage wheels.
Odd.
By now, all of OakenShaw's delegates should have been settled in the chambers prepared for them within the palace walls. Yet, this carriage seemed to have made some sound like someone was inside.
Jasper stilled, his body tensing. Who would still be lingering outside the palace?
The faint murmur of a sound drifted through the trees, too low to make out clearly. His instincts flared. Something wasn't right.
