Winterbell Palace stood serene beneath a curtain of snow as Flynn returned, but his thoughts were anything but calm. The crates at Velmire had confirmed more than suspicion.they shattered whatever illusion of innocence remained.
And Khalid...
He had to know.
Flynn didn't summon him formally. He waited instead until dusk, when the Duke often returned from inspecting the barracks.
Sure enough, Flynn caught him alone beneath the eastern archway, snow gathering on his cloak. Khalid turned, eyes lighting up in quiet surprise.
"Your Highness. I didn't expect you back so soon."
Flynn stepped into the torchlight. "And yet I suspect you knew exactly when I would return."
A flicker crossed Khalid's face. Subtle. Controlled. But there.
"Something happened in Velmire," Flynn said, tone low. "Shipments bearing the royal seal filled with cursed relics. Elarian."
Khalid's brows furrowed. "What?"
"You managed those convoys."
"I did. But that" Khalid stepped forward, voice quieter. "Flynn, you know I wouldn't—"
"Don't," Flynn snapped. "Don't speak to me like I'm still learning court games."
Silence.
The snow fell between them like ash.
Flynn's voice dropped. "You betrayed Elaris once. Led them to war. To Caelan's death."
Khalid's jaw tightened.
"I was there," Flynn said, his voice sharper now, trembling. "I saw the blade. Your blade."
Khalid's eyes widened. "What are you saying?"
"I'm saying this feels too familiar. Lies dressed as loyalty. Secrets hidden beneath Winterbell's sigils."
"I didn't know about the Velmire crates," Khalid said quietly. "But... if they were real, then someone's using my position to move them. I swear that to you."
"Do you expect me to believe you?"
"No," Khalid admitted. "But I want you to see me, Flynn. I chose this kingdom. I gave everything to it."
"After you bled the last one dry."
Khalid stepped forward. "And it haunts me."
Flynn's breath caught.
The gold in Khalid's eyes seemed duller, as if worn down by guilt rather than arrogance. It was the first time Flynn saw the cracks in his mask regret. Maybe even shame.
"You don't have to forgive me," Khalid said. "But don't throw me to the wolves unless you're sure I belong among them."
Flynn stared at him, the weight of Caelan's memories pressing hard behind his ribs.
"I'm watching you," Flynn whispered. "More closely than ever."
Khalid gave a shallow nod. "Then I'll make sure I'm worth watching."
And he turned, vanishing into the corridor's shadows.
Flynn stood there long after he was gone, pulse pounding.
If Khalid wasn't behind the conspiracy…
Then who was?