TWENTY ONE: The Perfect Trap

"The Regent is dead!!"

Harrowing cries echoed through the palace walls just as the sun was peeking over the horizon.

If the aftermath of the previous day's gathering hadn't been chaotic enough, the remaining palace workers ran about causing a huge stir.

Kel and Calix hadn't even set foot out of bed before Thane and other guards were knocking at their bedroom door.

"It seems they've caught the killer," Thane reported as the Emperor and his fiance sat up in their bed. "Thanks to the secret guards placed around the Regent's room last night."

"And pray tell, who dared murder my newly appointed Regent?" Calix rested his chin on his hands, his lips curling into a smug grin.

"It was a group of assassins led by two former council members," Thane detailed. "The members have been detained."

Calix gave a satisfied nod, turning to Kel.

"What a devious little trap you led them into," he smirked. "Though.. I don't think it was on purpose."