Chapter 28

The rumors of Lord Draxis's impending arrival spread through the fortress like wildfire, unsettling everyone from the lowest-ranking guards to the highest council members. Draxis was known for his charismatic influence and political cunning, a rival to Tharx in more ways than one. He commanded a significant portion of the empire's military forces and had been gaining support from factions who were growing restless under Tharx's rule.

For Aeliana, the news of Draxis's visit carried an even more ominous weight. Whispers had reached her ears-whispers that Draxis's arrival wasn't just a diplomatic visit, but a direct challenge to Tharx's authority. The tension had already been building for weeks, but now it felt as though everything was on the verge of breaking apart.

On the day of Draxis's arrival, the fortress was alive with activity. Soldiers marched in formation, their armor gleaming under the alien sun, and courtiers moved quickly through the corridors, their faces tight with anxiety. Aeliana stood by a window, watching as Draxis's hovercraft descended into the central courtyard, its sleek black hull reflecting the fiery light of the sky. A fleet of heavily armed ships followed, a show of strength that was not lost on anyone.

Aeliana had never met Draxis, but she had heard enough to know that he was dangerous. He was not a brute like some of Tharx's advisors, but something far more insidious-a manipulator, skilled in turning the doubts and insecurities of others to his advantage. He had risen to power by exploiting weaknesses, and now it seemed that his sights were set on Tharx.

And, by extension, on her.

The council chamber was filled with tension when Draxis entered, his presence commanding immediate attention. He was tall and imposing, with a sharp, angular face and eyes that gleamed with intelligence and calculation. His cloak billowed behind him as he strode toward Tharx, his movements deliberate and smooth, like a predator stalking its prey.

"Tharx," Draxis said, inclining his head in a gesture of respect, though his tone lacked any genuine warmth. "It has been too long."

Tharx remained seated, his expression as cold and unreadable as ever. "Lord Draxis," he replied. "I trust your journey was uneventful."

Draxis smiled, though the expression didn't reach his eyes. "Indeed. Though it seems the empire is anything but uneventful these days. I hear whispers of unrest at the borders. And yet, you remain here, in the safety of your fortress. Curious."

The tension in the room thickened. Several of the council members exchanged uneasy glances, clearly aware of the veiled accusation in Draxis's words. Aeliana, seated near the edge of the chamber as usual, felt a cold knot form in her stomach. She knew where this was going.

"I remain where I am needed most," Tharx replied evenly, his eyes narrowing slightly. "As you well know, the empire is vast. It requires careful management, not reckless action."

"Reckless?" Draxis repeated, his smile widening. "Oh, I would never accuse you of such a thing. No, in fact, I have heard that you have become quite the cautious ruler of late. Though, I must admit, I find it intriguing that you have chosen to take a human into your confidence during such precarious times."

Aeliana's heart skipped a beat as Draxis's eyes flicked toward her, his gaze lingering just long enough to make her feel exposed. The entire room seemed to shift, the subtle animosity that had been brewing for weeks suddenly laid bare for all to see.

"I have heard many things about this human woman," Draxis continued, his voice smooth and controlled. "Some say she is a... valuable advisor. Others, however, question her motives. After all, it is not every day that one of our kind takes such a special interest in a species as... fragile as hers."

Aeliana's pulse quickened, and she could feel the weight of the council's stares pressing in on her. Draxis was playing a dangerous game, planting seeds of doubt with each word. He was doing what he did best-turning perception against his rival.

"Be careful, Draxis," Tharx said, his voice cold as ice. "Your insinuations tread dangerously close to treason."

"Insinuations?" Draxis feigned innocence, his eyebrows raised in mock surprise. "I make no accusations, my king. I merely speak of what is already being whispered among your people. They wonder... why you have allowed this human to remain at your side. What power does she hold over you?"

The question hung in the air like a blade poised to strike. Aeliana's stomach churned as she glanced at Tharx, unsure how he would respond. His expression was a mask of indifference, but she could see the tension in his posture, the way his hands clenched the arms of his chair just a little too tightly.

Tharx met Draxis's gaze head-on. "Aeliana is under my protection because she has proven herself useful to the empire. Her insights have been valuable in matters of diplomacy and strategy."

"Ah, but that is where the doubts lie, isn't it?" Draxis said, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial murmur. "What if her insights serve a different purpose? What if she has come here not to help you, but to undermine you? After all, how can we be certain of her loyalty? She is, after all, not one of us."

A murmur of agreement rippled through the room, and Aeliana felt her blood run cold. Draxis was turning the council against her, fueling the very suspicions she had feared since her arrival. She could feel the eyes of the nobles shifting toward her, their doubts now spoken aloud, given voice by Draxis's carefully chosen words.

Tharx's expression hardened, and for a moment, Aeliana thought he might openly challenge Draxis, might put an end to the insidious attack. But instead, he remained silent, his gaze flickering to her briefly before returning to Draxis.

"The empire has always been a place of many species, many voices," Tharx said finally. "We do not reject wisdom simply because it comes from a different source. Aeliana's loyalty is to me, and that is all that matters."

It was a diplomatic answer, and it left Aeliana feeling both relieved and exposed. Tharx had defended her, but he had also left enough room for doubt to linger. The council, already swayed by Draxis's words, would not easily forget the accusations that had been laid before them.

As the meeting concluded, Aeliana slipped away from the chamber as quickly as she could, her mind racing. Draxis's arrival had changed everything. She had known she was a target of suspicion, but now it felt as though a spotlight had been cast on her, and there was no way to escape the scrutiny.

Her steps quickened as she made her way toward the quieter part of the fortress. She needed space, needed to think. The cold stone walls felt like they were closing in, the whispers of the council members echoing in her mind. A spy. A weakness. A liability.

"Aeliana."

The voice made her stop in her tracks. She turned to see Tharx standing in the corridor, his face unreadable in the dim light. He moved toward her with purpose, his expression dark and intent.

"What Draxis said-" she began, but Tharx cut her off with a sharp wave of his hand.

"He is a snake," Tharx said coldly. "And his words are designed to sow discord. You must not let them affect you."

"But they will affect the council," Aeliana said, her frustration rising. "He's turning them against you-against me. You heard what they were saying in there. They think I'm a spy. They think I'm trying to manipulate you."

Tharx's gaze was intense, and for a moment, she thought he might reach for her, might offer some comfort. But instead, he remained distant, his posture rigid. "They think what Draxis tells them to think," he said, his voice low. "But they will not act without my permission."

"And what about Draxis?" Aeliana asked, her voice quieter now, laced with fear. "What is he planning?"

Tharx's eyes darkened. "Draxis is dangerous, yes. But he underestimates me. His power lies in his ability to manipulate others, to make them doubt. I will deal with him in time."

There was something unsettling in his tone, a quiet promise of confrontation. Aeliana could see the storm brewing behind his eyes, the tension that had been building for weeks now threatening to spill over into something far more dangerous.

"But until then, you must tread carefully," Tharx added, his gaze locking onto hers. "The court is not a safe place for you right now. Keep your distance from the council. Do not give Draxis more ammunition to use against you."

Aeliana nodded, though her chest felt tight with fear and frustration. She had never felt more vulnerable, more aware of the precarious position she occupied in this world. She was a pawn in a game she barely understood, and now it seemed that Draxis had found a way to use her to strike at Tharx.

As Tharx turned to leave, Aeliana called after him. "And what about us?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

He stopped but didn't turn around. His shoulders were tense, his voice low and controlled. "Do not ask me to give you more than I can offer right now, Aeliana."

And then he was gone, leaving her alone in the cold corridor, the weight of Draxis's arrival settling over her like a shadow that refused to lift.