Chapter 727: The One Who Will Kill The Princess

"You’re all dressed up," a voice drawled from the corner of the room as Consort Baron adjusted the last fold of his royal robes.

He did not object when a pair of slim, pearly hands slipped around his waist from behind. Instead, Baron straightened the rich purple fabric calmly while she leaned into him, resting her head against his back.

"Where are you headed to, my love?" she murmured softly.

And yes, this was none other than Celeste, Baron’s lover.

Nearly everyone in the kingdom knew there was no love lost between Queen Seraphira and her consort, Baron. Their union was so toxic that even Baron had no true place in the palace, completely ostracized by the queen herself. It was no secret, then, that he sought elsewhere what Seraphira was expected to give but refused.

Among his many lovers, one stood above the rest.

Celeste.

She was striking, with long dark hair and a willowy grace that made her seem almost fragile at first glance. But beneath that softness was unwavering devotion. Celeste was loyal to Baron to a fault, worshipping him with a fervor that bordered on reverence, as though the ground he walked on was holy simply because it bore his steps.

It didn’t help that Celeste was from Baron’s House, making them kin.

"What do you think?" Baron asked casually, studying his reflection in the Fae mirror. "The princess is making her debut tonight. As her father by law, it’s only proper that I attend and honor it."

At that, Celeste’s lips curled before she scoffed. "Really?" She stepped in front of him and adjusted his robe with the confidence of one who’s done it a thousand times.

When Celeste was through, she tapped absently at his chest, then lifted her gaze to meet his. "I’m guessing you have plans for her tonight?"

Baron laughed softly. "Plans? Oh, I don’t."

"Ron..." Celeste used the endearment, pouting as she slid her arms around his neck. "Don’t keep me waiting." Her fingers tightened slightly, coaxing. "Tell me."

The queen’s concort wrapped an arm around her waist and drew her closer. "I’m not making any moves for now. At least not at this party, and certainly, not during the competition."

Celeste frowned. "Why not? This could be your chance to deal with the little pest before the people grow attached to her." She hesitated, then added darkly, "Or before she grows stronger. You’ve heard the news already. The Queen intends to train her herself."

Baron burst into laughter. It was the kind that scraped against the nerves, and it only made Celeste’s irritation flare hotter.

"Patience, my love. Patience." He tapped her nose lightly, almost fondly, before releasing her waist and taking her hand.

"Just like you," he continued, "Queen Seraphira expects me to make my move. The Fae Queen has suddenly grown a spine now that her daughter is back." His smile thinned. "It proves the old saying, mothers will go to any length for their child. So yes, she’s alert, and very much looking for my head."

Celeste leaned closer. "But she can’t kill you. If you die, she dies."

"Just because she can’t kill me doesn’t mean she can’t imprison me for eternity. All that matters is that I remain alive so she remains alive. And we can’t have that, can we?"

He lifted her chin with a finger, forcing her to meet his gaze. Her pale purple eyes illuminated her worry.

"No," Celeste said. "We can’t."

Baron smiled then. That was exactly why he favored her. She understood him without needing things spelled out.

"What about the Trial of Ascension?" Celeste pressed. "Surely there’s something you can do."

Baron’s expression shifted, turning cautious."About that, I’m afraid the Trial is one of the gods’ games. I cannot interfere without incurring their wrath. Even I know which lines not to cross." He paused, then added smoothly, "But that doesn’t mean we can’t place more pieces on the board. Members of our House can still compete and hope to win."

Celeste’s hands fell to her sides, disappointment flashing across her face. "That’s it? Hope?" Her voice rose, "I didn’t follow you this far to gamble our future on half-measures, Ron. The princess is powerful, whether you like it or not. Look at what one of her mates did last night. If she can bind herself to one powerhouse, let alone several, what does that make her?"

She swallowed. "What happens when she wins the trial and grows even stronger?"

"Shhh." Baron pressed a finger to her lips.

But she pushed on anyway, frustration spilling over. "All I’m saying is—"

"What makes you think," Baron cut in, "that I don’t already have a plan?"

Celeste fell silent.

"Huh?"

Baron’s smile returned, slow and knowing. "Come," he said, taking her hand once more.

Together, he led her carefully out of the room and down into the lower wing of the house. The basement like area was where Baron stored his most valuable and dangerous possessions.

Celeste had been here before, but not all the time. Baron did not like people messing with his stuffs.

This time, however, something was different.

At the center of the chamber stood a pedestal, and upon it rested an object concealed beneath a dark cloth.

Celeste slowed, curious, then glanced at Baron in silent question.

He gave her a small nod.

Carefully, she stepped forward and lifted the veil. Her breath caught.

Beneath the cloth was a small transparent glass dome. Suspended inside it was a caterpillar no longer than a finger. Its segmented body was translucent, almost crystalline, faint light pulsing beneath its skin. The head tapered into a thin, flexible head crowned with microscopic barb.

Celeste’s eyes widened.

"Isn’t this—"

"The Mindleecher Larva," Baron said calmly, a sinister light igniting in his eyes.

Her breath stuttered. "B-but... that thing is forbidden." She swallowed hard before asking, "Whose mind do you intend to control with it?"

Baron didn’t hesitate.

"The one close enough to kill the princess."