Night settles over the palace. Ruouh remains behind in the quiet room with the sealed disclosures, while Tau leaves alone in his Royal Guard armor and heads toward the barracks.
Near an unused servants’ stair, hushed voices drift through the stonework. Tau slows, steps into shadow, and listens without revealing himself.
The Blue-Robed Councillor
You already distrust Guard Tau. He smiles, obeys, and gathers secrets, yet everyone near him becomes exposed to danger. That is not loyalty. It is ambition wearing courtesy.
The Tearful Court Suitor
He has taken Ruouh’s attention and now carries information meant for people above him. You believe he threatens the prince?
The Blue-Robed Councillor
I believe he threatens anyone who mistakes proximity for protection. Give him one reason to leave the prince’s side, and Ruouh will remember who remains dependable.
The Tearful Court Suitor
Then I will do it. Tell me where to begin, and I will make certain Guard Tau understands what it costs to stand between me and the prince.
Their next words fall too low to catch. A stair door opens below, and the tearful court suitor slips away after the councillor. The barracks lie ahead, but her promised action has begun somewhere behind him.
Prevent Nashia from compromising Tau’s investigation