Aeris’s pov
A wave of unease settled over me as I listened to Joseph’s words. The idea of framing Izel as the intruder felt like a betrayal to everything Caspian and I stood for. But with the elders and the ministers now under Arabella’s influence, I was running out of time and options. The thought of losing Caspian—my husband, my mate—was unbearable.
Joseph’s voice broke through my thoughts, “Your Highness, we must act quickly before Arabella gains even more control over the council. The longer we wait, the harder it will be to clear King Caspian’s name.”
I rubbed my temples, the weight of my crown pressing down on me harder than ever. Izel’s death had already shaken the palace, and the elders were more than ready to believe Arabella’s lies. No matter how much I trusted Caspian, it did
