3. HUNTING SHADOWS ᵇᵉˡˡᵃᵐʸ ᵇˡᵃᵏᵉ

3. heavy lies the crown

-HEAVY LIES THE CROWN-
"It was Skairipa, Death From Above, who killed him. Under Sairah's orders."

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Sairah leads Octavia and Kane through the dimly lit corridors toward the throne room, where King Roan has made himself at home. At first, Sairah resented the sight of him on Lexa's throne, but she's learning to accept it. As long as the throne room is the safest place for him, she'll tolerate his presence there, even if it still feels wrong.

Their footsteps echo through the hallway, a steady rhythm of urgency. Sairah glances over at Octavia, her brows furrowed with concern. "What exactly were the warriors from Trishanakru talking about?"

Octavia's frustration is clear as she shakes her head. "They're planning to overthrow Roan. Their ambassador wants to challenge him to solo combat, and he won't be able to decline." She pauses, hesitating before adding, "And there's something else..."

"What is it?" Sairah presses, her eyes narrowing in worry.

"One of them said he'd make sure to have his fun with the almighty Trikova before he kills you," Octavia mutters, clearly disturbed by the warrior's words.

A breathy laugh escapes Sairah's lips before she can stop herself, just as they reach the doors to the throne room. "He wishes," she murmurs, pushing the doors open. Her eyes immediately lock onto Echo and Roan, who are engaged in a heated conversation.

Sairah takes a moment to assess the situation before focusing on Roan with a small sigh. "Forgive the intrusion, Your Highness," she begins, her tone respectful yet urgent. "May we have a word?" Her gaze flickers to Echo, who is eyeing the trio with suspicion. "Privately," Sairah adds, her voice firm.

Echo, bristling with annoyance, gestures to Kane. "You and the ambassador can wait like the other ambassadors."

"I can't," Sairah counters sharply. "Neither can he." She smirks slightly, daring Echo to challenge her.

Before Echo can respond, Roan intervenes. "Echo, leave us... Please."

Echo clenches her jaw but obeys, shooting Sairah a glare as she exits the room.

Once they're alone, Sairah, followed by Kane and Octavia, steps closer to Roan. She watches him carefully, noting the confidence with which he sits on the throne. "Comfortable, Your Highness?" she mutters, gesturing to the throne with a hint of sarcasm.

Roan rolls his eyes and sighs as he rises. "You know I have to," he mutters before turning to face the trio, confusion evident on his face. "What are you here for?"

Kane steps forward, his eyes scanning the room for any potential eavesdroppers. "We were right to be concerned about Trishanakru," he begins, his voice low and serious. "Rafel is going to challenge you for control."

"Bold move for a new ambassador," Roan says slowly, letting the words hang in the air. He raises an eyebrow. "So?" His voice is confident, almost dismissive. "Let him come."

Kane shakes his head with concern. "With respect, you're still recovering."

Sairah steps closer, stopping just in front of the king, her expression softening with a sigh. "You know the law allows you to pick someone to fight in your place."

Roan's gaze hardens as he shakes his head. "No. The clans would never accept a leader who hides behind the law," he glances meaningfully at Sairah, "or another warrior's blade."

"Not just any warrior's blade," Sairah counters, her voice low and steady. "Mine." She pauses, trying to reach him. "Besides, you'll lose. Lexa kicked your ass when you didn't have a bullet hole in your chest."