The pitcher of ice water struck Mara before she could protect her face.

Mara backed up against the cold stone wall, her heart hammering wildly. The second assassin advanced, his blade held low, ready to strike.

"Duke Vane sends his regards to the late princess," he whispered coldly, lunging forward with lethal speed.

Mara raised her arms instinctively to shield her face. She braced for the cold bite of steel, closing her eyes tightly.

Instead of pain, an explosive wave of pure heat erupted from her chest.

The golden phoenix mark on her collarbone flared with light as bright as the midday sun. A torrent of golden, harmless flame swept outward from her body in a powerful shockwave. The assassin’s dagger melted into liquid slag in his hand in a fraction of a second, and both men were blown off their feet, crashing heavily against the far wall.

The wooden furniture in the room did not burn, but the assassins' leather armor scorched, and their weapons fused to the floorboards.

The heavy oak doors were suddenly broken down from the outside.

It wasn't the guards on duty, but Captain Sterling himself, followed by a young lieutenant named Julian—a sharp-eyed young officer with a crescent scar across his eyebrow, who had been secretly watching the hallway on suspicion of treason.

Julian took in the scene instantly: the melted daggers, the unconscious assassins groaning on the floor, and Princess Aurelia standing in the center of the room, her eyes glowing with an ancient, golden light that slowly faded as she breathed out a long, ragged gasp.

Julian dropped to one knee, drawing his sword and placing it at his feet. "Forgive us, Princess! The guards at your door were poisoned with nightshade syrup! We heard the commotion from the guardroom!"

Mara slid down the stone wall, exhausted as her magical energy drained away. "It was... Duke Vane. They said Duke Vane sent them."

Captain Sterling’s face turned thunderous. He turned to his men. "Secure these traitors! Check their pockets for the Duke's seal! Julian, fetch the King immediately—and double the perimeter guards with men loyal to the Crown only!"

Julian rushed to Mara’s side, offering his gloved hand to help her stand. His grip was firm, safe, and respectful. "Can you walk, Your Highness?"