Chapter 341: A Thorn in the Side
Now herein lay the issue.
Lucian had come for information about the competition, but not for himself. He had come to gather intelligence that might help Julian secure a favourable match, to ensure that his friend would not be pitted against someone who would easily defeat him. He had come to manipulate the system from within.
But now, the Queen had already concluded the ballot. She had already made her arrangements. And he had to find a way to manipulate the already decided outcome without raising her suspicion.
Honestly, that in itself would not be an issue.
The real challenge lay in ensuring the Queen did not suspect anything. She was sharp, observant, and possessed a keen instinct for when someone was working against her. If he showed even the slightest hint of hesitation or interest, she would seize upon it like a hawk upon its prey.
He needed to be careful.
He needed to be calculated.
