The Messenger( Iva) novel Chapter 148

Set Up-2

Toward the cake.

Just for a second.

But Caleb saw it.

Of course he did.

And that was all the confirmation he needed.

The guards stepped beside her.

She didn’t resist.

But the desperation in her eyes was unmistakable now, barely hidden beneath the fragile mask she tried to hold together.

“Please…” she whispered faintly, looking at Caleb, searching his face for something-anything-she could

use.

But he gave her nothing.

Only calm.

Only control.

She was escorted away.

And as she disappeared from the hall-

The tension remained.

Heavy.

Unresolved.

King William had not moved during the entire exchange.

He had watched.

Observed.

Measured.

And now-

As his gaze settled on his son-

There was something there.

Pride.

Despite everything.

୮

17

Set Up

Despite the danger.

Despite the chaos.

Because Caleb had taken control.

Flawlessly.

Decisively.

Like a true ruler.

Caleb turned toward him then, his expression shifting just slightly, becoming more focused, more intent.

“Father,” he said, his voice lower now. “May we speak… in private?”

King William held his gaze for a moment longer.

Then-

He nodded.

Without a word.

Turning.

Leading the way.

And Caleb followed.

The heavy doors of the King’s office closed behind them with a muted thud, sealing the room in silence, far away from the chaos that still rippled through the palace halls.

Inside-

Only truth remained.

Or at least…

What Caleb was about to reveal.

He didn’t speak immediately.

Instead, he moved with controlled ease toward the minibar, his movements steady, deliberate, giving nothing away, even as every second now carried weight, carried urgency.

“Sit, father,” Caleb said calmly, his tone respectful, composed.

King William did not argue.

He walked further into the room, his expression dark, his presence radiating controlled fury as he lowered himself into the chair behind his desk.

Caleb poured two glasses.

Set Up 2

Amber liquid.

Smooth.

Familiar.

Claim

His hand remained steady as he reached for the vial hidden, his movements precise, practiced, adding a few discreet drops into each glass.

No hesitation.

No mistake.

Then he turned.

Offering one of the glasses.

The King took it without question.

Without suspicion.

Because why would he?

Caleb lifted his own glass.

And they both drank.

A moment passed.

Then another.

And the King exhaled sharply, his jaw tightening as the earlier events replayed in his mind.

“Who would dare…” he began, his voice low at first, but rising quickly with anger. “This is unspeakable.”

His fist clenched slightly against the armrest.

“To attempt poisoning within my own halls… at my own table.” his voice hardened, fury bleeding into every word. “Our enemies grow bold.”

Caleb remained still.

Silent.

Listening.

Observing.

୮

He allowed his father to vent, to speak, to rage, his own thoughts running parallel, calculating, counting time, watching closely for any shift, any reaction.

At the same time-

His mind reached outward.

Sharp.

A

Set Up 2

Focused:

He sent multiple mind links in quick succession.

Silent commands.

Strategic placements.

Pieces moving into place!

Every guard.

Every corridor.

Cham

Every exit.

Controlled.

Prepared.

When he finished-

He glanced subtly at his watch.

Not yet.

But soon.

He moved again, returning to the minibar with quiet ease.

Pouring two more glasses.

And once again-

The vial appeared.

A few more drops.

Carefully measured.

Precisely delivered.

He turned back, offering the second glass.

King William took it again, though this time slower, his brows faintly furrowing as if something within him stirred, something unsettled, something trying to break through.

They drank.

And this time-

The reaction was immediate.

The King’s expression shifted.

Subtle at first.

Set Up 2

Then sharper.

He squinted slightly, bringing a hand briefly to his temple.

“…Strange…” he muttered under his breath, his voice lower now, less certain.

His gaze lifted back to Caleb, sharper, more focused.

“…Whom do you suspect, son?”

The question hung in the air.

Heavy.

Expectant.

And Caleb-

Answered.

But not in the way his father expected.

“There was no poisoning, father.”

Silence.

Absolute.

King William froze.

“… What? I don’t follow you.” he asked, his voice low, dangerous, confused.

Caleb didn’t look away.

Didn’t falter.

“It was a setup,” he said calmly.

The words landed like a shockwave.

“The butler is more than fine,” Caleb continued, his tone steady, unwavering. “I assure you of that.”

The King’s confusion deepened, his expression tightening.

“But the cake-”

Caleb cut him off gently.

“Something is wrong with the cake,” he admitted. “But the danger is… different.”

Claun

“I still do not follow,” King William snapped, his patience thinning, his voice rising again with frustration.” Explain yourself.”

And this time-

Caleb did not hold back.

”

57

He stepped forward slightly, his posture straight, his gaze locked onto his father’s.

And he told him everything.

About Iva,

About the engagement bond.