Chapter 7: Velvet and Lies

Liora’s POV

I was standing quietly on the bridge near the castle watching Alexander and Mira dining, looking lovely dovley. I carefully studied Alexander’s expression as he sipped his wine and laughed with his mate. He looked too comfortable, too enchanted by her. Being a witch has own perks so I also could hear their conversation and I did not like even a bit of what I heard. His words were too sweet and I knew him long enough to see what those words were not fake, but reflection of his feeling. It was no longer just about the mission. He was warming up to her, and I was definitely not thrilled about it.

I knew these feelings very well as also once I was in love with a wrong person. I shook my head, trying to push memories away. I needed to have my mind sharp.

I truly liked Alexander, did not love him of course, but I was quite content with my position in his life and was not ready to give it up. I enjoyed his company and a passion we occasionally shared, the influence I had in the North Kingdom, the taste of power. If his mate, his future queen became more than just a title, if she truly wins his heart, my place in his world would be at risk. That wasn’t something I would let happen. I will fight for what is mine.

As I watched them say their sweet goodbyes and saw Mira leave the garden in high spirits, glowing with happiness, I released a shadow to follow her. Then, I teleported beside Alexande, startling him.

“Hello, my deaerst. Any progress with her powers discovery? Do you think she is the one?” I asked flatly.

Alexander flinched slightly, surprised by my sudden presence. “No. Nothing so far.” He ran hand though his hair in frustration.

“Well, while you’re playing the doting lover, don’t forget- it might be her sister we actually need,” I said sharply.

“I know. But if I don’t spend time with my mate, it’ll look suspicious.”

“We’re running out of time,” I warned. “We need to push her powers to awaken.”

I playfully touched his chest trying to release growing tension.

“Come to my chambers after dinner,” Alexander said, clearly displeased, and walked off without waiting for a reply.

“He’s falling for her,” I thought bitterly. “And it will ruin everything.”

Mira’s POV

Once inside my cozy lair, I couldn’t stop thinking about Alexander and the stories he had shared. His voice, low and warm, echoed in my mind. The way he looked at me, his gentle kiss on my cheek—those moments replayed over and over, sending a soft ache through me and making me excited to get to know how his lips would taste, how it would feel to be enveloped in a hug by his strong arms. I felt a strange, new to me warmth coiling in my chest, and pleasant burning feeling in my lower body. Maybe this is how you start falling in love?

I reached for my brushes, and soon, the feelings raising in me began to flow to canvas.  With every stroke of my painting brush, I thought of him—the mischief in his mesmerizing dark eyes, warmth of his gorgeous smile, beauty of his perfectly sculpted body. It was as if my heart painted for me, capturing not just shapes but the longing I couldn’t name.

Hours flew by, and when I was finally done, my fingers were smudged with color, my dress stained. I stepped back and saw the scene I had created a enchanted winter forest lighted up by silver light, a mighty black lycan racing through the snow, and a golden dragon flying above. Somehow, the painting felt alive, as if it carried my yearning and the unspoken bond between us.

Caspian's POV

I softly knocked at Mira’s chamber’s door.

“Where have you been?” Mira asked, opening the door.

“I’ve been looking all over the palace,” I said, a small smile tugging at my lips.

 “Your mind link was closed.” She scolded me.

“My mother asked me to run a few errands. I just didn’t want distractions,” I said.

Mira blinked suddenly. “Wait—dinner!”

I raised an eyebrow. “Yes. You’re going like that?”

She laughed, light and soft. “I’ll be quick. Wait for me, and we’ll walk together.”

I leaned against the doorframe as she bathed swiftly, her maids fussing over fabrics and accessories. Waiting outside in the lounge, I tried not to overthink the way I felt when she smiled like that, when she glowed.

When Mira stepped out, I stood, momentarily caught off guard. She wore a sapphire-blue gown that hugged her figure perfectly, the silky fabric looked like liquid starlight. Her hair was softly pinned, with a few tendrils framing her face. She has minimal makeu, just to highlighting her natural beauty.

She looked regal. Ethereal. And entirely herself.

But it wasn’t just the dress. There was a radiance in her, something that went deeper than gown and jewels. She seemed… happier. My chest tightened, but I forced the feeling aside, hiding it behind a faint smile.

As we walked toward the dining hall, I sensed her quiet unease—the same shadow she mentioned before. Something brushing against her awareness, something unseen.

“How are things with Prince Alexander?” I asked casually, though part of me dreaded her answer.

“Actually… good,” she said, her voice warm and certain. “I’m starting to really enjoy his company. I think we could be happy. We’ll announce our engagement at my birthday ball.”

I nodded, though my jaw tightened slightly. “When’s the marking ceremony?”

“I haven’t thought about it yet. After the engagement, maybe. There’s no rush.”

For a moment, I couldn’t speak. A dull ache settled in my chest, but I managed a smile. “Of course. Enjoy your courtship, Mira.”

But as she turned her glance forward, I let mine focus on her,glowing, happy, and completely unaware of the storm building around her. If only she knew the truth I carried, the one I swore I’d never let anyone discover. If Alexander doesn’t destroy her, my secret might.