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46- The Deal II

last update publish date: 2026-04-17 16:06:18

Chapter Forty Six

Aria

The hall smelled of polish and old stone.

Sunlight streamed in through the high windows, cutting long gold ribbons across the marble floor. I stood at the center of the room with a rolled parchment in hand, mentally rearranging the layout for the hundredth time.

Musicians there, head table elevated, but not too high, lighting softened near the dais.

If this was going to be a declaration, it would be deliberate down to the last candle.

I'd been trying to distract myself si
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    Chapter Sixty SevenAriaWhen the maid had told me that Zane had a surprise for me, I had no idea what I felt, but even in a million years,I never thought this was what Zane had up his sleeve.Was I complaining? No.Was I intrigued? Hell yeah.The moment the silk blindfold settled over my eyes, the world didn’t just go dark,it vanished and in a fucking good way.The flickering candlelight, the deep charcoal of my dress on the floor, the silver moon over the balcony, all of it was erased, only to be replaced by the terrifyingly sharp amplification of my remaining senses.Call me dramatic or whatever, but I could hear the heavy, rhythmic thrum of Zane’s breathing. I could smell his signature scent on his skin and the lingering, sweet spice of the lilies.Then, I heard the soft, ominous clink of metal against wood from the leather kit.Zane didn't touch me immediately. He was circling me. I could feel the shift in the air as he moved, his footsteps silent but his presence a heavy, predat

  • Contractually Married my ex-mate's father   66 -Dinner and worship

    Chapter Sixty SixAria.The air in the west chambers was thick, after the words slid past his lips, not with the tension of a battlefield, but with something far more intoxicating.Maybe it was the scent of white lilies and the low, vibration of a cello that seemed to hum beneath my skin, but everything seemed to be more intensified.Zane didn't move for the bed in the corner that I was just noticing now. Instead, he took my hand, his thumb grazing my knuckles, and led me toward the balcony.A small, intimate table had been set there, illuminated by the silver spill of the moon. My breath caught when I saw the spread. It wasn't a banquet. It was small, but somehow held all the important things.Braised duck with honeyed figs and the specific, sharp scented herbs I didn't think anyone knew about here.Maybe Rhett might have had an idea,but I doubted that Zane and his son could be in the same room long enough to figure out my favorite meal."The kitchen stayed late," Zane murmured, his

  • Contractually Married my ex-mate's father   65-

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  • Contractually Married my ex-mate's father   64-Stay away from Aria

    Chapter Sixty FourZaneThe morning after the ball did not feel like victor, it felt like an aftermath. The palace corridors were quieter than usual, but not calm. Whispers lingered in corners, servants moved with careful awareness, and eyes lowering too quickly when I passed.Even a child would be able to tell why. Word had spread of the duel, the blade and the humiliation that came with it. While all of that might have been worrisome to some people, I had not slept.Because every time I closed my eyes, I saw Aria standing in firelight, blood at her lip, spine straight, gaze steady, and I heard Adeline’s voice.Ask him what he told me that night.She had no right, no right to drag my name into her desperation.That was the thought that echoed in my head as I turned sharply down the eastern corridor. A maid nearly collided with me and froze mid-step.“Where is she?” I asked.“What?” Her throat bobbed. “My lord?”“Adeline.” The name tasted stale.“I…I’m not certain, my lord.” She was s

  • Contractually Married my ex-mate's father   63-I'll fix this

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    Chapter Sixty TwoAriaThe applause that followed Dario’s announcement did not sound celebratory,it sounded hungry. Like the people had been promised a feast made for royalty, and now they were starving and couldn't wait to be served.I watched the musicians lower their instruments, servants moved swiftly, clearing the center of the hall with practiced precision. Tables were rolled back, chairs were lifted and the polished marble floor that I had so carefully arranged for dancing was stripped bare for blood.Torches were brought forward too.Their flames flared high, heat licking the air, and casting long shadows against the gilded walls. The chandeliers dimmed just enough that the firelight ruled the room now,in a way that felt golden, feral, and unforgiving.Guests formed a wide circle, and I took that as a sign that this was really happening.I stepped forward first. My gown was deep obsidian silk, fitted through the bodice and flowing at the hips. It wasn't ideal for combat, but I

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  • Contractually Married my ex-mate's father   8-whispers of prophecy

    Chapter EightZaneAria Nightwind had never been anything but a prospective daughter-in-law to me. Make no mistake, she was beautiful.Beautiful in all the ways a blooming rose could be. But I willed myself not to spare her a second glance.I made sure I observed her with indifference then, just en

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