Se connecterLucian's POV Nobody answered Sebastian's question.The guests nearest us stood in silence, waiting to see whether I would challenge him. Several were men I'd worked with during council meetings. I knew their names, their families, and the agreements they hoped to secure for Ravenscroft.Now they were watching my brother question whether I deserved to inherit the throne.Sebastian lowered his glass slightly. He was enjoying every second.Aria stood beside me, her hand in mine. Serena had already humiliated her before these people. I wouldn't make her stand through another argument because my brother wanted an audience.“If you have something to say about the succession, speak to Father privately,” I told him.“I'm only asking what others must be wondering.”“Then let them ask their own questions.”I kept my voice low. Sebastian looked disappointed, but before he could answer, Father came toward us.“Both of you, enough.”He stopped between us, his face stern.“This ceremony is not the
Aria's POVSerena's accusation left the guests around us silent.A servant stopped beside the refreshment table, a tray of drinks balanced in his hands. Someone whispered my name. I knew that sound. I'd heard it outside the courthouse, when strangers watched the guards take me away.I almost looked at the floor. Then I saw Serena smiling.She was enjoying this. Two years in Blackstone hadn't satisfied her. She wanted to watch me cry in front of Lucian and the royal court.My eyes stung, but anger came before the tears. I remembered the first night in my cell, when I waited for Richard to come and tell the guards they'd made a mistake. Nobody came. I had cried until my throat hurt, and Serena had never once asked whether I was all right. I would not give her another night like that.Nathaniel was dead. I'd lost two years of my life for his murder, and Serena was using his name to shame me again.Lucian still held my hand. His fingers pressed gently against mine, and when I glanced at h
Aria's POVSerena's threat outside Madame Celeste's workshop stayed with me throughout the journey to Ravenscroft Palace.She'd promised that everyone would know what I'd done to Nathaniel Hayes, as though I were the one responsible for his death. Lucian had heard her words, but when he asked whether I wanted to talk about them, I'd told him I needed time.Now, standing beside him at the palace entrance, I wished I knew what Serena was planning.The doors opened before us, revealing a magnificent hall filled with elegantly dressed guests. Chandeliers glittered overhead, and musicians played near the far wall.Lucian offered me his arm. I took it, trying not to think about how many people would recognize me.As we entered, conversations faltered.I caught a woman looking at me, then whispering something to her companion. The words Blackthorne and prison reached my ears.My stomach tightened.I remembered standing outside the courthouse while strangers watched the guards lead me away. I
Aria's POVI finished the last seam shortly after noon and held the customer's dress against the light. The hem was even, and the sleeve stitches were barely visible.Madame Celeste examined my work with a satisfied smile.“Beautifully done, Aria. Put it away. We still have your gown to prepare.”I hung the dress on its rack and followed her into the fitting room.My gown waited beside the mirror. I'd chosen deep blue fabric, a fitted waist, and sleeves that ended below my elbows. Tiny silver beads decorated the neckline and cuffs, simpler than the gowns I'd seen Serena wear, but I liked it.I'd briefly considered choosing something more extravagant for the royal ceremony. Then I'd realized I would spend the entire evening uncomfortable, trying to impress people who'd already formed their opinions about me.Madame Celeste lifted the gown from its hanger. “Let's see how those adjustments turned out.”I changed behind the screen. When I emerged, she fastened the back and stepped aside.
Lucian's POV *You should have stayed with her.* Onyx hadn't stopped troubling me since I left Aria's house. His concern was understandable. I'd seen the fear in her eyes when she admitted she worried I might begin treating her differently now that Nyra had awakened. I'd asked whether she truly thought that of me. The question had hurt her, and although we'd spoken before I left, I regretted making her feel she had to defend herself. *She told you because she trusts you,* Onyx reminded me. I hoped he was right. Aria had spent two years having every decision made for her. I couldn't expect her to forget that simply because I loved her. As I entered the palace courtyard, servants were preparing for tomorrow's ceremony. Flowers lined the entrance, and attendants carried decorations toward the reception hall. Tomorrow evening, Aria would enter that hall beside me. She'd agreed to attend despite knowing Serena and Richard might be present. I wanted her to enjoy herself without feelin
Aria's POV I lowered the bread I'd been about to eat. Lucian sat across from me, his breakfast forgotten as he waited for my answer. Only moments ago, we'd been discussing tomorrow's royal ceremony. Now I couldn't bring myself to meet his eyes. “I wasn't sure how to tell you,” I admitted, brushing the crumbs from my fingers. “When Nyra first spoke, I thought I was imagining her voice.” Lucian leaned forward. “But you know she's awake now. Onyx sensed her before you said anything.” I nodded. Hearing Nyra again had been one of the happiest moments since I was released from Blackstone. I'd spent two years calling for her, sometimes until my throat hurt, desperate for any sign that she was still there. The first time she answered, I'd covered my mouth to keep from crying aloud. I'd been afraid that if I became too excited, I'd wake up and discover it had been another dream. *It wasn't a dream,* Nyra reminded me. *I know that now,* I answered, grateful to hear her familiar vo







