Rejected by My First Love, Chosen by the Shadow King

Lythera’s pov The journey to the palace took longer than I expected, partly because the streets were crowded with carriages carrying noble families to the Queen’s annual ball. Tonight, the entire court had gathered to celebrate the kingdom’s victories and honour the men who had defended its borders. And tonight, I reminded myself as I gathered my skirts and stepped onto the carriage platform, Edward would be among those honoured.I had intended to deliver the gifts I had prepared to him personally before the ceremony began, then greet the Queen, who had always shown me a kindness I sometimes wondered whether I deserved. The grand hall was already alive with conversation, gentlemen in embroidered coats standing in clusters beside women whose gowns shimmered beneath the chandeliers. I recognised several familiar faces, but my attention was drawn to the far end of the room, where Edward stood surrounded by a group of young nobles. He wore a dark formal coat adorned with silver embroid

Edward’s POV The image of Lythera bleeding on the ballroom floor follows me long after I leave the palace.Even now, with Amelia seated beside me in the carriage, I find myself remembering the way Lythera looked up at me. There had been blood running down her forehead, her gown stained with spilled refreshments, and broken glass scattered around her hands. For one brief moment, I had seen something in her expression that made my chest tighten. It was not anger, nor the familiar determination with which she usually approached me, hoping to win a smile or a word of praise. It had been something quieter, something I could not quite name.Hurt.The thought irritates me almost as much as it unsettles me. I shift in my seat and glance at Amelia, who has been unusually quiet since we left the ballroom. The sight of her pale face draws my attention away from my troubling thoughts, and I reach for her hand.“Are you still upset about what happened?” I ask.She looks at me with those wide, so

Edward’s POV My mother rises from her chair, gathering the documents scattered across the desk as Lord and Lady Amberton prepare to leave. Their expressions are troubled, though Lady Amberton makes another attempt to reassure Amelia that everything will be settled. I watch Amelia nod without appearing to hear her, her fingers twisting nervously together as she glances at me one last time.I cannot bear the sight of her looking so frightened.The moment my mother steps into the adjoining corridor, I follow her.“Mother, we need to speak.”She turns at the sound of my voice, her brows lifting slightly when she sees the urgency on my face. “Edward, if this is about the Shadow King’s letter, I have already explained the situation.”“And I am telling you that this cannot happen.” I step in front of her before she can continue down the corridor. “You cannot send Amelia to that kingdom. Have you considered what you are asking of her? No lady in her right mind would willingly marry a man lik

Lythera’s pov“Lythera?”I recognize that voice.Edward.I want to turn toward him, to ask him why everything hurts, but my body refuses to cooperate. My cheek rests against something cold, and when I try to move, a sharp pain tears through my skull.“What happened to her?” Edward demands, his voice suddenly clearer. “Amelia, what have you done?”A sob follows his question.“Oh, Edward, I didn’t mean to!”Amelia.I try to move my fingers, but they feel numb. “I don’t know what came over me,” Amelia cries. “She was coming toward me, and I thought she was going to attack me. I panicked, Edward. I picked up the vase, and I hit her before I could think. I never meant to hurt her this badly. You have to believe me.”Her voice breaks beautifully, each sob carefully placed, and I almost laugh at the familiarity of it. Even through the haze clouding my mind, I know my sister well enough to recognize the performance. “Oh, Amelia.” Edward’s voice softens. “It’s all right. Calm down.”There is