The Elders had pushed for bloodline, for legacy, for anyone but the woman I chose—and she answered them with grace and indifference.No one dared press further, not after that.With nothing left to argue, the council chamber emptied slowly, like a wound refusing to clot. Nobles trickled out in group
DamonI stood at the head of the Council Chambers, crown in place, flanked by warriors and ceremony—and beside me, Lila. Silent. Composed. But I could feel her tension vibrating through the air like a string pulled too tight.She wore a muted blue today. Modest neckline, hair twisted away from her f
LilaThe newspapers arrived before I’d even dressed.A servant had left them on the table in a neat stack, wrapped in a silk ribbon like they were something elegant—something meant to be savored with morning tea.I stared at them from across the room, robe clutched loosely at my waist, feet bare on
LilaI first heard about the séance from the servants.They weren’t speaking to me. Just walking ahead of me down the corridor—two lower court girls with starched aprons and brunch trays, whispering under their breath like it was a ghost story told at a festival.“She said the spirit looked right at
DamonThe ceremonial hall reeked of smoke and theater.Incense clung to the rafters like fog that had lost its way, thick and perfumed, masking the scent of cold stone and sweaty courtiers.Flames flickered low in wrought-iron braziers at each corner of the room, casting everything in shades of ambe
I hadn’t removed the gown. The emerald velvet clung to my arms, the embroidery at my throat scratchy and stiff. My spine ached from holding perfect posture. My cheeks burned from invisible stares that hadn’t followed me here, but had branded me through eight hours of drills.A knock at the door made