Dare

White lilies filled the hall, accompanied by rows of candles casting a soft glow across the room. Relatives, associates, and guests continued to arrive, offering their condolences.

Vaeldric and I walked slowly side by side, hand in hand, as though none of the chaos behind the scenes had ever happened.

"I heard Lady Ashbourne miscarried after discovering Lord Ashbourne's affair. How tragic. Six years of waiting for a child, all gone."

"That's probably just a rumor. Look at them. They still seem devoted to each other."

"I can't believe someone would cheat on Lady Ashbourne. She seems perfect. Who is the shameless woman involved?"

Whispers drifted into my ears from every direction, but I remained silent.

I had been trained since childhood to be selectively deaf. Not every opinion deserved attention. Being the subject of gossip was simply part of a noblewoman's life.

Unfortunately, even during my child's funeral, people seemed far more interested in discussing my marriage.

More specifically, the affair rumored to be destroying it. No one asked how I was feeling. No one asked about my baby. No one even spoke to me directly.

There were only forced smiles and sympathetic looks, as though I were the victim of this entire tragedy. No. My child was the real victim.

I was still alive. And revenge was never difficult for the living. My baby, however, would never have the chance to see me with his own eyes.

"My deepest condolences for your loss, Lord and Lady Ashbourne." Cyran approached us. This time, he wore nothing but a simple black cloak, devoid of any royal insignia.

"Thank you for your concern, Lord Ardent," Vaeldric replied shortly before turning away.

Cyran lowered his head and quietly joined the other guests. I sat in my ceremonial seat with little interest in anything happening around me.

Meanwhile, Vaeldric continued receiving condolences and occasionally invited guests to enjoy the refreshments prepared for the gathering.

The hall was crowded. Yet, as always, I felt alone. Slowly, I slipped away and made my way toward a bench overlooking the garden, far from the crowd.

"As the hostess, I don't believe you're supposed to sneak away like this." The voice startled me.

I nearly lost my footing before its owner caught my hand and steadied me. How dramatic. If possible, I would gladly erase this part from my life story.

"I didn't realize you could be clumsy too." The Crown Prince stood before me with his aide. That alone was enough to surprise me.

Apparently, news of my miscarriage had become such a spectacle that even royalty had decided to attend my child's funeral reception.

"Your Highness, my apologies. I never expected you to come in person. It is truly an honor." I lowered my head respectfully.

Not far away, Cyran immediately approached us. No wonder he hadn't worn any royal insignia today. The prince had chosen to attend personally.

"She's been clumsy since childhood, Your Highness," Cyran said, attempting to lighten the atmosphere.

To my surprise, the two of them interacted quite casually. I had always assumed they were equally reserved. Perhaps sensing my discomfort, Cyran soon guided the Crown Prince elsewhere.

I quietly exhaled in relief once I was left alone again. Given the choice, I would rather lock myself inside my room than socialize with anyone here.

"My Lady, forgive me for disturbing you." Brita approached, visibly nervous. I waited silently for her to continue.

"Lady Varenn is here, My Lady. She wishes to see you personally." Brita squeezed her eyes shut after delivering the message.

A sign of just how uncomfortable she felt. How bold. And how foolish.

Lysara had actually come here and requested to see me directly. She should have pretended nothing had happened.

After all, the public still had no proof she was Vaeldric's mistress. There were only rumors. No evidence.

That was exactly why I had trusted Vaeldric for so long. I frowned. This wasn't like Lysara.

She had always been hesitant, cautious, terrified of taking risks. Far too fragile for something this reckless. Had someone influenced her? Or had her fragility been an act all along?

Before I could respond, Lysara was already approaching. And, guess who was escorting her?

None other than the flawless, blameless Lord Vaeldric Ashbourne himself, leading his precious companion straight toward me.

I was no longer angry because of jealousy. I was angry because these two people had led me straight to an operating table and the loss of my child.

Several servants approached nervously, clearly wanting to intervene.

"Perhaps this conversation would be better postponed, My Lady."

"No." I smiled. "I'm curious to see where this goes."

"The rumors are getting worse, Vaeldric. What am I supposed to do?" Lysara spoke softly, but we were standing close enough for me to hear every word.

"Don't worry. I'll handle it. You're in this position because of me."

Of course. Even now, he was still protecting her. Still shielding her from every accusation. The sight made me want to tear them both apart.

"Lady Ashbourne..."

"How formal, Lysara. You usually call me Seraphina."

"Seraphina... I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For this misunderstanding."

I smiled calmly. "Don't worry. I trust you, Lysara."

I stepped closer and gently patted her shoulder. "A woman like you would never have any ulterior motives when approaching another woman's husband."

Lysara's face immediately turned pale. Beside her, Vaeldric's jaw tightened.

"Seraphina. Where are your manners?"

"You defend her. You dismiss every rumor surrounding her. You shield her from every accusation when I should have been the first person you comforted, Vaeldric." My voice remained perfectly calm.

"I've stayed silent for far too long. And even now, I'm somehow the one being blamed for being hurt by your disgraceful actions." My gaze shifted between them.

"You really are perfect for each other." A faint smile touched my lips.

"Why don't you introduce her as your mistress right now, Vaeldric?" The silence that followed was deafening.

"At least then, everyone here could stop pretending dignity still matters."