DamonI had not intended to overhear them.After training, I took the garden path because the main halls were crowded with engagement planners, tailors, and servants carrying enough flowers to decorate half the territory. I wanted quiet. More importantly, I wanted a few minutes without Father reminding me about public appearances, speeches, and the future he had already designed.The eastern garden was usually empty in the late afternoon.That day, it was not.I heard Mason’s voice before I saw him.“You came to me instead of stealing the real document.”I stopped behind a tall hedge.Every muscle in my body tightened.A document?Lelia answered too quietly for me to catch the first words, but the fear in her voice was unmistakable.Then Mason spoke again.“Your father will not control you forever.”The anger that rose inside me had nothing to do with jealousy.Victor.The bruises.The fear beneath Lelia’s careful smiles.I had suspected her father was responsible, but this sounded la
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