The next morning, Ardent Manor was decorated in fresh blooms and polished silver once again. Not for the prince this time—but for politics.
"My lady," Clarisse whispered as she tied the ribbon on my dress. "The Valeyre family is arriving soon. His Grace is bringing his son."
I remembered the name.
Lucien Valeyre.
In the past, I never met him properly. I'd been too busy chasing the Crown Prince's attention, and the Valeyres had kept their distance once the rumors about me spread.
But now…
Now, fate was shifting.
When I stepped into the garden pavilion, I was greeted by nobles, laughter, and clinking porcelain. My family smiled only when others looked their way. My mother stood beside Countess Valeyre, faking warmth with the precision of a blade.
And then I saw him.
A boy leaning lazily against a pillar, spinning a rose between his fingers.
He had rich chestnut hair, bright green eyes, and a smirk that seemed permanently etched on his face. He wore his noble uniform with flair, a red jewel glinting at his collar.
He saw me—and his eyes lit up.
"Lady Evelyne, I presume?" He strode over and bowed with flair. "Lucien Valeyre, son of Duke Valeyre. A pleasure."
I offered a polite curtsy. "The pleasure is mine, Lord Lucien."
"You're even prettier than the rumors," he said, grinning. "And far less terrifying than the ones about you throwing shoes at maids."
Clarisse coughed behind me.
"I've outgrown that phase," I said smoothly.
"Pity. I think it would've made a memorable first impression."
I bit back a smile.
For the first time in a long time, someone was… normal. Casual. Not walking on eggshells or waiting for me to snap.
Lucien leaned in a little. "Tell me, Lady Evelyne—do you enjoy garden walks or fencing more? I promise I'm excellent at both."
"You sound confident."
"Always."
A shadow passed over us.
I turned.
Caelum.
He stood a few paces away, silent as ever, expression unreadable. But his eyes—those steel-colored eyes—were fixed on Lucien's hand, which was still twirling the rose near mine.
I stepped back calmly, breaking the subtle tension.
"Your Highness," I greeted.
Lucien turned with a bright smile. "Ah! Your Highness the Crown Prince. You're here too?"
Caelum nodded slowly. "This is a political event. Of course I am."
Lucien chuckled. "How lucky for me. Two of the Empire's stars in one garden."
"You're quite bold for someone uninvited," Caelum said, his voice cool.
Lucien only grinned wider. "Oh, I was invited, Your Highness. By Lady Evelyne's mother herself."
I held my tea carefully, hiding my amusement.
The game had begun.
And unlike the past—I wasn't the pawn this time.
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