Life after my first birthdays settled into a gentle rhythm.
I was encouraged to walk everywhere now-slow, wobbling steps that made the servants hover nervously. Lilian stayed close, clapping soflty whenever I managed a few steps without falling.
"Careful, my lady," she said with a smile. "Slowly. That's it... good girl."
To her, I was just a child learning how to move in the world.To me, every step was a test of balance, patience, and restraint.
Nolan was my constant shadow. He insisted on holding my hand, even though he often pulled me off balance instead.
"I'm helping!" he declared proudly.
I nodded and followed along, letting him lead me in uneven circles around the nursery. When I stumbled, he gasped dramatically.
"Ariya fell!"
"I okay," I said, pushing myself up.
Lilian laughed lightly. "She's fine, My Lord. See? Strong legs."
She set out toys on the floor—wooden animals, soft blocks, rings of bright colors. Nothing unusual. Nothing suspicious. Just things meant to keep a child busy.
I sat cross-legged and stacked blocks with careful fingers. One wobbled near the top, threatening to fall.
Instinct tugged at me.
I ignored it.
The block fell on its own.
Nolan giggled. "Again! Build again!"
So I did.
Lilian watched from her seat, sewing basket in her lap. If she noticed anything strange, she didn't show it. When I succeeded, she praised my effort, not the result.
"Good try," she said warmly. "You're learning."
Later, she lifted me onto my feet again. "Let's walk to the window."
I toddled forward, gripping her fingers. The bracelet rested loosely against my wrist, cool and quiet. I could feel my power beneath it—present, contained, obedient.
Just like me.
From across the room, I felt it before I saw it.
The Duke.
He stood near the doorway, arms crossed, expression unreadable. He didn't approach. Didn't speak.
He just watched.
I met his gaze for a brief moment, then turned away, deliberately losing my balance so Lilian had to catch me.
"Oh—careful," she said quickly, lifting me with a soft laugh. "No running yet."
I rested my head against her shoulder, listening to her heartbeat.
See? I thought. Just a child.
That night, as Lilian tucked me into bed, she brushed my hair back gently.
"You did so well today," she said. "Walking, playing… you must be tired."
"Yes," I murmured.
She smiled, dimmed the lantern, and left quietly.
I lay there in the dark, fingers curled around the edge of the blanket.
I would grow.
I would learn.
But for now, I would let the world believe exactly what it saw.
A small child taking her first steps—
unaware of how carefully each one was chosen.