Chapter 81: Shadows and Swooning
Lyria's POV
I lowered my head at once, schooling my expression into something suitably meek.
"I b-beg your pardon, Your Highness," I said, my tone careful and measured. "But I fear I-I still do not understand. The notion that I would attempt t-to… seduce a suitor who has come to the palace e-expressly for you seems rather m-misplaced."
Jacinta's gaze lingered on me, sharp and assessing, as though she were attempting to peel back the layers of my words and find something hidden beneath them.
Before she could respond, the door opened.
Kyia stepped in first, followed closely by the maids who carried trays laden with breakfast—silver covers gleaming softly beneath the morning light.
The scent of freshly baked bread and steeped tea filled the chamber almost immediately, but it seemed Jacinta wasn't particularly interested in the food.
Her attention snapped to Kyia immediately.
"Who permitted you entry?"
Kyia froze.
