POV: Seraphina
I shouldn't be listening.
But my head is throbbing again, and the maids in the hallway were being loud, so I ducked into the corridor outside Lucien's study to find quiet. The door was cracked open. I heard their voices. I stayed.
Now I'm frozen with my back pressed against the wall, listening to Cassian tear into Lucien like I've never heard before.
"He's planning something," Cassian says, his voice sharp. "Viktor doesn't come to court without purpose. And bringing his army—that's a threat. You know this, Lucien. You know him."
"Let him threaten," Lucien replies, but I hear the strain underneath. The doubt. "I won't give her up."
My breath catches.
"The council won't allow it either," Cassian continues. "Morgana's already been spreading rumors that Seraphina is using witchcraft to control you. Elder Cassius asked me privately if you've been acting unusual. They're afraid you'll make the same mistake with her that you did with Arianne."
