The hallway outside Eveline's chambers was no longer quiet. Torches flickered against marble walls as nobles gathered in a tight crowd, their whispers rising and falling like waves. Curiosity, jealousy, and cruelty mixed freely in the air.
Lily stood alone at the door, her back pressed against it as if her small body could shield what lay beyond. When she saw Daphne and Ashford approaching, her legs nearly gave out."
"My queen… my king…" she said, bowing hurriedly. "What brings you here so late?"
"Move," Daphne said flatly. "Where is Eveline?"
Lily swallowed. "She is resting, Your Majesty. She fell ill earlier and..."
"That is convenient," Amber said as she stepped forward, her eyes sharp. "We merely wish to speak with her."
"I'm afraid she cannot receive guests," Lily replied, forcing calm into her voice. "It would be improper to disturb her sleep. Perhaps in the morning..."
"Or perhaps," another noblewoman sneered, "she is not sleeping at all." A ripple of laughter followed.
"A woman like her never sleeps alone."
"A leopard can never change its spots." Lily's face drained of color. "Please"
Merlia pushed past the others, reaching for the door. "Stand aside."
Before her fingers could touch the handle— Click.
The door opened. A tall figure filled the doorway.
"What," Alaric asked calmly, "is going on here?" The hallway fell into instant silence. Merlia froze mid-step and retreated without a word. Alaric's gaze swept over the crowd, cold and sharp, making even seasoned nobles lower their eyes. "Is this some gathering I was not informed about?"
Daphne brushed past him and entered the room. Her eyes went straight to the bed.
Eveline lay there, fully clothed, her face pale, lashes resting softly against her cheeks. She looked fragile, nothing like the image the crowd had painted moments earlier. Only faint marks near her collarbone suggested the chaos that had preceded her rest.
Daphne turned slowly. "What happened?" Chloe arrived just then, Anthony beside her. Alaric leaned against the wall, arms folded. "Exactly what you think happened."
The murmurs exploded.
"He touched her"
"In the palace"
"He abandoned Lady Diane..."
Diane stepped forward, her eyes already red, tears spilling freely as if she had caught her lover cheating on her behind her back.
"My prince," she cried, voice breaking dramatically, "how could you do this to me?"
Alaric finally looked at her.
"I have been patient," Diane continued, clutching her chest. "I danced when you asked. I waited when you ignored me. I believed... believed that you were serious with me!"
She turned sharply and pointed at the bed. "And for this? A whore?"
Gasps filled the hallway. Alaric's expression didn't change. "Lower your voice."
Diane laughed bitterly through her tears. "Why? Is she too delicate to hear the truth? I was raised to be graceful, loyal, obedient. You allowed me to hope. You raised my expectations!"
Alaric studied her quietly before speaking. "I allowed you to dance," he said. "Nothing more."
"That is a lie!" she sobbed. "You looked at me. You stood beside me. You-"
"I have stood beside many women," Alaric interrupted. "I don't recall proposing to any of them." Diane faltered, then broke down completely, falling to her knees. "Then why her?" she screamed. "What does she have that I don't?"
At that moment, Eveline stirred.
Alaric moved instantly to the bed, placing a hand on her shoulder, his touch gentle, protective. She relaxed again, breathing softly. He turned back to the crowd.
"You are disturbing my fiancée," he said clearly. "Leave." The word hit the hallway like thunder.
Fiancée?
Lucien arrived just in time to hear it. He smiled slowly, eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Well," he said lightly, "this changes everything."
Ashford stepped forward, his face unreadable. Of all his children, Alaric had never brought scandal to the palace. He had refused alliances, avoided mistresses, and lived like a shadow.
"Why her?" Daphne asked, stunned. "She has been in this palace less than a month."
"Because I want her," Alaric replied without hesitation. Daphne opened her mouth, then stopped.
"You never cared about my affairs before," Alaric added quietly. "Do not start now."
Ashford exhaled. "This gathering is over. Return to your quarters."
The nobles withdrew one by one, disappointment and curiosity etched into their faces.
Merlia and Amber tried to slip away with the others. "Stop," Alaric said. Guards stepped forward at once. "You will remain," he continued. "We will speak tomorrow."
They fell to her knees, pleading. "My queen, please..."
Daphne waved a hand dismissively. "Enough. You embarrass yourselves."
She turned and left. Only Anthony, Chloe, and Lucien remained. "Don't hurt her," Chloe said quietly. Alaric glanced at Anthony. "When you become my sister-in-law, I may listen." She lowered her head, feeling a little embarrassed.
Anthony held his gaze. "Protect her," he said simply, before Chloe pushed his chair away.
Lucien chuckled under his breath. "This court is about to tear itself apart." Then he left.