The royal corridors were colder than she recalled.
polished marble Red velvet rugs. Long-deceased monarchs' portraits gazing with painted judgment. Her dress trailing like a shadow, Kaelith silently walked alongside Prince Corven.
Not a word had been spoken since the engagement celebration concluded. Not even when he grabbed her hand and escorted her out through the interior corridors. The prince's grasp was delicate, yet every gesture sent a quiet warning.
At last he ceased.
Grand door—his personal study—they were facing.
Turning the key, he admitted her and softly closed the door behind them.
With her chin high, Kaelith stood before him. &ldquoShould I be complimented that Your Highness brought me somewhere private so quickly?"
Corven's expression did not change. He walked slowly, taking off his gloves. "You've made quite the spectacle, Lady Ravencourt."
"Duchess," she corrected, "my title was not revoked. Not even when the court burned me alive."
Quiet.
His eyes narrowed slightly. "You remember… things you should not."
Kaelith bent her head, "Should I pretend other wise?" Assume I am unaware of your court's operation. How rapidly it kills pawns?
Something flickered across his eyes. Calculation, not surprise.
He said, "You are not what you were before." "In that life, you wept when they charged you. This time, you taunted them with funeral robes."
Kaelith replied calmly, "I am mourning," then added, "For the woman I once was."
Corven moved closer, eyes steel-cold. "I don't know how or why you've changed, Kaelith." But let me make this clear: this engagement exists to stabilize a kingdom. Should you embarrass me again, I will not protect you.
Kaelith's grin was gentle and lethal. Then don't. I never requested your protection, Your Highness; I only require your silence.
They sat apart in tense rhythm. Corven then leaned in gently—not threatening, but evaluating. like a predator attempting to know an unanticipated foe.
"Once," he said at last, "I underestimated you."
Kaelith's lips curved. "And you won't have the opportunity again."
Corven faced from her, voice calm. "You will be given guardians and a teacher to make certain your courtroom behavior won't more affront my mother."
"How generous."
Kaelith stepped toward the door. "Then you should exercise more control over your court. They still believe I am a sacrificial lamb."
Corven's voice trailed her like a faint frost as she opened the door.
"Don't forget, Kaelith. The lamb that chews too strongly winds up skinned in the end.
She stopped.
Then looked back with fury in her eyes.
"Then let's hope the wolf has acquired to wear sheep's clothes."
She strode into the passageway, chin high, heart scorching.
Let them all come.
She would not fall silently this time.