The following morning was oddly quiet.
Breakfast in the ducal mansion was typically a stiff, joyless affair—more a display of power than family. Today was no different, except Seraphina's smile was sharper than usual. Her silver hair was pinned up like a crown, and her violet eyes scanned the table like a hawk searching for prey.
Liora sat quietly in her corner, picking at her food. Derick entered just moments late, giving a half-hearted bow before taking his place. His eyes briefly flicked toward Liora—just a second too long.
Seraphina noticed.
She raised her teacup delicately, masking her smirk behind it. So, little Liora's finally caught someone's eye? she thought. How... adorable.
"Lord Derick," Seraphina said smoothly, her voice like velvet hiding knives, "how lovely that you still grace us with your presence every morning. Your loyalty to the Duke is… admirable."
Derick gave a cool nod. "It is an honor to serve."
She tilted her head. "And what, exactly, have you been… observing lately?"
There it was—the first jab. A test.
Derick didn't flinch. "Nothing out of the ordinary. Though your roses are beginning to bloom late this season."
"Mm." She sipped. "You have a sharp eye for flowers."
He smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. "They say even thorns have beauty—until you bleed."
Across the table, Liora coughed, hiding a laugh behind her hand.
Seraphina's fingers twitched, but her smile didn't fade.
Before she could fire back, the doors opened.
"Forgive the intrusion," a voice drawled.
Derick's expression immediately turned cold. Liora stiffened.
Vace.
He strolled in like he owned the room. His golden hair was tied loosely, strands falling across his smooth face. His green eyes sparkled with mischief—and something darker beneath. As always, he wore that smug grin that made Derick's jaw tighten.
"My apologies for arriving unannounced," Vace said, bowing lazily. "The Duke summoned me."
"He's away," Seraphina said. "But you're always welcome… dear."
"Of course I am," Vace said, glancing briefly at Derick, then letting his gaze slide over to Liora. "And how's our little flower this morning?"
Liora gave him a stiff nod. "I'm well, thank you."
"You're blooming," he said with a smirk.
Derick's fork snapped in his hand.
The sound echoed.
Seraphina's gaze flicked between the two boys. So it's true, she mused. Derick's weakness… is my sister.
She smiled sweetly.
"I'm hosting a garden tea party this weekend," she announced. "I believe it's time we introduced Liora to more guests from the capital. Don't you agree, Lord Derick?"
He didn't respond.
"I'll take that as a yes," she said.
Liora blinked. "I… I wasn't informed of—"
Seraphina stood, silencing her. "You'll attend. Wear something lovely."
Derick clenched his teeth. She was planning something—he knew it. A party filled with nobles, gossip, and danger. And Liora at the center of it all.
He had to be ready.
As Seraphina swept from the room, Vace leaned down near Liora and whispered, "I look forward to seeing you there… little flower."
Derick rose abruptly, eyes like ice.
"I'll walk her out," he said.
Vace chuckled, stepping aside. "Of course. Be gentle, Marquess."
Outside the dining hall, Derick said nothing. Liora walked beside him, nervous.
"Why does he… look at me like that?" she finally asked.
"Because he's a monster," Derick replied flatly.
Liora looked at him. "You're trembling."
He stopped. She placed a gentle hand on his.
"I'm fine," he said quickly, pulling away.
"No, you're not."
He turned away from her, staring off toward the horizon.
"You shouldn't be kind to people like him, Liora. Not everyone deserves your light."
"And what about you?" she asked.
He didn't answer.
Instead, he walked away, leaving her standing in the corridor with the faint scent of rain still clinging to her skin.