"Evelina, dearest, do forgive me if this was meant to be kept secret. Though I can't imagine why—after all, an alliance between our two kingdoms would be quite the victory, wouldn't it?"
A stunned silence filled the ballroom, Selene's words settling like a thick, suffocating fog over the assembled nobles. Eyes flickered toward Evelina, and you could see the curiosity and judgement flickering like candle flames in the dimly lit hall.
Evelina barely allowed her expression to falter, but inwardly, she was already bracing herself. Selene never makes a move without reason. This wasn't just idle gossip—this was an attack.
Damian stood next to her, providing support, but she knew he couldn't intervene just yet.
The court had to see how she handled this first.
