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Felice managed to escape the plant. Barely.
She, Liora, and the girls had scrambled into acceptable gowns and somehow made it to the great hall before anyone noticed they'd been mid-sleepover panic just ten minutes ago.
The Solar Flame royals were as dramatic as their name suggested—long golden cloaks, flame-shaped crown pins, and smiles that didn't quite reach their eyes. Especially the eldest prince: tall, polished, and staring at everything like he was three steps ahead of a chess game no one else knew they were playing.
Felice felt his gaze flick toward her.
She looked away.
"Smile," Liora whispered, elbowing her.
"I am smiling," Felice hissed back.
"Then why do you look like you're imagining setting everyone on fire?"
"Because I might be."
Before anyone else could say something sarcastic, Queen Seraphina swept into the room, all grace and diamonds. Her eyes met Felice's for a brief second—just long enough for her to give a small, subtle shake of her head.
Don't say anything.
Felice understood.
The Queen had already explained it last night—quietly, in the privacy of her royal chamber with tears still drying on her cheeks.
How Felice's mother had vanished years ago, how the Queen had searched everywhere, hoping to find her friend… and her child.
And how if the world found out about Felice's bloodline—her dangerous, powerful mix—they would want to control her. Or destroy her.
"Not yet," the Queen had said. "The right people must know. But not them."
So now, Felice stood beside Liora, keeping her posture perfect and her face calm, even as the visiting prince of Solar Flame stepped closer.
He stopped in front of her and offered a polite nod.
"You're… not from around here," he said smoothly.
Liora jumped in. "This is Felice. My personal assistant. She's brilliant. I literally can't breathe without her."
"Mm." His eyes lingered. "Interesting energy."
Felice smiled sweetly. "Maybe you're just bad at reading people."
He blinked. Then smirked. "I like her."
Lysander, who had been standing quietly by a column (as usual), suddenly stepped forward. "She's taken."
Everyone froze.
Liora turned slowly, wide-eyed. "She is?"
Felice choked on air. "I—what?!"
Lysander didn't flinch. "Taken. By palace responsibilities. She doesn't have time for curious princes."
Prince Solar Flame raised a brow, amused.
Queen Seraphina cleared her throat loudly. "Shall we proceed to the welcome feast?"
Felice didn't know whether to scream, faint, or high-five Lysander.
Instead, she muttered under her breath, "You're unbelievable."
He didn't look at her. "I'm protective."
"You don't even like me."
Lysander's lips twitched. "That's what you think."