Adrian's stare as Lady Seraphine's words echoed in the air between them.
"This woman is having an affair with Duke Victor too, Prince Adrian! She's not just the traitor's daughter, but also a woman who loves to take every man for herself!"
Eleanor's breath caught in her throat. How dare she?
She turned sharply to Lady Seraphine, her hands trembling at her sides. "That's a lie!" Her voice was clear, unwavering, but she could already see the flicker of doubt in Adrian's eyes. She grabbed her arms. "Prince Adrian."
Seraphine smirked, stepping forward gracefully, as if she were a performer on a stage. "A lie?" she mused, her tone sickly sweet. "Oh, Eleanor, must you always pretend to be so innocent? The court is already whispering about you. A noble lady entangled with two powerful men—one of whom is engaged, the other accused of treason? How scandalous!"