34: THE NEW COURTLADY

34

Chapter 34 Excerpt – The Cloaked Woman

The scent of jasmine filled the room, mixed with something strange—something metallic. It was familiar, yet it made Zara's stomach twist. She turned slowly, her heart pounding as she saw a figure standing by the chamber doors, cloaked in deep robes. The air felt heavier, pressing down on her as if the walls were closing in.

Then Alaric's voice cut through the silence. "Your new court lady," he said, smugness dripping from every word.

Zara's fingers clenched at her sides. Her breath hitched as the cloaked figure raised a hand and slowly pulled back her hood.

Red curls tumbled down, framing a face Zara knew too well. Sharp golden eyes met hers, filled with something unreadable.

Scarlett.

Zara felt like the ground had been yanked from beneath her. Anger and anguish crashed over her like a tidal wave. "You," she whispered, voice trembling with disbelief.