Chapter 7: A Queen Among Snakes

The morning after the wedding, I woke up to a world that felt entirely different.

Not because I had married a man twice my age. Not because the city's elite was still reeling from the scandal.

But because I had stepped into power.

And power came with a price.

Nathaniel had already left the bedroom when I stirred. The massive Lancaster estate was eerily silent as I slipped into a silk robe and padded toward the window, gazing at the sprawling gardens below.

This was my new life.

But for the first time since saying I do, doubt crept in.

Was this truly what I wanted?

The thought was quickly shoved aside when a sharp knock interrupted my thoughts.

I turned as a maid entered, her gaze carefully averted. "Mr. Lancaster requests your presence in the study, ma'am."

The title sounded strange.

But I merely nodded. "I'll be there."

Minutes later, I descended the grand staircase, my heels clicking against the marble. The Lancaster estate had always been intimidating, but now, as its new mistress, it felt… different.

The study doors were slightly ajar, and I stepped inside without knocking. Nathaniel sat behind an enormous mahogany desk, dressed impeccably in a dark suit, his presence commanding as always.

He looked up, his gaze unreadable. "You're awake."

"Obviously." I crossed my arms. "What's so urgent?"

Nathaniel leaned back, regarding me carefully. "It's time we had a real conversation about what this marriage means."

I arched a brow. "I thought that was already clear."

A smirk played at his lips. "You thought revenge was the only reason I married you?"

That made me pause.

I had assumed Nathaniel saw our marriage as a power play. A way to shake up his son's world while gaining a partner who had nothing left to lose.

But now, I wasn't so sure.

"Why did you do it?" I asked, voice steady.

Nathaniel studied me for a moment before rising to pour himself a drink. He swirled the amber liquid before speaking.

"The Lancaster empire is more than just wealth, Evelyn. It's a battlefield." He took a sip. "And I needed an ally."

I frowned. "An ally?"

Nathaniel turned to face me fully. "Daniel was never meant to take over. But as my firstborn, there were expectations." His voice dipped lower. "Expectations I no longer care to uphold."

Realization clicked.

"You wanted someone else to take control."

His silence was answer enough.

A slow chill crept over me. "And you think that person is me?"

Nathaniel set down his glass and stepped closer. "You're stronger than Daniel. Smarter. More ruthless when necessary." His gaze sharpened. "You proved that when you walked into that wedding hall and refused to crumble."

I swallowed hard. "You don't even know me."

He smirked. "Oh, but I do. You're a survivor, Evelyn. And that's exactly what I need."

I let his words sink in, the weight of them pressing against my chest.

Nathaniel Lancaster hadn't just married me to shake his son's world.

He had married me because he saw me as his weapon.

But was that truly what I wanted?

Doubt flickered again, but I quickly buried it.

Because if I backed out now, I'd be nothing. A footnote in the Lancaster family's history. A woman who had been humiliated and discarded twice.

No.

I had come too far to falter.

Lifting my chin, I met Nathaniel's gaze.

"Fine," I said. "If you want an ally, you've got one."

Nathaniel's smirk deepened. "Good."

I turned toward the door, but his voice stopped me.

"One more thing, Evelyn."

I glanced back.

"Power in this family isn't just about strategy." His eyes darkened. "It's about survival. And the moment you hesitate, they'll smell blood."

I exhaled slowly.

Then I nodded.

Because he was right.

I had married into a kingdom of snakes.

And if I wanted to reign, I would have to become the deadliest one of all.