Chapter 6: A Dance of Shadows

The summons arrived in the late afternoon. A grand ball was to be held in honor of the King's return from his campaign in the west. As the Duchess of Valemont, Seraphina was expected to attend.

She read the letter twice, her fingers tightening around the parchment.

A public event. Nobles whispering behind their masks. Adrian by her side, playing the role of the devoted husband.

Seraphina smiled bitterly. If she was to be trapped in this marriage, she would make use of it. The King's court held answers—answers to Adrian's rise, to her family's ruin, and perhaps even to the woman in the portrait.

She summoned her maid, instructing her to prepare a gown worthy of a duchess. If she was to walk into the lion's den, she would do so adorned in armor of silk and steel.

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The night of the ball arrived with the scent of jasmine and the murmur of distant music. Valemont Manor's carriages gleamed under the torchlight, their banners fluttering as they joined the procession toward the royal palace.

Inside their carriage, Seraphina sat beside Adrian, their bodies close yet worlds apart. He was dressed in black and gold, his silver eyes glinting in the dim light.

"You seem eager," he murmured, watching her.

Seraphina adjusted her glove. "Should I not be?"

Adrian smirked. "Most women in your position would be nervous."

"I am not most women."

His gaze darkened. "No. You are not."

The carriage rolled to a stop before the towering palace gates, where nobles draped in finery ascended the grand staircase. As Adrian stepped out first, offering his hand to her, Seraphina hesitated—but only for a breath.

With practiced grace, she placed her fingers in his, allowing him to guide her into the golden glow of the ballroom.

The moment they entered, the whispers began.

"The traitor's daughter…"

"…and the Duke of Valemont…"

"…an alliance or a punishment?"

Seraphina lifted her chin. Let them talk. She would not shrink beneath their scrutiny.

Adrian leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Shall we give them something more to whisper about?"

Before she could reply, he led her onto the dance floor. The music swelled, and Seraphina had no choice but to follow his lead.

His hands were firm, his movements precise. He danced like he fought—controlled, strategic.

"You play your role well," she murmured, their bodies impossibly close.

Adrian's lips quirked. "As do you, my dear wife."

Seraphina forced a smile, but beneath it, her mind raced. This ball was more than a performance—it was an opportunity.

As the dance ended and they parted, her eyes scanned the room, searching for allies… or enemies.

Because somewhere in this glittering hall, someone knew the truth.

And she intended to find them.