Chapter 13: A Test of Loyalty

Seraphina held Adrian's gaze, her pulse steady despite the storm brewing between them.

"I do not conspire against you," she said, her voice controlled. "But I will not be kept blind, either."

Adrian exhaled slowly, his silver eyes searching hers. "And what is it you believe you see?"

"That your past is catching up to you," she answered. "And I am caught in its wake."

His jaw tensed, but he did not deny it. Instead, he reached past her and closed the door with a deliberate click, sealing them in.

Seraphina swallowed but refused to step back.

Adrian leaned in, his voice a whisper against her ear. "You are playing with forces you do not understand, Seraphina."

She did not flinch. "Then enlighten me."

For a moment, he said nothing. Then, suddenly, he reached into his coat and pulled out a folded letter. He held it between them, his gaze unreadable.

"This arrived today," he said.

Seraphina frowned and took it from his hand. As she unfolded the parchment, her eyes scanned the unfamiliar, elegant handwriting.

Beware the one closest to you.

Her blood ran cold.

She looked up at Adrian, but he was already watching her carefully. "It seems," he said, "that you are not the only one with questions."

Seraphina tightened her grip on the letter. "Who sent this?"

"That is what I intend to find out," Adrian murmured. "And I would rather not find my wife tangled in another man's whispers when I do."

Seraphina lifted her chin. "And I would rather not be treated as a pawn in whatever game you are playing, Your Grace."

His eyes darkened at the title, as though it tasted bitter from her lips.

"You assume this is a game."

Seraphina exhaled sharply. "Isn't it?"

Adrian stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. "No, Seraphina. It is war."

His voice was quiet, but the weight of his words sent a shiver through her.

She had entered this marriage believing she was merely bound by duty. But now, she was beginning to see—

She was standing at the edge of something far more dangerous.

And she was no longer sure who she could trust.