Chapter 16: A Dance of Deception

Chapter 16: A Dance of Deception

Seraphina barely slept that night.

Evelyne Valemont had died searching for the truth. And now, Seraphina was walking the same treacherous path.

Her marriage to Adrian had always been one of duty, not love—but now, it was something even more dangerous. A game of secrets, deception, and survival.

And she refused to be another lost Duchess.

By morning, she had made her decision.

If Adrian would not tell her the truth, she would make him.

---

The great hall of Valemont Manor was alive with music that evening, a grand affair meant to celebrate the union of Duke and Duchess. Nobles from across the kingdom had gathered, dressed in their finest silks and jewels, their voices weaving a tapestry of whispers and laughter.

Seraphina stood at the top of the staircase, her golden gown shimmering under the candlelight. To the outside world, she was every inch the elegant, dutiful wife.

But beneath the polished facade, her mind was sharp, calculating. Watching.

Her husband stood among the guests, commanding attention without effort. Adrian was dressed in black, a striking contrast to the gold and crimson of the hall. His silver eyes scanned the crowd with quiet authority, his expression unreadable.

Seraphina's heart clenched. Was he the man protecting her? Or the one she needed protection from?

A noblewoman curtsied before Adrian, her hand brushing his arm as she spoke in hushed tones.

Seraphina forced a smile. Let them think she was jealous. Let them think she was the devoted wife.

In reality, she was watching the men who stood in the corners, the ones who avoided her gaze. The ones who might hold the answers she sought.

And then she saw him.

Duke Laurent.

He stood near the wine table, his piercing gaze locked on her, a slow smirk playing at his lips.

Seraphina's pulse quickened.

She descended the stairs, weaving through the crowd. If Laurent knew something, she would find out.

But before she could reach him, a strong hand caught her wrist.

Adrian.

"Leaving so soon, ma chérie?" His voice was smooth, but his grip was unyielding.

She looked up at him, her practiced smile unwavering. "I was merely greeting our guests."

His gaze flickered toward Laurent before returning to her. "Dance with me."

It was not a request.

The music shifted, and suddenly, she was in his arms, moving in perfect step with him as the nobles around them watched in admiration.

But Seraphina knew better.

This was no mere waltz.

It was a battle.

And she would not be the one to lose.