Chapter 17: The Battle Beneath the Waltz

Chapter 17: The Battle Beneath the Waltz

Seraphina forced a serene smile as Adrian led her onto the marble dance floor. The room blurred around them, candlelight casting golden hues over the gathered nobility. But all she could focus on was the man holding her.

His grip was firm but measured, his movements controlled, effortless. A perfect husband in the eyes of the court. But Seraphina knew the truth—this was not merely a dance.

This was a duel.

Adrian guided her into the first turn, his breath warm against her ear. "You were walking straight into the wolf's den, ma chérie."

Seraphina lifted her chin, refusing to yield. "And you would rather I remain caged?"

His fingers pressed subtly against her waist. "I would rather you remain alive."

She studied his face, searching for cracks in his mask. Was this concern? Or another layer to his ever-deepening web?

"Tell me, Your Grace," she murmured as they glided through the next step. "Did your mother ever suspect anything before she died?"

His grip faltered—so slight that no one else would notice. But she did.

A flicker of something unreadable passed through his silver eyes.

"You are bold tonight," he said, voice low, dangerous.

"I am merely curious."

"You mistake curiosity for recklessness."

Seraphina arched a brow. "Perhaps. But I have learned that recklessness is sometimes the only way to uncover the truth."

Adrian's jaw tightened, but he did not respond. Instead, he spun her sharply, forcing her back into his chest before steadying them both. To the watching nobles, it was a breathtaking display of control. But to Seraphina, it was a warning.

She had pushed too far.

Her gaze flickered past his shoulder, landing on Duke Laurent, who still watched them from across the hall. His smirk had deepened, as if he found amusement in their exchange.

What did he know?

Adrian followed her gaze and exhaled, a quiet sigh of displeasure. "You are playing with fire, Seraphina."

She met his eyes, unflinching. "Then perhaps you should tell me why everyone seems to think I am going to burn."

The music swelled, the violins reaching a dramatic crescendo. Adrian dipped her, his grip firm against her back, his face just inches from hers. To the court, it was a passionate display of marital devotion.

To Seraphina, it was another battle won.

The music slowed, signaling the end of the waltz. Adrian pulled her upright, his smile perfectly crafted for the watching crowd.

"To bed, ma chérie," he murmured, voice smooth once more. "Before you uncover truths you cannot handle."

Seraphina's pulse pounded as he released her hand and turned away.

But she was not done.

Tonight, she would not sleep.

Tonight, she would find answers.

Even if it meant uncovering the one truth Adrian did not want her to know.