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 not harsh, his movements controlled, elegant. A perfect husband in the eyes of the court.

But Seraphina had seen what lay beneath the mask.

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 briefly against her waist. "I would rather you remain alive."

She studied his face, searching for deception. 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.

Something flickered in his silver eyes.

"You are bold tonight," he said, his 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 said nothing. Instead, he spun her sharply, forcing her back into his chest before steadying them both.

It was a silent warning.

But Seraphina was past warnings.

Her gaze flickered past his shoulder, landing on Duke Laurent, who still watched them from across the hall. The man's 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."

For the first time that evening, his mask cracked. Just slightly.

The music slowed, signaling the end of the waltz. Adrian stepped back and offered a perfectly crafted smile to the watching crowd.

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

Seraphina's heart 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.