The Art of Manipulation
Lord Cedric knew how to play the game.
He had been raised in the court, trained in charm and deception. He knew when to be distant, when to be warm, when to plant a thought so subtly that the other person would believe it was their own.
And right now, his target was Isolde.
Not because he loved her. Not because he had any real interest in a maid.
But because he could.
---
A Not-So-Innocent Encounter
Isolde was hurrying down the hall, balancing a tray of fresh pastries for Eva, when a voice stopped her.
"Lady Isolde."
She nearly tripped.
Lord Cedric stood before her, arms crossed, expression unreadable.
She clutched the tray tighter. "I—um—hello, my lord."
He smirked. "Why so nervous?"
"I—I'm not."
He stepped closer, peering down at her. "Then why are you stammering?"
She scowled. "I am not—"
Her foot slipped, and before she could embarrass herself further, Cedric's hand shot out, steadying her.
For a moment, they were too close.
Too familiar.
His smirk deepened. "Careful."
Isolde's face burned as she stepped back, gripping the tray like a lifeline. "I—I have to go."
Cedric let her leave, watching her go with quiet satisfaction.
Step one: Make her flustered.
---
Tobias Smells Trouble
Tobias noticed the change in Isolde almost immediately.
One moment, she was happily ranting about how unfair life was, and the next, she was lost in thought, staring into the distance like some tragic heroine.
It was disturbing.
So, naturally, he investigated.
"You're acting weird," he announced, plopping down beside her in the gardens.
Isolde blinked. "What?"
Tobias narrowed his eyes. "You've been sighing all day. And you're not eating. Who broke you?"
She flushed. "No one!"
His gaze darkened. "Is this about him?"
"Who?"
He rolled his eyes. "Lord Cedric."
She stiffened.
Tobias groaned. "Oh, for the love of—Isolde, no."
She frowned. "What do you mean no?"
"I mean no, as in stop it, as in run in the opposite direction."
She huffed. "You don't even know what you're talking about."
"I know exactly what I'm talking about."
"No, you don't."
"Yes, I do."
Isolde crossed her arms. "He's actually quite kind."
Tobias nearly choked. "Oh, Gods. You are broken."
Isolde scowled. "He is!"
Tobias stared at her, horrified. "You're falling for him."
"I am not!"
He scoffed. "You're defending him. That's the first step."
She groaned. "You're impossible."
"And you're delusional."
"I am not—"
A shadow fell over them.
"Is this a bad time?"
They both looked up.
Lord Cedric stood there, looking amused.
Tobias clenched his jaw. "Yes."
Isolde shot him a glare. "No."
Cedric chuckled. "Then may I borrow Lady Isolde for a moment?"
Tobias was about to protest, but Isolde was already standing.
"Of course, my lord."
Tobias glared at Cedric as they walked away, his hands balling into fists.
This was not good.
---
Meanwhile, Elsewhere in the Palace…
Eva was making Lucian's life miserable.
Not intentionally, of course.
She just had a talent for getting under his skin.
Like now, for example, when she decided it would be fun to follow him around, offering helpful commentary as he trained.
"Your footwork is a little off," she noted.
Lucian exhaled sharply. "Eva—"
"And your grip? So stiff."
"Eva."
"Maybe you should try—"
He whirled around, sword at the ready. "Do you want to spar?"
Eva blinked.
Then she grinned.
"Oh, absolutely."
Lucian regretted everything.
---
The First Step into Madness
Meanwhile, Cedric led Isolde through the castle gardens, speaking in that smooth, effortless way that made people trust him.
"You're different from the others," he mused.
Isolde blinked. "What do you mean?"
Cedric smirked. "You're… unpolished. Not like the ladies at court."
She frowned. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?"
"Of course."
She studied him warily. "You don't usually talk to me."
His smirk softened. "Perhaps I should have started sooner."
And just like that, a seed was planted.
One that he knew would grow.
Tobias was right to be worried.