A Web of Lies

Seraphine's silence was deafening.

Kaelith let it stretch between them, watching the way she gripped the parchment as though it could shield her from the weight of his suspicion. He had given her an opening, a chance to weave another lie. But this time, she hesitated.

That alone was telling.

"Are you going to answer me?" His voice was calm, too calm, edged with quiet authority.

Seraphine exhaled slowly, folding the letter between her fingers. "I don't see why I should."

Kaelith lifted a brow. "Because you're my wife?"

"Am I?" She tilted her head, a ghost of a smile playing at her lips. "Or am I your prisoner?"

Kaelith smirked. "I suppose that depends on your answer."

She held his gaze, unreadable as ever, but he knew her well enough now to recognize the mask for what it was. A shield. A calculated effort to remain in control.

But Kaelith was done letting her dictate the rules.

He reached out, slow and deliberate, brushing his fingers over her wrist. She stiffened, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he guided her hand downward—forcing her to reveal the letter still trapped between her fingers.

The wax seal was already broken.

"You've read it." His voice was softer now, but no less dangerous.

Seraphine's throat bobbed slightly, though her expression remained composed. "Yes."

"Then tell me."

She hesitated, and that was enough.

Kaelith exhaled sharply. He could feel the truth hovering between them, just beyond his reach. She was toying with him, testing the limits of his patience, gauging how far she could push before he forced the answer out of her.

And he would.

Not with threats, not with violence—Seraphine was far too skilled at countering those tactics. No, he had learned her weaknesses.

And one of them was standing far too close.

Kaelith leaned in, his breath warm against her ear. "Do you want to know what I think?"

Seraphine remained still, but he saw the way her pulse quickened at her throat.

"I think this letter is proof of what you've been hiding. Of who you've been loyal to, long before you ever became my wife." His lips nearly brushed her skin. "But more than that—I think you're afraid."

Seraphine let out a slow breath, though whether it was to steady herself or to play into his hands, he couldn't yet tell.

"You think you've cornered me." Her voice was quiet, but sharp. "That you've won this game."

Kaelith smirked. "Have I?"

Seraphine finally moved, stepping back just enough to place distance between them. But she didn't run. Didn't try to deny it.

Instead, she did something far more dangerous.

She smiled.

"That depends, my prince." She held the letter between two fingers, tilting her head. "Do you truly want the truth?"

Kaelith's jaw tensed.

Because the answer was obvious.

And he wasn't sure he was ready for it.

To be continued…

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