Chapter 11

The invitation, if it could be called that, came at dawn. A summons, written in elegant yet impersonal script, bearing the royal seal of the Velthorne family.

Lucian read it in silence while I dressed for the day, his jaw tightening ever so slightly. When he finally spoke, his voice was measured, careful. "My father wants to see us."

I turned from the mirror, fastening the last clasp on my bodice. "The king himself?"

He nodded. "And my mother. And Julian."

Lucian's younger brother. I had yet to meet the elusive Prince Julian, but I had heard the whispers about his charm, his reckless nature, the way he danced on the edge of court politics without ever seeming to fall. A carefully concealed weapon, if the rumors were to be believed.

"What do they want?" I asked.

Lucian exhaled, setting the letter down. "To test you."

The throne room was a vast chamber of polished obsidian and silver banners. The emblem of the Velthorne house, an iron wolf, emblazoned across the walls. The weight of history pressed upon me as I stepped inside, Lucian at my side. At the far end, King Aldric sat on his throne, flanked by Queen Evandra and a young man who could only be Prince Julian. The resemblance to Lucian was striking. Silver-streaked dark hair, sharp angles, but where Lucian carried himself with control, Julian exuded effortless ease.

His lips curled into a smirk as he took me in, gaze sweeping over me with bold amusement. "She's quite stunning, brother," Julian said lazily. "No wonder you agreed to this marriage."

Lucian's hand twitched at his side, but he said nothing.

Queen Evandra spoke next. "You are… not what I expected."

It was not an insult, nor a compliment. Simply an observation.

I met her gaze. "I imagine I have exceeded many expectations, Your Majesty."

A pause. Then, the faintest flicker of slight approval wrinkled in her face before she lifted her cup of wine.

King Aldric finally spoke, his deep voice commanding the room. "You have made quite the impression, Lady Verona."

I inclined my head slightly, neither bowing too deeply nor offering false humility. "I hope it is a favorable one, Your Majesty."

His smile did not reach his eyes. "That remains to be seen."

The meal was a quiet battle, words chosen with precision, glances exchanged like drawn daggers. King Aldric asked about my homeland, my upbringing, and my understanding of the court. Queen Evandra watched in silence, while Julian took every opportunity to test my composure.

"Tell me, Verona," Julian mused, swirling his wine. "Do you truly believe my brother will make a good husband?"

I tilted my head. "Are you implying I should have chosen differently, Your Highness?"

His grin widened. "Oh, I wouldn't dare. But I wonder… is this alliance duty? Or something more?"

Lucian set his goblet down with a sharp clink. "Enough, Julian."

Julian only laughed, lifting his hands in mock surrender. "Merely making conversation."

But I saw it then, the way he watched me, the way his gaze lingered not in desire, but in calculation. Julian Velthorne was testing me. And I had no intention of failing.

After the meal, as the men spoke of trade and military matters, Queen Evandra gestured for me to follow her onto the castle's private balcony. The view overlooked the training grounds, where guards sparred in the late afternoon sun. She did not speak at first, simply watching as steel clashed below. 

Then, without turning, she said, "You are clever."

I did not respond immediately. I knew a test when I saw one. "I try to be, Your Majesty."

She finally looked at me, eyes sharp. "That will serve you well. But cleverness is not always enough."

I met her gaze, my own unwavering. "Then what is?"

She took a slow sip of wine. "Power. And knowing when to wield it."

A chill ran down my spine. "And do you believe I lack power?"

Her lips curved slightly. "I believe you are still learning how to use it."

It was not an insult. It was an invitation. A warning. Perhaps both.

As we walked the dimly lit corridors back to our chambers, Lucian was silent, his expression unreadable.

Finally, I spoke. "Your brother enjoys playing games."

Lucian exhaled sharply. "Julian enjoys winning games."

I glanced at him. "And you? Do you play to win?"

He halted, turning to face me fully. The flickering torchlight cast sharp shadows across his face. "I play to survive."

Something in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. A realization settled between us. We were both playing a game bigger than ourselves. And the Velthorne court had just dealt its first hand.

Lucian let out a slow breath and resumed walking. "My father will be watching you closely now. He tests everyone who enters this court, even those bound to it by marriage. He will want to know how far you are willing to go."

I kept pace beside him, my mind racing. "And your mother?"

A flicker of something crossed his face. "She is more dangerous than my father. She sees beyond words, beyond titles. If she believes you are weak, she will never support you."

I absorbed his words, my fingers curling at my sides. "Then I will not let her see weakness."

Lucian's gaze flickered to me, something unreadable in his expression. "Good. Because in this court, even a moment's hesitation can cost you everything."

I stopped outside my chamber, the weight of the evening settling over me. Lucian paused as well, his presence lingering like a shadow. 

"Do you ever grow tired of playing their games?" I asked softly.

His jaw tightened, and for a brief second, something like weariness passed over his face. "There is no other choice."

We stood there for a long moment, the torchlight casting golden halos around us. Then, just as quickly as it had come, the moment passed. Lucian inclined his head slightly before turning on his heel and disappearing down the corridor.

I watched him go, my thoughts tangled. The Velthorne court had made its move. But I was no mere piece on their board.

I intended to win the game.