Chapter Thirteen: The Devil You Know

By the next morning, the palace was buzzing with whispers—whispers that centered around one person.

Estella.

The empress who refused to kneel. The girl who had the emperor breaking his own rules. The woman who somehow hadn't been tossed aside like every other plaything before her.

And no one was more furious than Valeria.

Estella stood on the balcony of her chambers, the morning sun warm against her skin. The marks Lucien had left on her still throbbed—a reminder of just how hard he had fucked her into that bed.

And gods, she hated how much she wanted him to do it again.

The bastard.

A soft knock at the door broke through her thoughts. Without bothering to fix her robe, she called out, "If you're here to kiss the emperor's ass, the line starts downstairs."

The door creaked open, and Rhea stepped inside—her usual nervous energy clinging to her like a shadow. "My lady," she murmured, bowing low. "Lady Valeria requests your presence in the east wing."

Estella turned, raising a brow. "And if I tell her to choke on her own venom?"

Rhea paled. "I—I wouldn't recommend it."

Estella laughed softly, brushing her wild curls back. "Relax," she said, stretching her sore limbs. "I'm not scared of that silk-wrapped snake."

But she still reached for her gown. Whatever Valeria wanted, it wasn't good. And Estella would rather walk barefoot through fire than give that bitch the upper hand.

"Fine," she sighed, tying the sash of her dress tight. "Let's see what poison she's peddling today."

The East Wing…

Valeria was already waiting when Estella arrived, lounging on a velvet chaise like she owned the entire empire. Her black silk gown clung to every perfect curve, her expression cool and composed.

But there was fire in her eyes.

"Well, if it isn't the emperor's favorite little plaything," Valeria purred, not bothering to rise. "I'm surprised you're still walking."

Estella leaned against a nearby pillar, folding her arms. "I'm surprised you're still here," she shot back. "I figured Lucien would've tossed you out with the rest of the trash by now."

A sharp smile curved Valeria's lips. "Careful, darling," she said softly. "You might wear his marks—but I've had his heart."

Estella let out a laugh—a cold, cutting sound. "Heart?" she mocked. "Please. That man doesn't have a heart. And if he did, you sure as hell wouldn't be the one holding it."

Valeria's mask slipped, just for a moment, and the hatred beneath it flared bright and violent.

"You think you're untouchable?" Valeria whispered, her voice venom-sweet. "That because he fucks you, you've won?"

Estella pushed off the pillar and sauntered closer, stopping just inches away. "I don't think," she said softly. "I know."

Valeria's smile sharpened like a blade. "Enjoy your little victory while it lasts," she murmured. "Because when he's finished with you—and he will be—you'll be nothing but a stain on these floors."

Estella tilted her head, lips curling in a slow, wicked smile. "Funny," she said sweetly. "I was going to say the same thing about you."

Before Valeria could spit another insult, the door swung open.

Lucien.

He entered the room with the weight of a storm—broad shoulders, cold silver eyes, and an aura of power that made the air feel heavy.

And when his gaze landed on Estella, something dark flickered beneath the surface.

"Is there a problem?" His voice was smooth—too smooth.

Valeria softened immediately, her expression turning demure. "I was simply welcoming our dear empress," she said sweetly. "I wouldn't want her to feel… out of place."

Lucien didn't blink. "Leave," he ordered, his voice like ice.

Valeria stiffened, but she lowered into a graceful bow. "Of course, Your Majesty."

As she swept past Estella, her smile turned razor-sharp. "Enjoy him while you can," she whispered. "His mercy won't last forever."

Estella smiled back, all teeth. "Mercy's for cowards. I don't need it."

And when Valeria was gone, Lucien closed the distance between them in three steps.

"You're making enemies," he murmured, his fingers trailing up her arm. "Dangerous ones."

Estella tilted her chin up. "What's the matter, Your Majesty?" she teased. "Worried I can't handle them?"

His mouth curled into a cruel smile. "No," he said, dragging her against his chest. "I'm worried I'll have to kill them for touching what's mine."

Before she could throw back another insult, his mouth crashed against hers—hot, hard, and unforgiving. His hand tangled in her hair, tilting her head back as he kissed her like he wanted to consume her whole.

"Always so fucking defiant," he growled against her lips. "It's like you want me to break you."

Estella laughed softly, biting his lower lip. "You can try, Your Majesty," she whispered. "But you'll lose."

Lucien's eyes burned as he backed her against the wall. "I never lose."

He ripped the silk sash from her waist, dragging the gown from her body in one swift motion. His mouth trailed down her neck, teeth scraping against her pulse as his hands roamed her bare skin.

"You've been begging for this," he murmured, sliding a thigh between her legs. "Haven't you, little rebel?"

Estella gasped as his fingers traced lower, teasing her already slick folds. "I don't beg," she spat, even as her body arched into his touch.

His laughter was dark and sinful. "Liar."

Without another word, he sank to his knees, spreading her thighs wide. "Let's see how much more you can take."

And gods—he didn't hold back.

Meanwhile…

Valeria stood at the edge of the garden, her nails digging into her palms.

She had underestimated that little bitch.

But not for much longer.

If Estella wanted to play dirty—Valeria would bury her.

And when she was finished, there wouldn't be a trace of her left.