Chapter 28: The Cold Princess Enters the Game

The morning after Leon's declaration of war, the entire noble district was in turmoil.

The sight of the Black Talons' severed heads mounted at the city gates had sent shockwaves through the aristocracy. Whispers spread through lavish estates, banquet halls, and high-society gatherings.

Who dared to challenge House Valefort so brazenly?

One name was on everyone's lips.

Leon Valefort.

Once discarded, now a rising storm.

But while the nobles gossiped, debated, and watched from the shadows—there was one person who saw this chaos as an opportunity.

The Cold Princess.

The Icy Beauty of House Everhart

Seated on an ornately carved throne within Everhart Manor, Princess Selene Everhart read the morning reports with cool indifference.

Her icy silver eyes scanned the parchment detailing Leon's latest move, a slight smirk playing on her lips.

"Interesting," she murmured.

Beside her, her trusted attendant Isolde stood in perfect silence, waiting for her mistress's command.

Selene finally looked up. "Leon Valefort… I remember that name."

Isolde nodded. "The abandoned son of Duke Valefort. He was considered a failure, discarded from noble society. Until now."

Selene tapped her finger against her chin. "To turn assassins into a spectacle… such ruthlessness."

"Do you see him as a threat, my lady?"

Selene chuckled softly, a sound both beautiful and dangerous.

"No. Not a threat."

She leaned forward, her smirk widening.

"A potential ally."

Leon's Unexpected Invitation

Meanwhile, in his private estate, Leon was already preparing for the next battle.

Mira, Ronan, and Gareth stood around him as he studied the latest reports.

"The nobles are in chaos," Mira said, sipping a cup of wine. "They don't know whether to fear you or admire you."

Ronan smirked. "Good. Fear is useful."

Gareth, ever the pragmatist, frowned. "But what about Damien? He won't stay silent after this."

Leon nodded. "He's likely gathering support. But we'll deal with him when the time is right."

Just then, a servant entered the room, bowing deeply.

"My lord, an urgent message has arrived."

Leon took the letter and unfolded it.

His eyes narrowed.

The wax seal bore the crest of House Everhart.

The contents were simple:

"Leon Valefort, your recent actions have caught my interest. Meet me at Everhart Manor tonight. We have much to discuss."

Signed, Princess Selene Everhart.

Leon let out a low chuckle.

Mira leaned over his shoulder, reading the letter. She whistled. "Well, well. Looks like you've got noble ladies interested in you now."

Ronan frowned. "The Cold Princess? She's dangerous."

Leon smirked. "So am I."

A Dangerous Meeting

That evening, Leon arrived at Everhart Manor—one of the most imposing estates in the noble district. The towering stone walls and elaborate ice-sculpted decor were a reflection of the house's wealth and power.

As he entered the grand hall, the first thing he noticed was her.

Selene Everhart sat atop a luxurious couch, dressed in a form-fitting dark blue gown that accentuated her icy beauty. Her silver hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her piercing eyes studied him with a mixture of amusement and intrigue.

Leon, ever the gentleman, inclined his head slightly but did not bow.

Selene noticed.

A small smirk played at the corner of her lips.

"You have no fear of me?" she asked, voice smooth as silk.

Leon met her gaze. "I fear no one."

Selene chuckled. "I expected nothing less."

She gestured to the seat across from her. "Sit. We have much to discuss."

Leon took his place, his posture relaxed but his mind sharp.

"I assume you didn't call me here just for pleasant conversation," Leon said, studying her.

Selene tilted her head. "No. I called you here because you intrigue me."

Leon raised an eyebrow. "Intrigue?"

Selene leaned forward slightly. "A man cast aside by his family suddenly returns and challenges one of the most powerful nobles in the empire. A bold move. A reckless move. Or… a calculated one?"

Leon smirked. "A bit of both."

Selene's eyes gleamed. "Good. I appreciate calculated risk-takers."

Leon's gaze sharpened. "And what does the Cold Princess want with me?"

Selene's smile did not reach her eyes.

"I offer you an alliance."

A Tempting Offer

Leon leaned back. "An alliance?"

Selene nodded. "You've made enemies. Powerful ones. But so have I."

Leon narrowed his eyes. "Your father, Duke Everhart, is one of the strongest nobles in the empire. Why would you need an alliance with me?"

Selene's expression remained unreadable. "My father… is not my ally. Nor my enemy. But there are forces in this empire who seek to control me, just as your brother seeks to destroy you."

Leon remained silent.

Selene's voice softened. "You and I are alike, Leon. Both underestimated. Both abandoned. Both dangerous."

Leon studied her carefully.

She was right.

And she was offering something valuable—noble support, political influence, and a powerful ally.

But…

Leon smirked. "And what do you gain from this alliance?"

Selene leaned closer, her icy fragrance surrounding him.

"For now? Your survival benefits me."

Leon chuckled. "For now?"

Selene's lips curled into a knowing smile. "Who knows? I may find you useful in other ways as well."

The tension between them thickened.

Neither looked away.

Neither backed down.

Leon finally stood. "I'll consider your offer, Princess."

Selene's silver eyes gleamed. "Do that, Leon. And do not keep me waiting."

As Leon Left the Manor…

A voice spoke behind him.

"You're playing a dangerous game."

Leon turned to see Isolde, Selene's trusted attendant, watching him with sharp eyes.

Leon smirked. "I enjoy dangerous games."

Isolde sighed. "Just be careful. The Princess… she does not choose allies lightly. If she's interested in you, it means she sees something in you. Something worth using."

Leon chuckled. "Maybe I'll use her first."

Isolde shook her head. "You don't use the Cold Princess. You either serve her… or you match her."

Leon's smirk widened.

"Then I guess I'll match her."

As he walked away, he felt it—the game of power had truly begun.

And Princess Selene Everhart was only the first opponent on his path.