Chapter 73 – The Game Begins

The banquet continued, but a thick layer of tension settled between Verbena and Theodore. She could feel his sharp gaze following her every move, but she refused to acknowledge it. Instead, she smiled, laughed, and charmed the nobles around her, making it clear that she was no longer just "Theodore's wife." She was a player in this game now.

As she twirled a glass of wine in her hand, she overheard whispers from the ladies gathered near the floral centerpiece.

"Did you hear? The lady from the Fenix family has been gaining favor with the prince."

"Ah, but it's strange, isn't it? Why would Duke Theodore allow such rumors to spread?"

"Who knows? Maybe their marriage is not as perfect as it seems."

A smirk played on Verbena's lips. Good. Let the rumors spread.

She turned slightly, catching Theodore's cold stare from across the room. He was furious. She could tell by the way he gripped his glass, his knuckles turning white.

"Enjoying yourself, my love?" His voice came from behind her, smooth but laced with danger.

She turned to face him, a perfectly innocent smile on her lips. "Why, yes, Theodore. Shouldn't I be?"

His hand caught her wrist, not tight enough to hurt but firm enough to send a message. "What are you planning?"

She leaned in, her lips almost brushing against his ear. "Something fun," she whispered before pulling away with a playful smirk.

Theodore's eyes darkened, but before he could say another word, a commotion near the entrance stole their attention.

A noble stumbled inside, his face pale as if he had seen a ghost. "Duke Theodore!" he gasped. "There's—there's been an attack on your northern estate!"

The entire hall fell silent.

Theodore's expression turned cold. He let go of Verbena's wrist and strode forward, demanding more details.

Verbena watched him, her smirk fading.

So, the game begins in earnest now.

---