Cordelia was escorted away by Evangeline and finally, Lumielle got to exhale. It was one of the first times she could feel as though things were going her way. There were too many questions after she had been poisoned, too many enemies, and now, she felt secure in this.
Though, Lumielle knew that this wasn't enough. She needed to silence these rumors even further. It didn't matter if her legitimacy was questioned but it would impact Aristele.
Lumielle wouldn't let that happen.
"I apologize," Lumielle said sweetly, "I'm sure everyone understands." There always had to be a balance. She had been far too lenient in allowing things to happen to her. By playing the angel, she let people pluck her feathers until she was left to the hoarfrost. Not anymore, she would play both games.
