He gave her a long, searching look before replying, "You'd better. Because if you can't, no one will save you."
------
After the dance, Amelia excused herself and slipped into the garden, needing a moment to collect her thoughts. The cool night air was a welcome relief from the suffocating atmosphere inside.
She wasn't alone for long.
Lilith appeared, her crimson hair glowing under the moonlight. She leaned against a marble column, her green eyes sparkling with mischief.
"You're surprisingly composed tonight," Lilith remarked. "Almost as if you've grown a conscience."
Amelia frowned, unsure of how to respond. "What do you want, Lilith?" Lilith pushed off the column and sauntered closer. "I'm here to offer you a choice. Evelina is gathering allies faster than you can blink, and Cedric… well, let's just say his faith in you is wavering."
"What's your point?" Amelia asked, her voice sharper than she intended.
"My point," Lilith said, circling her like a predator, "is that you need someone on your side. Someone who knows how to play this game better than anyone."
"And you're offering yourself?"
Lilith smirked. "Let's just say my interests align with yours—at least for now." Amelia considered her words carefully. She didn't trust Lilith, but she couldn't afford to dismiss the offer outright.
"I'll think about it," she said finally.
Lilith's smile widened. "Do that. But don't take too long. The tides are shifting, and indecision can be fatal."
-----
Evelina's Hidden Move
Meanwhile, Evelina was in the library with Marius, reviewing a map of the estate and its surrounding areas. She pointed to a particular section, her finger tapping the parchment decisively.
"This is where we strike," she said. "Seraphina's influence comes from the estate and its connections to the smaller houses. If we cut her off here, she'll have no resources left to fight back."
Marius frowned. "And what about Cedric? He still seems to have a soft spot for her."
Evelina's expression darkened. "Then we give him a reason to turn away. If he believes she's betrayed him, he'll abandon her completely."Marius hesitated. "And if this doesn't work?"
"It will," Evelina snapped. "Because I won't stop until she's gone."
---
A Glimpse of Hope
Back in the garden, Amelia stared up at the moon, her thoughts racing. She didn't know how much longer she could keep up the charade, but she wasn't ready to give up yet.
A voice broke through her reverie.
"Lady Seraphina."
She turned to see a young servant standing a few feet away, holding a small, sealed letter.
"This just arrived for you," the servant said, bowing slightly before retreating.
Amelia opened the letter, her hands trembling. The words inside were simple but chilling:"Trust is your greatest weapon—and your greatest weakness. Choose wisely."
She folded the letter and slipped it into her pocket, her resolve hardening. If Evelina and the others thought they could break her, they were wrong.
The game was far from over.
-----
Amelia paced back and forth in her chamber, the mysterious letter clutched in her hand. Trust was indeed her greatest weakness, but it could also be her salvation if she played her cards right. Evelina's trap was closing in, Cedric's faith was crumbling, and Lilith's sudden offer of allegiance only made things murkier.
She needed answers—and fast.
------
Evelina Strikes
Evelina, ever the puppeteer, had called a secret meeting with a few of Seraphina's former allies. Among them was Lord Gregor, a once-loyal supporter, now lured by Evelina's promises of wealth and influence.
"Lady Seraphina has grown weak," Evelina declared, her voice smooth and commanding. "She clings to a throne built on sand, and it is only a matter of time before she crumbles entirely."
Lord Gregor frowned. "And you believe you are the better option?"
Evelina smiled coldly. "I don't just believe it. I know it. With your help, we can end her reign and establish a new order—one where loyalty is rewarded, not punished." Her words hung in the air, and the men around the table exchanged uncertain glances. Evelina's charm was undeniable, but some still hesitated to turn on Seraphina so openly.
"Make your choice," Evelina said, her tone hardening. "But know this: when she falls, those who stand with her will share her fate."