Amelia had spent the evening in the study, going through Seraphina's correspondence. She found a series of coded letters that hinted at a spy within the estate—someone feeding Evelina information.
She summoned Lilith to her chamber, deciding it was time to test the woman's loyalty.
When Lilith arrived, she leaned casually against the doorframe, her expression curious. "You called for me?"
Amelia didn't waste time. "There's a traitor among us, and I believe you know who it is."
Lilith arched a brow. "Accusations so soon? You really are desperate.""I'm not accusing you—yet," Amelia said, stepping closer. "But if you want to prove your worth, help me uncover who it is. Otherwise, you're just as suspect as everyone else."
Lilith's smirk faltered, and for the first time, Amelia saw a flicker of genuine emotion in her eyes. "Fine," Lilith said. "But don't expect me to do all the work. If you want my help, we do this my way."
---
Cedric's Warning
As night fell, Cedric found Amelia in the library, her face illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight.
"You're playing a dangerous game, Seraphina," he said, his tone low but insistent.
Amelia didn't look up. "You've said that before."
"And I'll keep saying it until you listen," he replied, stepping closer. "Evelina is building her army. She's already turned some of your allies against you, and if you don't act soon, it'll be too late."
Amelia met his gaze, her own filled with determination. "I'm aware of what's happening, Cedric. But I can't act blindly. If I make the wrong move, everything falls apart."Cedric hesitated, his expression softening. "Then let me help you. Whatever you're planning, you don't have to do it alone."
Amelia's breath caught. For a moment, she wanted to believe him, to let him in on the truth of who she really was. But the risk was too great.
"Thank you, Cedric," she said finally. "But this is something I need to handle on my own."
The next evening, Evelina made her move. She hosted another gathering, this time inviting only a select few. Among them was Lord Gregor, whose allegiance was now firmly with her.
As the wine flowed and the conversations turned to whispers, Evelina produced a document—a forged confession, implicating Seraphina in a plot against the crown.
"With this," Evelina said, holding the document aloft, "we have all we need to bring her down. The council will turn against her, and the estate will be ours."
The gathered nobles murmured their agreement, their doubts finally erased. Evelina had them exactly where she wanted them.
---
Amelia Strikes Back
Unbeknownst to Evelina, Amelia had anticipated this move. With Lilith's reluctant help, she had managed to intercept Evelina's courier and swap the forged confession with a blank document.
As Evelina revealed the paper to her conspirators, her confident smile faltered. The page was empty.
"What is this?" Lord Gregor demanded, his voice rising.
Evelina's eyes darted across the room, searching for an explanation. "It—it must be a mistake. The real document—"
"There is no real document," a voice interrupted.Amelia stepped into the room, her presence commanding. She held up the forged confession, now in her possession.
"This is the extent of Evelina's lies," Amelia said, her voice steady. "She would forge evidence to undermine me, just as she has lied to each of you to gain your trust."
The room erupted into chaos as Evelina's supporters turned on her, demanding answers.
"You've overplayed your hand, Evelina," Amelia continued, her gaze cold. "And now, you'll face the consequences."
Evelina, cornered and out of options, glared at Amelia with pure hatred. "You think this is over?" she spat. "You've won nothing."
"Perhaps," Amelia replied. "But for now, it's enough to know you've lost."
As the guards escorted Evelina away, Amelia allowed herself a moment of relief. The battle was far from over, but for the first time, she felt a glimmer of hope.
The game was still hers to play.