The morning air was crisp, carrying the faint scent of blooming roses as Lila wandered through the Argent estate gardens. The world was tranquil, but her mind raced with thoughts of Elyas's cryptic warning and the layers of intrigue she had glimpsed at the tea gathering. The puzzle pieces didn't yet fit, but she knew she needed to tread carefully.
"Lady Lila!" Aria's voice broke through her reverie. The younger girl approached, her usual reserved demeanor softened with a shy smile. "Are you... alright?"
"I'm fine, Aria. Just thinking," Lila replied, brushing a stray hair from her face. "What about you? How are you feeling after yesterday?"
Aria hesitated, her gaze darting to the side. "You were amazing. I—I wanted to say thank you. I know the ladies can be... cruel."
Lila smiled, reaching out to squeeze her sister's hand. "We're family, Aria. I'll always stand by you."
Aria's cheeks turned pink, and she quickly excused herself, leaving Lila with a warmth in her chest—and a faint pang of guilt for doubting the Argent siblings.
Before she could dwell on it further, a servant approached, bowing deeply. "My lady, a royal messenger has arrived."
The family gathered in the grand hall, tension thick in the air as the messenger delivered his message.
"Lady Lila Argent," the man intoned, "Her Majesty Queen Morgana requests your presence at the palace for a private audience."
Ciel's expression darkened. "I'll accompany her."
"Her Majesty specifically requested Lady Lila come alone," the messenger said, bowing slightly.
Callum stepped forward, his tone sharp. "What business does the Queen have with my sister?"
The messenger offered no answers, only a formal bow before departing.
"It's a trap," Callum muttered.
"Or a test," Ciel added, his eyes narrowing. "Lila, you can't trust her."
"I don't have much of a choice," Lila said, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. "If I refuse, it'll only raise suspicion."
Aria clutched Lila's hand, her eyes wide with worry. "Please be careful."
"I will."
The palace gleamed under the midday sun, its spires piercing the azure sky. Lila's footsteps echoed in the vast halls as she was escorted to the audience chamber. Ciel had accompanied her to the palace gates, but now she was alone, save for the watchful eyes of the royal guards.
Queen Morgana sat on her gilded throne, an embodiment of grace and power. Her emerald-green gown shimmered with every movement, and her piercing gaze bore into Lila as she entered.
"Lady Lila," the Queen said, her voice smooth as silk. "How kind of you to accept my invitation."
"It is an honor to be summoned, Your Majesty," Lila replied, curtsying deeply.
The conversation began with pleasantries, but it quickly became clear that Morgana had an agenda.
"You seem to be adjusting well to your role as Ciel's fiancée," the Queen remarked, her tone light yet probing. "How fortunate he is to have someone so... resilient."
"I do my best to support him, Your Majesty," Lila said carefully.
"And yet, I wonder... are you truly loyal to the crown?" Morgana's smile didn't reach her eyes. "After all, loyalty is such a fragile thing."
Lila's heart raced, but she kept her expression calm. "My loyalty lies with Ciel and the kingdom, Your Majesty. I would never waver in my duties."
Morgana's gaze lingered on Lila for a moment longer before she waved her hand dismissively. "Of course. You may go, Lady Lila."
As Lila exited the palace, a servant discreetly approached her. "A message for you, my lady," he murmured, slipping a sealed letter into her hand before vanishing into the crowd.
Lila tucked the letter into her sleeve, her mind buzzing with questions. Ciel was waiting for her at the gates, his expression softening as he saw her.
"Are you alright?" he asked, his concern evident.
"I'm fine," she said, offering a small smile. "Let's go home."
Later that evening, in the privacy of her chambers, Lila opened the letter. The elegant script was unmistakably Elyas's.
Beware the Queen. Her webs are everywhere, and she will not hesitate to ensnare you. Trust no one completely—not even those closest to you.
Lila's grip on the letter tightened as unease settled in her chest. Was Elyas warning her out of genuine concern, or was this another layer of the game she was being drawn into?
She didn't have time to ponder further. From her window, she caught a glimpse of movement—a shadowy figure lingering near the estate gates.
Her pulse quickened. The games were no longer confined to the court. Danger was creeping closer, and Lila knew she couldn't face it alone.
Her pulse quickened. The games were no longer confined to the court. Danger was creeping closer, and Lila knew she couldn't face it alone.
She turned from the window, her mind racing with possibilities. The shadowy figure outside could be anyone—an agent of the Queen, a spy from a rival house, or someone with far darker intentions. With a decisive breath, she grabbed a cloak from her wardrobe and made her way to the hall.
The estate was quiet, the only sounds the faint creak of the floorboards beneath her feet and the distant hoot of an owl. Lila found herself outside Ciel's study, light spilling under the door. She hesitated for a moment before knocking.
"Come in," Ciel's voice called, calm and steady as always.
Lila pushed the door open to find him seated at his desk, papers scattered around him. He looked up, his brow furrowing as he took in her expression.
"What's wrong?" he asked, rising to his feet.
"There's someone outside," Lila said, her voice low. "Near the gates. I saw them from my window."
Ciel's expression hardened. Without a word, he crossed the room, pulling a sword from the rack by the wall.
"Stay here," he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for argument.
"No," Lila said, surprising even herself with the strength in her voice. "If this is about me, I need to know who it is."
Ciel studied her for a moment, then nodded. "Stay close."
They moved through the darkened halls together, the only light coming from the moon filtering through the high windows. Lila's heart pounded as they stepped into the cool night air, the faint scent of dew clinging to the breeze.
Near the gates, the figure was still there, cloaked and unmoving, as if waiting for something—or someone.
Ciel raised his sword, the blade glinting in the moonlight. "Who's there? State your business!"
The figure didn't respond but instead took a slow step back, retreating toward the shadowy tree line.
Lila couldn't suppress the chill that ran down her spine. There was something eerily deliberate about the figure's movements, as if they wanted to be seen but not caught.
"Stay here," Ciel murmured, advancing toward the gate.
But before he could get too far, the figure raised a hand and threw something over the gate. It landed with a soft thud on the ground before them—a small bundle wrapped in black cloth.
Ciel halted, his stance wary. He reached down cautiously, unwrapping the cloth to reveal a single crimson rose and a note.
Lila leaned closer as he unfolded the paper.
"For Lady Lila. A reminder that every rose has its thorns."
Her breath hitched. Whoever had been here wasn't just watching—they wanted her to know they were.
The figure was gone now, vanished into the night, leaving only the rose and its ominous message behind.
"Come inside," Ciel said, his voice tight with barely contained anger. "We need to figure out who's behind this."
Lila nodded, but the unease in her chest only deepened. The games had begun in earnest, and it seemed her enemies were already several moves ahead.