The morning after the festival was eerily quiet. The court, usually bustling with gossip and preparations for the day's events, was subdued, as if the air itself had thickened with unease.
Lila stood in the drawing room of the Argent estate, the faint scent of jasmine from the nearby garden doing little to calm her nerves. Callum and Adrian were already present, their postures tense as they poured over a map of the ballroom where the chandelier had fallen.
"You're certain it wasn't an accident?" Lila asked, breaking the silence.
Callum glanced up, his jaw tightening. "The chain holding the chandelier was cleanly severed. That's no accident."
Adrian tapped the map, his expression grim. "Whoever did this knew the layout of the room. The chandelier was cut to fall near the Queen, but the angle was slightly off. You were just as much a target."
Lila's stomach twisted. "But why me? I have no real power—"
"You're gaining influence," Callum interrupted, his tone sharp but not unkind. "People are noticing you, Lila. Some see you as a threat."
Before she could respond, a knock echoed through the room. A servant entered, bowing deeply. "Lady Argent, a message for you."
Lila took the sealed letter, her heart skipping as she recognized the emblem on the wax—a raven, the symbol of the Queen's court.
The message was brief and to the point. Queen Morgana had summoned Lila to a private audience that afternoon.
"You can't go alone," Adrian said firmly as Lila read the letter aloud.
"She's the Queen," Lila replied, folding the letter carefully. "I don't have a choice."
"I'll accompany you," Callum offered, his tone leaving no room for argument.
By the time the carriage arrived at the palace, Lila's nerves were taut. The ride through the city had been uneventful, but the weight of the Queen's summons loomed over her like a storm cloud.
The guards escorted her through the grand hallways to a secluded chamber. Callum was forced to wait outside, leaving Lila to face the Queen alone.
Queen Morgana was seated by a window, her crimson gown pooling around her like spilled wine. She didn't rise as Lila entered, her gaze fixed on the gardens beyond.
"Your Majesty," Lila said, curtsying deeply.
The Queen turned slowly, her expression inscrutable. "Lady Argent. Sit."
Lila obeyed, the silence stretching uncomfortably before Morgana spoke again.
"Last night's… incident was troubling," the Queen began, her voice cool. "Do you have any idea why someone might target you?"
Lila hesitated. "I don't, Your Majesty. I've only just begun to find my place at court. I can't imagine why anyone would see me as a threat."
Morgana's lips curved into a faint smile that didn't reach her eyes. "You underestimate yourself, my dear. Power comes in many forms, and influence is often the most dangerous of all."
The Queen leaned forward slightly, her gaze piercing. "Be careful, Lady Argent. The court is a battlefield, and you've only just stepped onto it."
After leaving the Queen's chambers, Lila found herself wandering the palace gardens, her thoughts a tangled mess. She didn't notice Elyas Marwood until he stepped into her path.
"Lila," he greeted, his tone softer than usual. "You look troubled."
She sighed, rubbing her temples. "That's an understatement."
Elyas fell into step beside her, his hands clasped behind his back. "Word travels fast in the palace. The Queen summoned you."
Lila shot him a sideways glance. "And you know this how?"
"I have my ways," he replied with a faint smirk. "What did she say?"
"She warned me to be careful," Lila admitted. "But she didn't offer any real answers."
Elyas stopped, turning to face her. "You're becoming a player in the court's games, whether you want to or not. The chandelier wasn't just a message for the Queen—it was a warning to you."
Lila frowned. "A warning for what?"
"Not everyone wants to see you succeed," Elyas said, his voice lowering. "And some will go to great lengths to ensure you don't."
Before Lila could press him further, he stepped back, his enigmatic smile returning. "Stay vigilant, Lila. The court's shadows are darker than you realize."
Later that evening, Lila retreated to the Argent library, seeking solace among the towering shelves of books. She wasn't surprised when Ciel found her there, his presence a quiet reassurance.
"I heard about the Queen's summons," he said, taking a seat across from her.
"Of course you did," Lila replied, managing a small smile. "News travels faster than light in this palace."
Ciel's expression softened. "Are you all right?"
"I'm fine," she said, though her voice wavered slightly. "I just… I didn't expect things to escalate so quickly."
Ciel leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees. "Lila, you're stronger than you think. You've faced everything the court has thrown at you so far, and you've come out unscathed."
"For now," she murmured, staring at her hands.
Ciel reached out, his fingers brushing hers lightly. "You're not alone in this. You have allies—me included."
Lila looked up, meeting his gaze. There was something in his eyes, a quiet intensity that made her heart skip.
"Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
As the Argent estate settled into silence for the night, a shadow slipped through the gardens, moving with practiced ease. The figure paused near the east wing, their gaze fixed on Lila's window.
The faint glow of a candle illuminated her silhouette as she sat at her desk, unaware of the danger lurking below.
The figure reached into their cloak, drawing out a small vial. They hesitated, glancing around before slipping it into the fountain nearby. The water rippled briefly before returning to stillness.
The shadow disappeared into the night, leaving no trace of their presence.