The room had grown still. Liora sat with her hands resting in her lap, her fingers lightly pressing into the fabric of her dress. The thick veil covering her vision made everything feel distant, almost unreal. Only hours ago, she had been in the Miral household, surrounded by familiar faces, and now she was here, in an unfamiliar estate, waiting for a man who had yet to arrive.
The ceremony had ended long ago. Lucien had left the room before she even had a chance to hear his voice properly. And now, she was simply waiting. For what, she wasn't sure.
A soft creak came from the door, and she straightened instinctively. But instead of Lucien, it was Lily, one of the maids assigned to her. The girl moved quickly, carrying a small tray with a bowl of soup.
"Madam," Lily whispered, setting it down on the low table beside her. "This was sent for you."
Liora gave a small nod, her hands tightening slightly. She wasn't hungry, but refusing it outright would only raise questions.
Lily lingered for a moment, hesitating before glancing toward the door. Then, in a voice barely more than a whisper, she said, "Don't drink it."
Liora's brows furrowed beneath the veil. "What do you mean?"
"I overheard something in the kitchen. I don't know what they put in it, but please… just don't." Lily straightened, her hands clenched at her sides. "I have to go now."
Before Liora could ask more, the girl had already stepped away, quietly slipping out of the room.
Liora turned her head toward the tray, the faint aroma of the soup reaching her through the veil. She reached for the spoon, running her fingers over the smooth handle. She remembered what Lily advised her to do just few minutes ago, as the house was quiet, but there was still no sign of Lucien. Liora furrwowed her eye brows and She set the spoon down.
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Morning arrived slowly in the palace, the first light slipping through the carved wooden screens, casting soft golden patterns on the marble floor. The quiet hum of servants moving in the halls faded behind the thick walls of the Queen Dowager's chambers.
Lilian Blackthorne sat on a cushioned divan, her fingers wrapped around a porcelain teacup. Her posture was effortlessly poised, her expression unreadable. Even in her later years, she carried herself with the same sharp elegance that had once made men at court uneasy. Her silver hair was pinned into an intricate updo, secured with a pearl-studded comb. Her deep green eyes were piercing and calculating; they observed everything. She wore a flowing robe of rich violet, embroidered with golden peonies, a color that signified both power and patience.
Across from her, Edgar stood, his tall frame slightly bowed as he waited for permission to speak. He had served the palace for decades, long enough to understand that silence was its own language in this place.
With the smallest gesture of her hand, Lilian signaled him to continue.
"The vow ceremony went as expected," Edgar reported. "Master Lucien seems to have accepted the vows, and Lady Liora swore her loyalty."
Lilian exhaled slowly, setting her cup down on the lacquered table beside her. "And my son?"
"He left before the night could progress further."
The corners of her lips curled slightly, it was not quite a smile, but something close to that. "That boy… thick-skinned as always."
She leaned back, her fingers lightly tapping against the armrest of her seat. "And the girl?"
"She carried herself well enough," Edgar answered. "But she is uncertain. She hesitates."
Lilian sighed, as if she had expected nothing less. "Send word to her," she said.
Edgar nodded, waiting for further instruction.
"She must understand her role as a concubine is not to remain incomplete. There is no use in delaying what must be done." Her voice was calm, her meaning clear. "Beatrice will ensure she fulfills her duty soon."
"I will see it done," Edgar replied smoothly.
Lilian reached for her tea again but paused, her gaze shifting toward the doorway. She heard soft footsteps approaching her chamber.
A moment later, the doors parted, revealing Queen Ellora.
She moved with the grace expected of her, her ivory and blue silks flowing behind her as she stepped into the chamber. The morning light caught the golden tones of her hair, making her look even more radiant.
Lilian's sharp gaze softened.
"My child," she greeted, her voice carrying warmth rarely heard from her. She lifted a hand, gesturing for Ellora to come closer.
Ellora stepped forward, bowing lightly. "Good morning, Mother."
Lilian reached out, her fingers brushing against the queen's golden locks before resting gently atop her head.
As Edgar took a step back, the Queen Dowager studied Ellora's face carefully before speaking again, her voice softer this time.
"Come," she murmured. "Sit with me."
There was much to discuss.
The soft rustle of silk filled the chamber as Queen Ellora took her seat beside the Queen Dowager. Lilian's gaze remained steady, watching her with pride as she in real adored her daughter-in-law. She had chosen this girl herself, handpicking her to be Alden's bride and the queen of the state. Ellora had always carried herself with grace, but today, there was something off about her.
Ellora folded her hands in her lap, her expression calm, though her fingers lightly traced the embroidery on her sleeve. "I hope Mother has been keeping well," she said, her voice warm but measured. "I regret that I haven't been able to attend to you these past days. The harem has required much of my attention."
Lilian gave a slow nod, her lips curving in the faintest hint of amusement. "Yes, I can imagine."
The harem was a world of its own, one of whispers, alliances, and carefully veiled power struggles. It was no easy task to maintain peace within it. Ellora had always been skilled in handling delicate matters, but Lilian could see the weight of responsibility settling into her features as she herself managed the harem years ago.
Before Ellora could continue, Lilian turned slightly, her eyes flickering toward Edgar. "Do as I've instructed," she said simply.
Edgar understood the unsaid and bowed without question. "At once, my lady." He did not linger, stepping out of the chamber with silent precision.
The moment the doors closed behind him, Ellora exhaled lightly, her shoulders relaxing just a fraction. She glanced at Lilian, a knowing smile playing at the corners of her lips.
"Mother understands me too well," she murmured.
Lilian's gaze did not waver while she gave a cheerful smile. "I know why you are here."