The afternoon breeze was warm, carrying the scent of magnolia blossoms that spread through the imperial gardens.
Bianca remained motionless by the window of the grand hall, watching with cold eyes as Zephyr's black carriage crossed the palace gates and disappeared into the horizon. Her face remained impassive, but inside, something twisted—a nagging sensation, as if the echoes of his presence still lingered in the air like a persistent shadow.
Her long white hair, soft as silk, swayed gently with the wind that flowed through the wide open windows. Her violet eyes, however, remained steady, unwavering.
— What is he scheming now? — she murmured to herself, her voice low and laced with suspicion. Her fingers tightened around the curtain, pulling it shut with a sharp movement. The view of the courtyard vanished, but the unease remained.
She turned with elegance, the fabric of her scarlet dress swirling around her as she walked through the palace corridors. Her steps were firm, echoing softly against the polished marble floor. Zephyr was no stranger to this place—especially when it involved Lady Lyra—but the way he had behaved during this visit… that was different. He was not the same man as before.
She crossed the noble wing with the impeccable posture of a true princess, and upon reaching the private quarters of the imperial family, she found two guards stationed before the ornate door of her brother's chamber. Both straightened at the sight of her, bowing respectfully before opening the doors for her passage.
The room was quiet, illuminated by the soft light of the setting sun filtering through the sheer curtains. Cassius was reclined against silk pillows, his presence as imposing as ever despite the pallor of his skin. His white hair, still slightly disheveled, fell over his forehead, and his red eyes—intense as rubies—lifted to meet hers with a mix of curiosity and weariness.
He exuded authority, even in his weakened state.
— Bianca. — His voice was low and hoarse, but it did not waver. — I didn't expect to see you so soon.
Bianca advanced without hesitation, her heels touching the marble floor with grace. She slid into the chair beside the bed, crossing her legs with the natural elegance of someone who had been raised among nobility.
— I thought you'd like to know who visited the palace today. — Her voice was calm, but as sharp as a well-polished blade. — And, surprisingly, it was only to see you.
Cassius arched an eyebrow, leaning forward slightly.
— Lady Lyra? — He asked, his voice carrying mild interest.
— No. — Bianca held her brother's gaze, watching for any change in his expression. — It was Zephyr Delacroix.
The moment the name was spoken, Cassius' expression darkened. His crimson eyes gleamed with an icy intensity, and his fingers, once relaxed, clenched around the white sheets.
— He had the audacity to show up here? — Cassius' voice dropped to a deeper tone, each word laced with restrained incredulity. — After everything that happened?
— It seems so. — Bianca tilted her head slightly, as if considering the thought with indifference, but the flicker of unease in her eyes betrayed her.
Cassius ran his tongue over his dry lips, his gaze narrowing.
— And what did he want? — His right hand clenched around the sheet, his knuckles turning white.
Bianca observed the gesture, and for a moment, a bitter taste filled her mouth.
— Just… to check on you. — She let out a small, crooked smile, but it was empty. — Or at least, that's what he claimed.
Cassius let out a dry, humorless chuckle.
— Zephyr never does anything without a reason. — He tilted his head slightly, his eyes scrutinizing his sister. — And you know that.
Bianca looked away for a second—just a second. But it was enough.
— Bianca. — Cassius called, his voice quieter now, tinged with dangerous suspicion. — Are you still obsessed with him?
Bianca blinked slowly, keeping her expression unreadable.
— Of course not.
— "Of course not?" — Cassius repeated, his tone mildly mocking. — Your feelings for him disappeared just like that? For no reason at all?
She inhaled deeply, leaning back into the chair with poise.
— Maybe he's changing. — Her voice came out softer than she had intended.
Cassius let out a short, incredulous laugh.
— Changing? — He shook his head. — Zephyr doesn't change. He manipulates, plays, and destroys. That's all he knows how to do.
Bianca remained silent, her violet eyes now fixed on the window. Outside, the sky was beginning to take on shades of orange. Time passed, relentless.
— He's up to something. — Cassius continued, his tone lower now, as if speaking to himself. — And you know it.
Bianca intertwined her fingers in her lap, contemplating.
— Maybe. — She finally answered, turning to face him. — But, Cassius, you need to focus on your recovery. You can't afford to fall into Zephyr's provocations right now.
Cassius closed his eyes for a moment, his face relaxing slightly.
— Don't worry about me, Bianca. — A faint smile crossed his lips, but his eyes gleamed with something deeper. — Worry about what he'll do at the ball. Because this time, I won't spare his life.
Bianca pressed her lips together but said nothing. The ball would be Zephyr's next move, and she knew that every step from now on could be fatal.
Cassius sank back into the pillows, releasing a slow sigh.
— Bianca.
— Yes?
He kept his eyes closed for a moment before murmuring:
— Don't be sad.
She blinked, her heartbeat slowing for an instant.
— I'm not sad.
Cassius opened his eyes and stared at her, his gaze as sharp as ever.
— Then, the next time he comes here… — His voice was quieter now, but every word was clear. — Find out what he really wants.
Bianca nodded, but a heavy weight pressed against her chest.
Zephyr's game was only just beginning.