My fork paused mid-air as I caught Count Valerian’s gaze, his eyes glinting with malice. He had timed his question perfectly to catch me unawares. I chided myself internally for not appearing more invested in their conversation. But I was not a fool when it came to global events. 

Just as I prepared to gather my thoughts, Lady Evelina’s laughter drifted across the table, a delicate tinkle that might have been charming if not for the venom laced beneath it.

“Count Valerian, you flatter our guest with such complex matters,” she purred, her tone dripping with feigned sweetness. “After all, Aurorea’s intricacies are vast, and our dear Luciana has barely had time to unpack her trunks.”

Alaric’s chuckle followed a low, dangerous rumble—a dragon content in its lair. 

“Indeed, one must wonder whether her education in Nimrea covered more than the rudimentary arts.” Came the condescending reply from Count Valerian. 

I resisted the urge to drive my dessert fork through both of them and instead took a measured sip of wine, allowing the vipers their petty moment. Then, setting my glass down, I met Count Valerian’s gaze, my voice cutting through their banter like steel.

“Count Valerian, while I appreciate your interest in my perspective, it would seem you have forgotten etiquette. It’s hardly courteous to ask a question and deny a reply. One might hope your diplomacy reflects better manners, lest Aurorea’s reputation be tarnished.”

A wave of surprise rippled through the table, and I felt the weight of their stares but did not care. They had tried to play me for a fool.  I held my chin high, continuing with confidence. “As for the negotiation talks, I understand that  Elaris, in turn, proposes exotic spices and fine textiles—goods that would enrich our markets and elevate the lives of our people. While Aurorea is only offering a vast amount of ore and steel."

I allowed my gaze to sweep across the faces of those assembled, my voice firm and unwavering. “But Elaris is not currently at war. They enjoy peace and have little interest in ore or other materials for weaponry. To push this on them is to seed discord within their lands.”

My eyes landed on Count Valerian. Though his face was new to me, I had read many reports on him growing up in my father's office. He had been a minister of foreign affairs for several decades and was known for his fierce support of Aurorea’s arms trade. He was one of the worst types of nobles—a warmonger wearing the mask of a gentleman. 

“Unless our aim here is to destabilize Elaris, we must reconsider the terms we present. But, surely, Count Valerian, you have considered this already?”

Silence fell, thick and heavy, as my words settled over them. I noted Alaric’s clenched jaw, his previously smug demeanor slipping, and Lady Evelina’s fan fluttered open, covering her face, a sparrow startled into flight.

Prince Leandro’s laugh broke the quiet. 

“Well said, Lady Luciana,” he said, his tone holding more than a touch of admiration. “Your insight rivals many a council member, who often speak with far less eloquence.”

Warmth crept to my cheeks, though I held my composure as best I could under his gaze. “Thank you, Your Highness.” 

Leandro chuckled, his eyes gleaming. “Hardly surprising, considering your father’s renown as Councilor and Envoy of Nimrea. His diplomacy during the Solara Treaty is still spoken of as an example to follow to this day.”

I blinked, caught off guard by his knowledge of my father’s accomplishments.

“And Lady Brigid,” Leandro continued, his eyes shifting to Sterling, who tensed at her mention. “she was also known for her skills in diplomacy. That is where your parents met. At a trade summit.”

"Yes, that is how they met," I said as I nodded my head. I felt glares digging at me, so I turned and noticed the contained rage on Alaric's face, the vein on his temple pulsing. An expression I had expected, though I was not expecting the look on Prince Sterling's face. His eyes were glassy as if they contained tears, but his jaw was clenched tight, and he held his glass tightly that I was sure it would crack at any second. He looked at Leandro with the gaze of a man severely wounded and enraged. 

Lady Evelina, desperate to steer the conversation to another topic, chirped, “Speaking of summits, Luciana, what are your thoughts on the Vesper Summit? Now that you’re officially a Kildare and a noble, you’ll be expected to attend.”

I hadn't heard of the Vesper Summit, but I had to carefully select my words lest I give them an opportunity to belittle me again. “I regret I haven’t been fully briefed on the details.”

“Good heavens!” Lady Evelina gasped theatrically, her eyes wide with feigned shock. “You simply must acquaint yourself. It’s unthinkable to remain ignorant on such a historical matter.”

Sterling cut in, his voice smooth, and his expression returned to calm. “It’s still uncertain if Aurorea will renew the summit.”

Count Valerian nodded, a glint of genuine concern in his eyes. “Sending our youth into the Shadow Territories is too grave a risk, even for the hope of unity.”

The mention of the Shadow Territories pricked at something in my memory, a thorn beneath the skin. I recalled fragments of my father, brow furrowed as he studied maps and treaties about those very lands, though now the specifics escaped me.

“The summit represents a chance to reinforce the peace,” Prince Leandro murmured thoughtfully.

“Ah, my brother, the idealist,” Sterling said with a mocking chuckle. “Always dreaming of peace.”

I leaned forward, meeting Sterling’s gaze evenly. “It's an admirable pursuit.”

An uncomfortable silence fell, and I felt the weight of their stares again. Their judgment was evident in their gaze. Prince Sterling tilted his head, his gaze chilling. “Peace is a luxury, Lady Luciana, often out of reach.”

“That’s true, Your Highness,” I replied calmly before adding, “But choosing bloodshed without exhausting diplomacy is no valorous act. It’s tyranny disguised as heroism—a hunger for power, not for the welfare of one’s people.”

Alaric’s hand tightened around his goblet, venom dripping from his voice as he finally spoke. “You presume much, girl. Aurorea bears burdens you cannot fathom.”

I met his glare without flinching, defiance sparking in my gaze. “On the contrary, I know far more than you assume, Uncle.”

His face reddened at my use of the familial term, and with a scowl, he abruptly stood, his chair scraping the floor. “Your Highness, I have other matters to attend to.” He was quickly excused by the crown prince and turned, almost running out of the room. The other two were not far behind in departing as well. 

With their departure, an uneasy tension settled, simmering just beneath the surface. Desperate to escape the charged atmosphere, I parted my lips, preparing an excuse.

Leandro rose then, offering his hand with a charming smile. “There are wonders of the palace you’ve yet to see, Lady Luciana.”

I had waited too long to speak, and now my opportunity to flee was gone. 

"Thank you for having me for lunch, your highness." I curtsied to the Crown Prince, who looked at me curiously—not with contempt, but as one would look at an interesting new toy. 

"It was a pleasure having you, Lady Luciana. I hope to see more of you."

I plastered a smile as I took Leandro's hand and followed him through the grand hallways and lush, manicured gardens. 

The palace was undeniably beautiful, with statues, fountains, and pathways winding through bursts of vibrant blooms. But as we wandered in silence, without any clear destination, I couldn’t shake the feeling that he might be toying with me.

“Your Highness, might I ask where we’re going?”

His smile deepened, a flicker of amusement lighting his gaze. “Growing impatient?”

It wasn't impatience; it was pain. Though beautiful, the heels I had been forced to wear became unbearably uncomfortable the longer I walked. But I couldn't say that because the ladies in Aurorea do not discuss such matters. 

Instead, I managed a smile, my voice edged with boldness. “Forgive my impertinence, but… are you lost?”

His laugh was soft as he finally led me to a pair of ornate doors, opening them to reveal a breathtaking library lined with shelves stacked high with ancient books and scrolls.

I stepped forward, feeling the subtle hum of magic in the air. “What is this place?”

He watched me closely. “A library."  He said condescendingly. 

I contained the urge to roll my eyes at him. I was still learning all of Aurorea's customs and etiquette, but answering sarcastically may not be the proper response. 

"It is quite a beautiful one." Glancing around at the shelves, I was immediately struck by the condition of the books. "These books look very old."

"They are. This library only contains rare tomes of magic—spells, enchantments, and histories of artifacts.” His eyes gleamed. “I thought it might interest you.”

My pulse quickened as I scanned the spines of the books, each one vibrating with an otherworldly energy. I turned to him, wary. “Why would you think it would interest me?” I asked, trying to keep the panic out of my voice. Had Prince Leandro found out who I was?

He walked closer to me, a look in his eyes that I couldn't read. If he did know what I was, would I need to get rid of him?

"This is your first visit to the Palace, and you did not go straight to the art galleries, or the gardens, or the ballrooms like the other noble ladies. No, you immediately asked to tour the libraries. That tipped me off."

Damn, Eamon had been right. Asking to see the libraries was suspicious. 

"So you know what I am?" I cautiously asked as I went through my memory to figure out which spell I would need to use on him. 

"Yes," Leandro said softly, then a big grin spread across his face. "You're a bookworm."

"A bookworm?"

"Yes, one of those bookish ladies who prefer to spend their time reading than attending social events."

He was partially correct. If I had to decide between the two, I would choose reading over having to engage with high society. 

"Do not worry. I will not tell anyone about your preference for fictional worlds over reality, " he said with a smile, clearly misinterpreting my stunned silence. 

It was far better for him to believe that I loved books than that I was a witch, but this didn't explain why he was showing me this specific library. 

"Why did you bring me to this library?"

Leandro walked around and gestured at the shelves around us. "This is the only one you need implicit permission to see."

"Permission from the king?" 

"From me," Leandro answered with a sly smile. 

His answer made me feel uneasy. He wouldn't be showing me this exclusive library solely because I liked books. 

"What is the true reason for bringing me here, your Highness?"

Leandro’s gaze met mine, piercing and profound. “Because, Luciana, I wish to propose an alliance.”

My heart stilled. “An alliance? With me?”

“Yes,” he replied, a smirk playing on his lips. “You may not hold influence now, but you are the heir to Aurorea’s marquessate. Soon, you will hold immense power, one that is equal to the royal family. And you’ll need allies to survive what’s to come.”

I knew he was right, as I knew that he wasn't suggesting an alliance solely out of his desire to be my friend.

My brows furrowed, suspicion flaring. “And what’s in it for you?”

His expression softened a strange admiration in his gaze. “Peace. I need your support to reinstate the Vesper Summits.”

Something in his words resonated deeply. Though I didn’t yet trust him, my resolve wavered, and curiosity drove me to step closer to the unknown.