She’d grown up watching her parents attend endless balls, deal with backhanded compliments, and nod through veiled threats, but it always seemed like a different world—one made of polished words and masked intentions. A game for men with swords and women with fans sharpened like knives.

She had always been too busy being dazzling, too busy avoiding proposals and causing mischief.

But now, with everything that had unfolded—from meeting prince Edward to the crown prince's threat and knowing about the conspiracy—Evelyn was beginning to see it clearly:

Politics wasn’t a game. It was a battlefield.

The morning mist hadn't yet lifted when Evelyn’s maid entered with a pale blue envelope—no seal, no name, only delicate handwriting and a faint scent of lavender clinging to the parchment.

Lady Evelyn,

It was surely a tough day. I heard you were unconciouss for three days. I hope you are faring well. That day no names were spoken, though silence is rarely innocent in court.

You are being watched. And it seems he is planning to visit you.

When he does, say nothing of our encounter. 

Remain poised, but guarded.

—Your Friend

She folded the letter, her expression unreadable. " Prince Edward…" she whispered to herself, her grip tightened.

Moments later , a knock came at the door. It was her mother. She quickly tucked the note into her sleeves.

"Mother?"

"Mind telling me how did you get hurt in the leg?" 

"That...." Evelyn looked away.

Her tone serious. Catherine said."Tell me the truth, Evelyn." 

"Umm...I stabbed my self...ha.. haha" She laughed faintly scratching her head.

"You what!?" Her voice raised.

"I'm sorry for the intrusion. Your Grace! The Crown Prince is here." Margaret, the head maid came in rushing.

"The Crown Prince? Did you inform his lordship?" 

"Yes madam." 

Her mother stood up gave her a look and left in a hurry.

"The Crown Prince...." Evelyn murmured with gritted teeth.

------

The air in the Brighton estate turned heavy. Servants lined the halls with trembling bows. The Duke and Duchess stood stiffly at the entrance, barely masking their discomfort.

Prince Cassian, however, was all silk and sweetness. His smile was polite. His words cordial. His gaze?

Hungry. Calculating. Possessive .

-Reception Room-

Evelyn was sitting gracefully on the sofa. She was wearing make-up to make herself look sicker.

“My Lady Evelyn,” he purred, taking her hand gently. “I heard you were ill. I must say, even in recovery, you rival the dawn.”

“I’m feeling much better, Your Highness,” she replied smoothly, her smile well-practiced.

“Mm. I was worried. You disappeared so suddenly from the palace. Left a... curious absence.”

The reception room was quiet, the fireplace crackling low. His shadow loomed over hers, and Evelyn refused to step back.

“Tell me,” he said softly, voice like poisoned honey. “Did you see anyone of... interest at the palace before your sudden flight? Perhaps a youngman?”

Her lips curved- a clearly professional smile. “Just the usual nobles. Some were dull, others duller.”

He leaned closer, and for a second, the charming mask slipped—just enough for Evelyn to see the obsessive flame burning underneath.

“I just want you to be careful,” he whispered brushing aside a strand of hair behind her ear. “Beautiful flowers tend to get plucked first.”

A knock saved her. Leon entered, a bit too quickly, and Cassian stepped back, all politeness again.

The Crown Prince took his leave with a smirk and a bow, but Evelyn’s heart didn’t slow down until the door shut behind him.

Leon and Evelyn looked at each other letting out a sigh of relief as if a storm had passed.

-------

-Ashenbert Estate-

"I have some new information."

"What is it?"

"The aristocratic faction is making movements. They have finally decided to take action- going after the emperor."

"Damn....the aristocratic faction is stronger than imperial faction now....those old crooks are probably cooking up something...."