Esme — POV
A week later
Dresses for the tea party were spread out on the bed when I stepped out of the shower, towel wrapped around me.
"Your Majesty, which dress do you prefer?" Lily asked, soft and careful, like she always is around me now.
My eyes landed on the green gown with gold trim and a sweetheart neckline. I pointed. She nodded and picked it up immediately. The other maids moved quickly to start dressing me—always working so hard.
I glanced at my reflection. Hair up in a neat bun, pearl necklace resting gently against my collarbone. In that mirror, I looked like an empress. A queen. But in my head? My own voice was spitting: Fraud.
"You look beautiful, Lady Esme," Lily said, and I could tell she meant it. But she was still scared of me. She's been walking on eggshells ever since I caught wind of her secrets. She swore loyalty after I cornered her.
I left my chambers and made my way to the carriage, nerves buzzing under my skin. My heart was pounding by the time I saw the knight waiting outside.
"Greetings, Your Majesty, moon of Eastbrone," he said. "I am your knight, Benedict." He dropped to one knee, head bowed, fist over his heart.
So this was the escort King Liam had promised. I'd been told a knight would accompany me to the venue. As he lifted his head, I caught Lily and a few maids gasping. Of course. He was stupidly handsome—sharp jaw, serious eyes.
"Rise, Sir Benedict," I said. "I trust I'll be safe in your hands."
"You have my word, Your Majesty. I would give my life for your safety."
I gave a small nod, and he helped me into the carriage.
There was no snowfall today, but the world outside was still blanketed in white. The sunlight barely broke through the thick gray clouds.
When the carriage stopped, Sir Benedict extended his hand again. I placed mine in his and stepped out.
A woman with pale skin, wavy blonde hair, and striking green eyes stood nearby in a yellow dress and a warm coat. Butlers and maids flanked her, ready to greet me.
"Greetings, Your Majesty, moon of Eastbrone," they all said in perfect unison.
"Welcome to our estate. We're honored to have you," the woman said warmly. "I am Lady Lenedra Valemort."
"Thank you for having me, Lady Lenedra," I replied with a practiced smile. I kept my steps poised, just like Viscountess Emerald taught me.
Inside the tea parlor, other women stood, bowing in greeting. Their eyes were measuring me, reading me like a book they weren't sure they liked yet.
"Please, take your seats," I said, and the ladies obeyed.
"Let me introduce you to Eastbrone's elite circle," Lady Lenedra said. "Duchess Martha of Ashford, and Duchess Alice of Phoenix."
"Empress, are you familiar with the duchesses' business ventures?" Martha asked. She was older and clearly trying to test me.
"I am," I said, keeping my voice calm. "Ashford is known for its steel and iron ore. A backbone of our empire's industry."
Martha smirked, but didn't push.
"Phoenix specializes in magic stones and medicinal herbs," I continued. "And Valemort manages military manpower and supplies weapons for our army."
"Very well-informed, Empress Esme," Martha said. A smile passed between the ladies as tea and cakes were served.
To my surprise, their conversation wasn't shallow or filled with gossip. They spoke of economics, land management, and trade. Not whispered scandals or lovers, the way Merina and her friends used to.
When the tea ended, Lady Lenedra offered to show me her estate. I accepted—until a voice stopped us.
"Your Majesty, greetings."
I turned. Duke Edward was approaching, confident as ever.
"Lenedra, I'll walk the Empress through the estate," he said. Lenedra hesitated, but gave a small nod. I caught a faint teasing smile tug at her lips as she looked between the two of us.
"Duke Edward," I said, "is there something you wanted to say?"
"I'd like to show you our training grounds," he said. "We've developed new self-defense methods. My sister gets giddy watching enchanted sword fights."
"I see."
We walked. I saw soldiers sparring with glowing blades—magic-infused steel clashing just like it had when King Liam fought with Duke Edward. I felt my stomach twist, but at least I didn't get dizzy this time.
"Attention!" Duke Edward called. "The Empress is here."
The soldiers straightened into perfect lines, bowing their heads.
I raised my hand. "Thank you, soldiers of Eastbrone. Your sacrifices give this land peace. They are the gifts that protect our future—our children."
I could feel Edward's eyes on me. The soldiers cheered.
"Resume after your break," Edward said.
It felt like another test—like every step I took was being judged.
"I didn't expect such words from you," he admitted.
"Did you think so little of me?" I asked, voice low. If it weren't for Viscountess Emerald, I'd have failed every one of these quiet trials.
"No, Your Majesty… but there's a rumor you hired the Viscountess as your teacher. Many believe a true royal should've already had such knowledge."
"And many believe I'm just an illegitimate child, sent here to be rid of," I finished for him. He went stiff. I'd learned that from Lily. When I first heard it, I was terrified. But I had to play brave. Had to keep my head—maybe find a way out someday, take some coin and run somewhere peaceful.
"Your Majesty—"
I held up a hand. His face showed guilt.
"Duke Edward, I don't care about rumors," I said. "I'm here to serve Eastbrone. I am King Liam's wife."
"Westland nobles are only loyal to their own people," he said. "I don't mean offense. I just need to be sure—"
"I understand your suspicion," I cut in. "But King Liam knows what's best for his kingdom. If he decides I'm not fit, that's his decision. Not yours. Thank you for the tour. I'll be leaving now."
I turned. Duke Edward's warm smile had vanished.
Before I could take another step, a hand grabbed me, yanking me back—just in time for an arrow to fly past. It would've hit me straight in the chest.
"Empress Esme! Are you hurt?"
Duke Edward had thrown himself in front of me, shielding me. Soldiers were shouting, and someone was being dragged away.
My vision blurred, everything hazy.
"Empress Esme," Edward's voice came again. I gripped him, clinging to his warmth.
"I'm… I'm okay," I breathed.
What shook me most wasn't the arrow. It was who fired it. The knight King Liam had sent.
He was dead now—but the damage was done.
Had King Liam ordered this? Was the letter I received telling the truth? Were the stories of the other brides... also true?
Was I next?