Esme – POV
I had to stay behind at Valemort Estate while the entire travel route was being inspected to make sure it was safe enough for me to return to the Imperial Palace. The Duchess of Ashford and Phoenix had already left earlier and made it home safely.
"I hope this fits you," Lendra said with a smile, handing me what looked like a brand-new set of clothes.
"Lendra, thank you," I said, surprised. "But you didn't have to give me a new set of your clothes."
"You're the Queen of Eastbrone. It would be a sin to give you something used," Lendra replied without missing a beat.
I gave her a look. She grinned. I chuckled, and she joined me.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. I have a habit of being too bold with my words—and rumors," she admitted, still smiling. "But the worried look on your face was honestly kind of cute."
I shook my head, playing along. "You really are bold, joking like that with an empress."
Her smile disappeared, and she quickly bowed her head. "Apologies, Your Majesty."
I couldn't help but laugh again. "Oh my god, you scared me with that serious face," she said, relaxing.
"Call me Esme. I'm okay with that."
She blinked, clearly surprised. "Are you sure?"
"I think I need a friend here in Eastbrone," I said quietly. "And I feel like you might be the right fit."
"Me?" she stammered. "I'm not good with politics. If you're looking for someone proper, I'd say Marquess Jenny is the best candidate for a lady-in-waiting."
"I've already made up my mind," I said. Then, more quietly, "Are you scared of what happened? Of being caught up in another attack?"
She hesitated before answering. "No, Your Majesty. But... I'm the illegitimate daughter of Duke Valemort. I'm not someone who belongs near royalty."
Her voice dipped with sadness. "The reason I joke with you is—"
"You wanted to show how casual and unfit you are to be a lady-in-waiting," I finished for her.
Her eyes widened. "How did you know that?"
"I'm an empress. I have my ways," I said lightly. But the truth was, I had already done my research. Viscountess Emerald had mentioned how intelligent Lady Lendra was—top of her class in diplomacy—but never given a real chance.
"I need time, Your Majesty," she said softly. "I want to speak with Duke Edward first."
"If he doesn't give permission, let me know," I replied.
"I will. And thank you... for even considering me. I'm sorry I tried to hide—"
"Lendra, it's okay. Honestly, today's the first time I've felt human again. It feels good to laugh after everything that's happened."
She gave me a sympathetic look, clearly remembering what I'd been through. "Your Majesty, Duke Edward will make sure you're safe. Please rest easy."
I nodded and changed into something more comfortable. The room was warm, but I still hugged myself. I couldn't stop shaking. The attack kept replaying in my mind like a nightmare on loop. Duke Edward had stationed guards around my room and throughout the estate, but no one told me anything. The dead Knight Rower's face flashed as I closed my eyes. I knew the sleep wouldn't come tonight.
****
Dawn was barely breaking. The sky outside still clung to that cold, pre-sunlight blue.
A soft knock came at the door.
"Come in," I called out, thinking it was Lendra.
But it wasn't her.
I froze.
Duke Edward stood there, staring.
I was still in my nightgown. Thin fabric. Too much skin. He stopped in his tracks, and I scrambled to grab a shawl, wrapping it tightly around my chest and arms. His face turned red, and he quickly looked away.
"I thought you were Lendra," I said quickly, embarrassed and caught off guard.
"Apologies for the hour, Your Majesty," he said, voice clipped and stiff.
Then another voice—one I knew too well—cut through the doorway.
"What's the hold-up?"
My eyes followed another figure step in.
King Liam stepped inside.
He saw me, saw what I was wearing, and stopped. His jaw tightened. The frown hit fast.
"Duke Edward," he said sharply. "Step outside."
The Duke gave a quick bow and slipped out, shutting the door behind him.
Now it was just us.
Liam looked at me like I was something offensive. "What are you wearing?" he asked.
"I wasn't expecting visitors in my bedroom at dawn," I snapped. "I thought it was Lendra."
He turned his head, refusing to meet my eyes. His face was unreadable, but the tips of his ears were red. Angry? Flustered? I couldn't tell.
"Why are you here?" I asked, quieter this time.
"To take you back to the palace."
I blinked. "So soon?"
"You're safe now," he said, but his tone made the words feel… wrong. Cold.
"Am I?" I asked. "Why was I attacked in the first place?"
"My enemies are everywhere," he said, shrugging like it didn't matter.
"Even in your territory?"
He didn't answer. His eyes were hard. Like winter.
"I could've died," I said. "Even here."
"But you didn't."
That was it. That was all he had to say.
I looked away. What did I expect? Compassion? The truth?
"Why won't you let me speak to seamstress Natalie or housemaid Nedra?" I asked, pushing now. I was tired of the silence. The secrets. "What are you hiding from me?"
He didn't answer. Just stared. Not at me—through me.
"Get dressed," he said finally. His voice was flat. Final.
He walked out and closed the door.
I stood there for a while, staring at the door, heart thudding in my chest.
I need to get out of here.
Something's wrong. I don't care what anyone says—this isn't just about enemies. Someone wants me gone. Maybe it's him. Maybe it always was.
But why marry me? Why sign stupid marriage contract? Just to kill me later?
Or maybe there's someone else. Someone he does love.
I pulled my shawl tighter and got dressed. My hands were shaking. I didn't let anyone help me.
On the ride back to the palace, I felt his eyes on me. But I didn't look at him.
I couldn't.
And when I did—by accident—I saw nothing but frost.
He could kill me, I realized. And he wouldn't even blink.
I looked away fast.
As soon as the carriage stopped, King Liam stepped out first. He extended his hand to help me down.
I ignored it. Walked on my own. Didn't look back.
I headed straight toward the Empress's Palace.
"Are you alright, Your Majesty?" Lily asked as she entered my chamber.
"Lily, I need you to answer a few questions," I said, tired and desperate.
"I can't, I am sorry your majesty." she said quickly. "If it's about King Liam, or his past—or what he's hiding—I can't speak. Even if you expose my stealing to King Liam. Because crossing King Liam means death."
I let out a heavy sigh. The same excuse. The same fear gleams in her eyes.
"Fine. Then you're no help to me," I snapped. "Leave."
She left quietly, and I stood there, alone again.
What should I do now?