“Inderia—” Zander growled, but she held up a hand as if soothing a restless beast.
“If weforcehis hand,” she continued sweetly, “we risk discrediting the legitimacy of the union. Wouldn’t it be wiser… nobler… to give him time to see what’s best for the realm?”
She batted her lashes ever so slightly, and gods, it was sickening how smoothly she played him.
Theron straightened, shoulders squaring like he’d suddenly found himself the most important man in the courtyard. “You’re right,” he said, his voice touched with the edge of smugness. “Of course. You’ve always understood the subtleties of court better than most.”
Inderia inclined her head in mock modesty. “You’re too kind, Your Grace.”
Zander stood frozen, his fists clenched, his entire body vibrating with rage just barely held in check.
I watched the entire exchange in silence, the taste of iron on my tongue.
Inderia hadn’t won.
Not yet.
But she’dboughtherself time.
And now she wasn’t just using the crown to get to Zander.
She was using Theron’s pride to hold him there.
Theron’s gaze drifted over Inderia, slow and deliberate.
It wasn’t affection in his eyes.
It was calculation.
He didn’t look at her like a woman, he looked at her like a prize. A fine weapon crafted for diplomacy, polished to shine in every hall she walked. His eyes followed the curve of her shoulder, the elegance of her posture, the subtle control in her every gesture.
And she let him look.
Her head dipped just enough to seem deferential, her smile soft but full of promise. She was playing him. Every breath, every flick of her lashes, every word had been carefully designed to appeal to his arrogance.
But I knew the truth.
Theron was already betrothed.
Lady Belana of Prina. Regal. Wealthy. Powerful. More crown than person.
But Theron was watching Inderia like he was already imagining replacing one pawn with another.
His voice came slow, thoughtful. “Very well.”
Zander tensed beside me.
Theron didn’t look at him. He kept his eyes on Inderia. “You have one week. Then I expect an answer. And a wedding.”
The words hung like a trapdoor.
Zander gave a stiff nod, shoulders still squared like he was holding back a blow.
Inderia dipped into a graceful curtsy, her expression calm—but I saw the flicker of triumph in her eyes.
A week.
That’s all we had.
