PHIN

ng scent of expensive rosewater couldn't m

celain cup, her eyes raking over my disheveled state with sheer disgust. She was the Duchess of

silk gown of pale blue, a stark contrast to my torn, mud-stained linen dress

p down with a sharp clink on its saucer. "Like

eyes to play the part they expected: t

rble floor as she circled me like a vulture. "The men

wide with feigned shock. "Mother, her virtue is ruined

ch is why you, Seraphina, will take Isolde's place. You

y a man said to be cursed, disfigured, and dying. For a Dragonless bride, it wa

, my eyes wide with practiced fear. "Plea

arry the Lord of Ironscale," Beatrice said coldly, her face a mask of ruthless amb

iously, "It's better than hanging

he terrified facade dropped. I let a

ng Beatrice's gaze head-on. "I

sed by my sudden shift

ing up a silver letter opener. I inspected its

crippled one," I said smoothly, "I require the ful

nocence slipping into outrage. "You g

u're giving up the marriage, Isolde. Yo

t clashed horribly with her expensive gown.

nto the royal square right now. I can find a King's Guard and announce, very loudly, how

stigation, of treason, hit home. The Dragon

ng. The expensive rosewater scent now

aming the price of my life and my silence

mother, horrified.

ally realizing she had underestimated the

hands trembling with rage

attered loudly in the silent room. I turned my

aid over my shoulder

vant whispering to another. Mrs. Gable, my guardian, m