, with its opulent decor and antique furnishings, seemed to echo their tension, as if the walls themselves were aware of the bitter history between their families.

d dangerous. Despite his best efforts, Sebastian found his gaze drawn to her-the way the dim light played off the dark silk of her dress, t

w easily sh

lasses gleaming like sharp knives in the candlelight. The air was thick with the s

was a soft command, more

room. As he did, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was something she was hiding-som

astian couldn't bring himself to eat. His thoughts were elsewhere-on the power plays that had led them here, on the subtle but sharp exchange that had

What now, Sebastian? You've come, and the empire is still in your hands. But you can't keep it forever, not w

r words. There was no hint of softness in her tone, no sign of vulnerabili

"This isn't about you or me. This is about the empire, and I wi

ays about the empire, isn't it?" She leaned forward slightly, her gaze unwavering. "But we both know it's not that simple. This

the Cantus had long been rivals, their bloodlines tied together by betrayal, power, and loss. What was happening now was ine

was just as trapped in this as he was. She had her own reasons for agreeing to this union, reas

oice barely above a whisper, but carrying an und

, Sebastian. Just like you. We both know what it means to be born into this world-the blood, the violence, the expectations." She pa

etti legacy was built on sacrifice and survival, on ruthless decisions made in the name of power. But he couldn't help but

ing. "I didn't ask to be trapped in this web of politics

t," she agreed, her voice low and dangerous. "But here we are. And now,

ation, control, and survival. And Sebastian realized, in that moment, that Elena was far more dangerous than he had initially thought. She was

takes," he said, his voice like steel. "To protect the empire, to prot

mile, her eyes dark and unreadable

re than that. It was a beginning, the beginning of a war neither of them could walk away from. They were bound by blo

nion, was not just a political maneuver. It was the spark that would ignite a fire th