Chapter 4
777words
Lady Victoria handed me the invitation, her finger tapping the words "attend with spouse." "Perfect timing to introduce the new mistress of House Valerian."
Leicester's hands stilled on his cloak clasp. His eyes found mine, questioning.
I traced the invitation's edge with my fingertip, catching the faint scent of Truth Herb from my nearby medicine box.
In my previous life, Seraphina had used this very banquet—and Grey's title as "Guardian of the Wilderness"—to humiliate me beyond bearing.
"Let's go." I tucked the invitation into my sleeve and smiled at Leicester. "Some debts are best settled in public."
Before leaving, I brewed a special concoction in my west wing chamber.
The Truth Herb released its purple essence into the water. I added lavender oil, the sweet fragrance clinging to my fingers.
I packed the fragrant balm into a silver box, dabbing some behind my ears. This scent would lower defenses while masking the telltale traces of Contract Magic.
Our carriage rolled into the palace courtyard. Grey's wolf-skin tent dominated the space, impossible to miss.
Before it, the "Guardian" flag snapped in the breeze. Seraphina stood nearby in a gold-trimmed red gown, wine glass in hand, laughing with a circle of noble ladies. Her wolf fang necklace caught the light with every movement.
When she spotted us, her smile froze mid-laugh. Her fingers whitened around her glass.
"Well, well. The lady of House Valerian dares show her face?" She glided toward us, wine sloshing in her glass, voice dripping poison.
Leicester moved instinctively, placing himself between us. His cloak brushed my hand with that now-familiar coolness.
I said nothing, my eyes fixed on the faint blue claw marks visible at her collarbone—Grey's handiwork, poorly concealed beneath her rouge.
Midway through the banquet, the king summoned Grey to his council, leaving Seraphina momentarily alone.
I approached from behind, silver box in hand, pretending to admire an ice sculpture. "Your gown is lovely, Sister, but the sleeve is coming loose. May I offer some binding balm?"
Eager to flaunt her finery, she extended her wrist. Instantly, sweet fragrance enveloped her.
Grey returned from the king's council, his expression thunderous.
Seraphina fluttered to his side, voice honey-sweet. "Husband, the king praised you again, didn't he?"
Nearby nobles turned to watch. But as she finished speaking, her voice suddenly rose to a shriek: "Why are you angry? Weren't two slaps enough? When I'm no longer useful, will you throw me to the old wolf like you threatened?"
The entire hall fell silent.
Grey's face darkened to storm clouds. He lunged to cover her mouth. "Have you lost your mind?"
Seraphina twisted free. "You don't even like me! You're just using the Morningstar name to climb higher! Last time you even said—"
"Enough!" Grey roared, seizing her throat. His wolf fangs gleamed in the candlelight.
Nobles scattered like startled birds. Someone screamed.
I watched from the edge of the crowd, the scent of Truth Herb sharp in my nostrils. The Contract Magic had worked perfectly—every word she spoke was truth. How fitting that she should taste my past suffering. In my previous life, Grey's glory came through my careful planning. Did she truly believe such power came without cost?
Leicester appeared at my side with a warm cloth. "Well played," he murmured. "Now wipe away the evidence."
As I took the cloth, I spotted Father emerging from the crowd. His face was ashen, eyes wide with shock and hatred.
As we prepared to leave, Father blocked our carriage.
"Did you do this?" His voice rasped like stone on stone.
I lifted the carriage curtain. Snow-laden wind rushed in. "When you forced me to marry the werewolf, did you ever consider what I might endure?"
He opened his mouth—likely for a curse—but Leicester's icy stare forced him back. He could only watch, impotent, as our carriage pulled away.
Back at the manor, the fire still burned in my west wing chamber.
I tucked the silver box into my medicine chest and turned to find Leicester holding a note. "Delivered by Grey's messenger. In three days, there's a Wolf Tribe ceremony. They promise to 'give us a big gift.'"
I took the note, smiling. The truth spell was merely the opening move. Grey's revenge would make this game all the more interesting.
Leicester brushed snow from my shoulder. "Whatever you need, I'm with you."
Moonlight washed over his pale features, highlighting the angry red burn on his skin.
"We're allies now." I tossed the note into the fire, watching flames consume the threat. "And his 'big gift'? We'll accept it gladly."
