— THE DISOWNED HEIRESS & THE SCARRED FRENCH MONARCH —
The grand curved staircase felt steep and burdensome as Vivienne climbed higher step by step. She leaned her whole weight hard against Marco while her small frame trembled visibly from head to foot. She kept her breathing fast and shallow just like someone trapped in fear and panic to make the act look real and convincing.
But the moment they turned past the wide dark wooden rail at the top floor everything changed instantly. All the loud noise shouting and crashing sounds rising from downstairs faded far away behind thick walls and closed doors. Vivienne pulled herself upright and stood tall with perfect steady posture.
Every sign of weakness sickness or fear vanished completely from her face and her body. Her eyes grew sharp clear
