A night of snow, silk… and scandal served with a splash of betrayal.
The moment our heels touched the polished marble at the entrance, the air shifted.
Gasps. Stares. Whispers.
Dozens of nobles turned like we were fireworks exploding in a library. Dresses swished, goblets froze mid-air, monocles actually fell. And there we were—Duke Alaric and me, dressed like we were about to either rule the kingdom or ruin it.
He offered his arm.
I took it.
Together, we descended the grand staircase beneath a sky of enchanted crystal chandeliers that glowed like stardust. Snowflakes shimmered from the ceiling, suspended mid-air by floating runes. The palace ballroom was decked out in silver and crimson, ice roses blooming from frozen vases, the orchestra playing an eerie waltz that sounded like som
