The gossip spread like wildfire.
It began in the quiet corridor outside Seraphina's bedroom, one curious maid passing by, catching sight of Amara and Damien sitting together on the edge of the bed, voices low, eyes soft with exhaustion and warmth after Seraphina had drifted to sleep.
In truth, it had been innocent. Damien had come to say goodnight, just as Amara finished the lullaby. Seraphina had asked him to stay for one more story. Damien read while Amara sat at the end of the bed, quietly folding some of the child’s laundry. Afterward, they remained a moment longer, sharing a rare quiet moment. A shared smile. A soft exchange of words.
But it only took that moment.
By the time Amara left the room and returned to her quarters, a different version of the evening had already taken for
