The days following the announcement were anything but peaceful. The palace brimmed with tension, each corner echoing the undercurrents of unease. The news that Scarlett would be moved to the chambers closest to the King only deepened the rift.
Elenor stood in the center of her chambers, her maid Claire silently adjusting the folds of her gown. She hadn’t said much in days, choosing to let her silence speak for her heartbreak. The news had shaken her, but Scarlett being placed so close to Damien felt like the ultimate insult.
“She’s closer to him now, Claire,” Elenor murmured, breaking her silence.
Claire paused, meeting her eyes in the mirror. “The chambers are for security and tradition, not affection, Your Grace. You know that.”
“It doesn’t make it easier,” Eleanor replied, her voice
