Silas’s POV
The palace halls were quiet, the kind of quiet that seeped into the walls. Midday light poured through the tall windows, cutting sharp lines across the black stone floors. Silas had retreated to his study, papers scattered across the desk, a pen idle in his hand. He’d been staring at the same page for the better part of an hour, his mind replaying the conversation on the balcony.
The door opened without a knock.
“You were listening.”
He didn’t look up right away. “I listen to a lot of things.”
Victoria stepped inside, closing the door with a soft click. “You were listening to me and Celeste.”
Silas finally met her gaze. “You were standing outside my chambers. You knew I’d hear.”
“You didn’t come out.”
“She didn’t need me in that moment.”
Victoria arched a brow, crossin
