The Dragon's Fake Fiancée

THE EMERALD TABLE — FAMILY DINNER

---

The Draven family dinners were a battlefield.

I learned that the moment I stepped through the doors of the manor, dressed in emerald silk that Grandmother had sent specifically for the occasion. The dress was stunning—old money elegance, fitted to my body like it had been made for me.

It was also a test.

I knew that the moment I saw Kael's mother.

Lady Seraphina Draven—the elder Seraphina—was seated at the table like a queen awaiting tribute. Her dark hair was swept into an elaborate updo, her gown was black velvet, and her smile was sharp enough to draw blood.

"Elara, darling." Her voice dripped with false warmth. "How lovely of you to join us. I was beginning to think you'd changed your mind about marrying my son."

I smiled back. Just as sharp. Just as false.

"I wouldn't miss it for the world, Lady Draven."

"Please." Her smile widened. "Call me Seraphina."

Never, I thought. I will never call you that.

---

Kael pulled out my chair, his hand brushing my shoulder in a gesture that looked intimate—and felt even more so.

"Mother," he said, his voice flat. "I see you've already started."

"Started what, darling?"

"Your games."

Lady Seraphina laughed—a tinkling, practiced sound. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I'm simply welcoming my future daughter-in-law."

Grandmother Astraea entered the room, leaning on her silver cane. Her ancient eyes swept over me—and then she smiled.

"Elara," she said. "That dress looks better on you than it ever did on me."

I blinked. "It's yours?"

"Of course. I had it sent over. Every Draven bride wears it to her first family dinner." She took her seat at the head of the table. "Consider it a tradition."

I felt the weight of Lady Seraphina's glare.

"Grandmother," she said, her voice strained. "You didn't mention you were giving away family heirlooms."

"I didn't mention it because it's none of your concern." Grandmother's eyes glittered. "Now sit down, Seraphina. You're making the girl nervous."

---

The dinner was a masterpiece of passive aggression.

Lady Seraphina probed for weaknesses. Asked about my family. My education. My "fall from grace." Every question was a knife, carefully aimed.

But Kael was there. Every time I faltered, his hand found mine under the table. Every time I hesitated, his gaze met mine—steady, sure, mine.

"You seem quite taken with my son," Lady Seraphina observed. "How... unexpected."

"I'm quite taken with him too," I said, smiling sweetly. "He has a way of making a woman feel... protected."

"Protected," she repeated, her eyes narrowing. "Is that what you call it?"

"I call it love," I said. "But I suppose you wouldn't understand that, would you?"

The table went silent.

I felt Kael's hand tighten on mine. Felt his grandmother's eyes on me—not angry, but assessing. Approving.

And I saw Lady Seraphina's mask crack. Just slightly. Just enough.

"You have a sharp tongue," she said.

"I learned from the best," I replied.

---

After dinner, Grandmother Astraea pulled me aside.

"You did well," she said. "Better than I expected."

"Thank you."

"Don't thank me yet." Her eyes were ancient. All-seeing. "You've made an enemy tonight. My daughter-in-law doesn't forgive slights. She collects them."

"I know."

"Do you also know that she's been meeting with Lord Ashford?"

My blood went cold.

"What?"

"Behind Kael's back. Behind everyone's back." Grandmother's voice dropped. "I don't know what they're planning. But I know it's not good."

I stared at her. "Why are you telling me this?"

She reached out, her wrinkled hand covering mine.

"Because you're one of us now, Elara. Whether you like it or not. And I protect my family."

---

I walked out of the manor that night feeling like I'd survived a war.

Kael was waiting for me in the car, his golden eyes searching my face.

"You okay?" he asked.

"I just found out your mother is meeting with Ashford," I said flatly. "So no. I'm not okay."

His expression darkened. "She's been playing both sides. I knew it."

"Kael—"

"I'll handle it." His voice was hard. "I'll handle her. But first—" he reached over, taking my hand— "I need to tell you something."

"What?"

"I looked into the fire at Verath Manor. The official records, the witness statements, everything."

"And?"

His jaw tightened.

"Your mother set it up, Elara."

The world tilted.

"What?"

"She didn't light the match. But she knew it was coming. She made sure she was out of town. And she made sure you were there."

I couldn't breathe.

"Why?"

"Because she wanted you dead," Kael said softly. "She's been trying to kill you for years. The inheritance? The marriage to Ashford? It was all designed to destroy you."

I stared at him. And for the first time in three years, I let myself feel the full weight of my mother's betrayal.

And then something inside me broke.

Not shattered. Not collapsed.

Broke open.

The fire in my chest roared to life. Flames erupted from my palms—not dangerous, not uncontrolled. Alive.

"I'm going to destroy her," I said

Kael looked at me. And he smiled—a real smile, sharp and hungry and full of pride.

"That's my little phoenix," he said. "Let's burn her together."