Draven didn’t speak as they walked.
The corridor outside his mother’s quarters felt longer than usual, quieter in a way that pressed against Emilia’s thoughts. The weight of what had just been discovered still lingered between them like smoke that refused to clear.
A poison, inside the palace, inside his home.
Emilia stole a glance at him as they walked. Draven’s face was unreadable again, carved into that same cold composure he wore like armor. But she had seen it earlier, just for a second.
Shock. And something sharper underneath it. Dangerous restraint.
He stopped in front of his quarters.
“Come in,” he said simply, his tone carrying a trace of command.
Emilia hesitated for a fraction of a second before stepping inside. The door closed behind them with a low sound that felt heavi
