CHAPTER 25: Fire Beneath the Throne
The palace smiled with its teeth bared.
There were flowers in the halls, golden candles flickering in every corridor, and courtiers dressed in silk as if war hadn’t brushed the kingdom's edge just days ago.
But I saw it in their eyes.
Fear. Dressed as curiosity.
Respect. Dressed as suspicion.
They called me bloodbound. Whispered Flameborn. Wondered if I was queen or curse.
And I walked through them like smoke too solid to be ignored, too wild to be claimed.
The court was holding a celebration.
A victory feast in honor of Thornehill.
But the truth? It was a performance. A careful dance designed by the Council to remind everyone who still ruled. Lucien hadn’t been given a choice. And if refused to appear, they’d use that too See? She’s hiding. Th
