Restaurant
The low hum of the city filters through the windows. Teacups sit untouched. The table drowns in silence.
Evie leans forward, brows furrowed, agitated.
Evie: "Okay, what? Is she alright? Should I go check on her?"
She half-rises, uncertain.
Alexander glances toward the door Levi rushed through minutes ago.
Alexander: "We should talk. We don't have much time. The ball's tomorrow. If we're doing something, we need a plan—now."
Evie scoffs, dropping back into her seat with a sharp breath.
Evie: "How can we talk when she's not here?"
A beat. Heavy. Cold.
Winter speaks. Quiet, resolute.His voice cuts clean through the silence:
Winter: "We don't get to talk strategy. Because we're not doing anything."
Two heads turn. His golden eyes stay fixed on the table. Calm. But burning.
Winter: "If we act now, it'll be rash. We can't afford that. Not this time. Not with the Emperor himself attending. One wrong move—one thread pulled too soon—and we hand the Hayes family the very advantage we're trying to take."
Silence again.
Evie presses her lips tight. She hates it. But she knows he's right.
Across from her, Alexander sighs, nods once—disappointed, but thoughtful.
Alexander: "…I agree. If Levi had stayed, maybe we'd have something. But without her—it's all speculation."
Evie huffs and throws herself back with dramatic flair, arms crossed.
Evie: "Great. Perfect. So we're doing nothing. For now."
Tension lingers like a shadow.Then—Evie leans forward again, mischief flickering in her eyes.
Evie: "Fine. Since we're playing it safe... here's the real question."
She smirks.
Evie: "Who's your date for the ball?"
Alexander straightens, caught off guard.
Evie: "You know we can't go alone. Not with half the nobility watching. And I refuse to show up with one of my aunts again."
She looks between them, eyebrow raised.
Evie: "So? Gentlemen? Enlighten me."
The air thickens—strategy replaced by pride.
Alexander smooths his cuff.
Alexander: "Don't think I have to answer that. I've got too many options. It's not a problem for me."
He leans back, smug, lips twitching into a grin. Then tosses an elbow over his chair, eyeing Winter.
Alexander: "But he's got the tragic tale."
Winter doesn't flinch. His golden eyes remain forward—calm, like moonlight through storm clouds.
Winter: "I'm going with my sister."
Alexander raises a brow.
Alexander: "She's not going."
Winter: "She is."
Alexander (grinning): "Pretty sure she's not. Off with Levi's brother somewhere and some others, isn't she?"
Winter sets down his glass, finally meeting Alexander's gaze.
Winter: "Then I'm not taking a companion. I don't need one. I'll walk in alone. After all—"
He glances at them, faint and pointed.
"—the night's in my honor, isn't it?"
Evie blinks, exasperated.
Evie: "Young Duke—no offense—but that's not how it works."
She gestures vaguely, as if outlining invisible chains.
"This isn't just any banquet. You have to show up with someone. You always bring your sister or not at all. This time? No excuse. Your parents are going together. You're alone."
Before she can go on, Alexander tilts his head, drawling.
Alexander: "Then tell us, my lady—who's your date?"
Evie raises a brow.
Evie: "I'm not obliged to answer that, Your Highness."
His eyes glint.
Alexander: "Oh? We're back to titles now?"
Evie: "I don't have to answer you."
She rises, that signature fire lighting her stride. Fixes her dress with a sharp flick.
Evie: "Enjoy your tea."
She storms out.
Alexander leans back, sighs.
Alexander: "I genuinely don't know if I want her as an ally or if she's plotting my murder."
Winter lifts his teacup, silent.
Then—
Winter: "Both could be true."
Alexander lets out a breathless laugh.
Alexander: "Gods help us tomorrow."
The room feels colder with her gone.
Alexander stands. Winter follows, quiet and steady.
As Alexander straightens his coat, his eyes drift—then narrow.
Levi's teacup.Rimmed in frost.A thin sheen of ice webs across its surface—delicate, dangerous.
Alexander: "…She froze her teacup."
Winter doesn't look back.
Alexander mutters more to himself now:
Alexander: "What could be so urgent she didn't even notice?"
No answer. Just footsteps.
"You're really not curious?"
Winter: "No."
Alexander chuckles.
Alexander: "Of course you're not."
Their boots echo down the hall. Levi's absence heavier than it should be.
Alexander: "Still… she froze a teacup."
Winter keeps walking.
Evening
The carriage was silent.
Levi sat straight, arms folded in her lap. Her dress whispered rebellion in the language of elegance—an S-curve silhouette, black and crimson, crawling with lace up the high neckline. Gold embroidery shimmered like danger in candlelight.
She looked like a queen who never asked for a crown—but wore war on as her second skin.
She didn't speak. Didn't sigh. Just stared through the window, storm quiet in her gaze.
Isa sat across, hands folded, head bowed. She said nothing. She understood. There are moments for words—And moments to let silence do its work.
This was silence.
The carriage turned, not toward the Emperor's wing—but left, past the rose-lined fountain and burning lanterns. Toward the Consort's Palace.
Ornate. Shadowed. Empty in a way that felt designed.
Levi stepped down alone.
Inside, she was led to a waiting hall—not a room. Lavish in red and ivory. Warm tea sat ready. Untouched.
She didn't drink. Didn't look at the servants bowing around her.
She simply sat.
And waited.
Minutes blurred.
One hour. Then two.
The clock clicked softly. Each tick deliberate. Mocking.
Consort Ivory wasn't late, she was sending a message.
And Levi knew it.
A knock at the door.
A maid stepped inside, head bowed low.
Maid: "…My lady. Lady Adler is waiting. In the southern hall."
Ivory didn't look up.
Ivory (serene as snow): "Let her wait, don't say a word to her. I'll come when I'm ready."
The maid bowed and vanished like mist.
Across from her, the Crown Prince Beck Romerro lounged with deliberate ease—one arm resting across the back of the couch, the other curled on his knee. His gaze flicked toward her.
Beck: "Why did you even invite her?"A slight edge in his voice."She's a danger to us."
Ivory sipped her tea. No reply.
Then—
Ivory (murmured): "Oh, my son, my dear, dear boy."
He stiffened. That tone unsettled him.
Ivory: "We need her,"
finally looking at him. A thread of ice in her voice now.
"So I'm trying to get her close."
Beck (frowned): "We don't need her."
Ivory met his eyes. Calm. Unyielding.
Ivory: "Yes. We do."
Beck: "She's reckless. Unpredictable. She doesn't serve anyone."
A pause.
"Father likes her."
Ivory's hand tightened minutely around the teacup.
Ivory (quietly):"He doesn't like her, he adores her."
A breath.
"That's far more dangerous."
Beck said nothing. Just stared at the ornate table between them.
Ivory (leaned back): "If she plays along, we'll use her."...
Beck: "And if she doesn't?"
Her lips curved.
Ivory (soft, absolute):"Then we cut her out."
Beck looked away, expression unreadable.
Ivory (whispered, almost to herself): "But for now… we need her."
Southern Hall.
Levi sat still.
Straight-backed. Composed. Hands folded neatly in her lap. Eyes fixed on the towering double doors.
She didn't glance around. She didn't fidget.
Then—
They opened.
A gentle hush swept across the hall.
Consort Ivory entered.
All white.Lace, silk, embroidery—elegance carved from winter. She carried her parasol like a scepter, despite the sunlit skies. Every movement was deliberate.
She smiled.
Ivory (smoothly):"Lady Adler, my apologies for the delay. I had… matters to attend to."
Levi rose in one fluid motion.
Flawless.
She dipped into a respectful courtesy.
Levi: "No trouble at all, Your Highness, these things happen."
Their smiles matched—perfect, practiced, polite.
Ivory (tilted her head): "Such grace. Shall we take our conversation to the garden? The weather is unusually pleasant."
Levi (nodded once): "Of course."
The courtyard garden was pristine.
Trimmed hedges. Blooming roses.The faintest trace of perfume on the breeze.
Two maids prepared tea under the arbor. Porcelain clinked softly. A bird chirped once and fell quiet.
Ivory sat first, graceful as ever.
Levi followed.
A pause.
Ivory placed one gloved hand atop the table.
Ivory (voice honeyed):"Lady Adler, I imagine you're wondering why I asked to meet."
Levi gave a polite nod.
Levi: "I was curious, yes, Your Highness."
Ivory's smile deepened.
Ivory: "Well, let us not spoil the day with silence."
She raised her teacup delicately.
"The council meeting last week was… important."
Levi didn't respond.
Ivory continued, swirling her tea.
Ivory: "You weren't present, of course. But I'm certain your parents told you your name came up."
A glance. Calculated.
"You've come of age. Naturally, marriage discussions have begun."
Still, her tone stayed gracious. Measured.
"I'm sure you have many suitors."A small, sugared smile."As you should."
Levi's expression didn't shift.
Ivory leaned forward slightly.
Ivory: "But none can offer what I can."
A beat.
"If you were to join our side—"
Her gaze sharpened.
"You wouldn't just be married."
A breath.
"You would be Crown Princess."
She lowered her voice, almost a whisper now.
"And in time… Empress."
The breeze stirred the garden.
Ivory: "Beck is loyal. Disciplined. And unless absolutely necessary…"
Her words slowed.
"He will not take any consorts."
A longer pause.
"With your magic—so precise, so devastating—"
She smiled again.
"You could raise this kingdom to greatness."
The cup clinked gently as she set it down.
Ivory: "With our guidance, your strength would never be wasted."
She gestured lightly.
"You would lack nothing.Wealth. Title. Protection. Legacy."
A final word
"Power."
Silence.
She watched Levi like a cat watching a flame.
Levi held her gaze.
Then—A soft, practiced smile.
Levi (smoothly):"Your Highness, I appreciate the offer."
She let a breath hang in the air.
"But I'm afraid I must decline."
Ivory blinked once. Subtle.
Levi's tone remained gentle.
Levi: "I'm not in search of a crown."
Another pause.
"And I don't believe power should be gifted."
Her smile didn't fade.
"Especially when it comes in a gilded cage."
Ivory went still.
Levi (dipping her head again):"I'm honored by your regard, but I don't belong to any side."
She lifted her cup. Took a sip. Unbothered.
"I hope you understand."
A flicker in Ivory's eyes.
Then the smile returned.
Ivory (sharper):"Of course, such grace. Just like your mother."
Ivory (brighter now):"But let's not speak of such heavy things. I've prepared a small display."
She clapped her hands lightly.
"Would you like to see a little show?"
Levi nodded. Calm.
Levi: "Please, Your Highness."
A guard stepped aside.
An archer entered—dressed in palace knight's uniform, bow slung over his shoulder. He moved like someone used to being watched.
He set his stance. Drew the bow. Fired.
The arrow struck dead center.
Levi gave a soft nod of acknowledgment.
Ivory sipped her tea, eyes glinting.
Ivory (offhanded):"You still have time to reconsider, I'd hate to rush brilliance."
A glance at the target.
"You'd make a remarkable Crown Princess."
Levi's gaze lingered on the bullseye.
Then turned.
She rose slowly. Smooth as poured ink.
Levi: "If I may, Your Highness…"
She gestured toward the archer.
"May I try?"
Ivory arched a brow. Intrigued.
Ivory: "Of course."
Levi stepped forward. Took the bow and a single arrow.
Her movements were quiet. Controlled.
She raised it.
Took the aim.
Let go.
The arrow cut clean—splitting the first one in half before embedding itself in the same center point.
Silence.
Ivory's expression faltered. Barely.
Levi turned back, unflinching.
Levi (politely):"Your Highness, I don't mean to be rude—"
A breath.
"But I don't need time to think."
Her tone remained level.
"Marriage is not among my priorities."
She bowed her head slightly.
"There are other matters… more pressing."
Ivory said nothing.
Levi offered a final nod.
Levi: "If you'll excuse me. The hour is late."
Ivory's smile was ice-thin.
Ivory: "Of course, Lady Adler. Do take care."
Levi turned. Walked away without looking back.
Behind her, the splintered arrow still quivered.
Levi's hand lingered on the door handle a moment longer.
The garden behind her dimmed with the fading light, but the chill clung to her shoulders like a silent weight.
She closed her eyes—a flicker, a shuttered breath—then opened them again.
Unflinching. Composed.
She turned away from the courtyard and stepped into the corridor.
Each footfall echoed across the marble, steady and deliberate.
She didn't look back.
When she emerged into the main hall, her expression remained unchanged.
Only the faintest crease near her mouth betrayed her—a sliver of pride, or maybe quiet relief.
She passed the waiting servants without a glance.
The heavy doors of the Consort's palace shut behind her with a muted thud.
Outside, under moonlight, Isa waited—her cloak drawn tight.
Relief softened Levi's features at the sight of her.
Isa offered a curtsy, quick and precise.
Then—footsteps. A breathless servant rushed forward, bowing deeply.
Servant (voice filled with urgency):"Lady Adler, the Emperor wishes to see you."
Levi's eyes flicked to the doors behind her.
Her jaw tightened—just slightly.
Levi (with anod):"I understand,"
She turned toward the carriage.
Isa opened her mouth, thought better of it, and fell into step beside her.
The city gates of the imperial palace loomed ahead.
Torchlight flickered across the high stone arch as the carriage passed beneath.
Levi sat rigid, shoulders squared. Her hands remained still in her lap.
They stopped at the base of the marble staircase.
Isa stepped out first. Levi followed, boots clicking against the polished stone.
A herald approached, trumpet at his side.
Herald: "Lady Adler has arrived,"
His voice echoing.
He bowed deeply.
Levi acknowledged him with a slight nod, then moved toward the Emperor's audience chamber.
Inside the chest-room, smaller and dimly lit, Emperor Kaelen Romerro stood behind a blackened desk.
Candlelight gilded the edges of his robes.
He gestured to the chair opposite him.
Emperor Kaelen: "Please. Sit."
Levi did so with practiced grace—back straight, hands folded neatly.
He studied her for a long moment before speaking.
Emperor Kaelen: "I understand you visited the Consort today."
She met his gaze calmly.
Levi: "Yes, Your Majesty."
His fingers steepled.
Emperor Kealen: "And how did that go?"
Her tone didn't waver.
Levi: "Respectfully. She extended her thanks. Spoke of… possibilities."
He nodded.
Emperor Kealen; "She spoke of marriage."
Levi's lips twitched in acknowledgment.
Levi: "She proposed a match with her son. I declined."
He paused, then tapped a finger lightly against the wood.
Emperor Kealen: "Very well."
A thin smile touched his mouth.
"You handled it with the precision I've come to expect."
Levi inclined her head.
Levi: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
He leaned back slightly.
Emperor Kealen (softer):"Now, let's move on to the matter we discussed yesterday."
Levi's posture straightened.
Levi: "Of course."
They spoke briefly, her words clean, confident.
Then she stood, bowing once before she was dismissed.
The corridor beyond the chamber stretched long and torchlit.
Quiet followed her back to the carriage.
The driver said nothing, but his grip on the reins was tight—knuckles white.
Levi's face was unreadable. Her eyes, distant.
Her jaw shifted once, twice. Then she exhaled—soft, sharp, nearly silent.
Isa sat beside her, spine straight, hands still.
She didn't ask.
She knew better.
Levi turned her face toward the window.
Flickers of lamplight spilled across her cheekbones—harsh edges dulled by exhaustion.
A single tear welled and slipped free.
She blinked it away before it could fall.
Her lips parted—but no sound followed.
The carriage drew to a halt at the Adler estate.
The doors opened.
Waiting faces met her—uncles, staff paused mid-step.
At the stairs stood Grand Duke Henry.
Arms crossed. Concern in his eyes, hard-won restraint in his stance.
As she stepped down, he moved forward.
Henry: "Levi, what happened?"
She looked at him.
Just looked—eyes shadowed, mouth still.
No answer.
She turned.
Climbed the steps.
Entered the house.
Inside her room, Levi shut the door gently behind her.
She leaned against it for a moment, finally letting the tension slip from her shoulders.
Her voice came quiet. Barely a whisper:
Levi: "We can talk about it tomorrow. I'm very tired today."
Silence greeted her.
The kind that understood.
The kind that wouldn't press.
And Levi let the darkness hold her.