جميع فصول : الفصل -الفصل 30

COLE“Nonsense!” Marcel Fox roared. His angular face turned scarlet as he loomed over Skyla, who was kneeling on the ground of the throne room, sobbing.“I-I’m sorry, F-Father,” Skyla stammered between sniffles. “I just wanted to give her a warning – ”“A warning?” Marcel thundered. “Have you lost your mind? Look at what you’ve done. You’re lucky that nothing worse happened out there!”Skyla flinched, shrinking further as she clung to Anastasia for comfort. Anastasia lounged on a settee beside them, one leg crossed over the other, her expression bored. She allowed Skyla to clutch her for a moment, petting her hair with a perfectly manicured hand.“Marcel, calm down.” Anastasia said coolly, then turned to Skyla. “I’m sure Skyla had no intention of harming Evelyn Caddel, did you, love? Tell us—how did she end up in the river?”Skyla glanced at me first, then at her aunt. She wiped the tears from her cheeks. “I saw her sneaking around the garden. I thought she was trying to escape, so I c

EVELYNI took a few deep breaths until the frantic rhythm of my heart began to slow. It felt worse than any nightmare.Do I love him? What a ridiculous question.My throat was dry, aching for a water. As I sat up and pushed the blanket aside, I realized I wasn’t alone. Someone was on my bed, his back resting against the headboard. His silhouette cut sharp and still against the moonlight spilling through the narrow window.I might’ve screamed—if not for his scent. The sharpness of alcohol lingered on him, mixed with a faint trace of feminine perfume. Still, I was rattled. He appeared as though summoned by the very dream I’d just escaped.His eyes were closed, brows drawn into a slight furrow. He looked like he’d come straight from a celebration. I remembered Elsa mentioning that new ladies had arrived at the palace today—the last entrants joining the Selection in three days. He must have spent the evening with them. One of them, presumably, would soon be his bride.“What are you staring

EVELYNMrs. Porter’s eyes widened slightly. She glanced at me, then cleared her throat hesitantly. “My lady, perhaps this choice would not be the best,” she advised. “There are other maids who might satisfy your needs. She is new to palace life – you might require someone more seasoned – ”“Oh? New to the palace life…” Leila mused, turning to look at Mrs. Porter. “But hasn’t she been trained here for an entire year?”“Well, yes, my lady. But still—” Mrs. Porter started, only to be cut off as Leila raised a hand to silence her.“Are you challenging my decision?” Leila still smiled, but her tone had sharpened.Mrs. Porter swallowed. “No, my lady. Of course not. My apologies for questioning you. It’s just…” she hesitated. “It’s just Evelyn was often summoned by His Majesty, so she may not always be available to serve you.”Her words were tactful, which made Leila narrow her eyes in thought.“I see,” Leila said, turning to look at me again. “Then it has to be her.”She ignored Mrs. Porter’

EVELYN“What makes you think I want to win the Luna position?” Leila closed the book in her hand and stared at me. It was the third time I had prompted her that we needed to start preparing for the ball tonight—otherwise, there wouldn’t be enough time for me to do her hair and makeup.The ball tonight marked the start of the Luna Selection, and it would be their official debut in front of the Alpha King and the Dowager Queen. First impressions always mattered, so the ladies were pulling out all the stops to look as attractive and captivating as possible.At noon, Elsa told me that several ladies hadn’t eaten lunch so their corsets could be tightened further. Just now, when I stepped out to refill the teapot, I saw Melanie leading a seamstress toward Skyla's room. Melanie was telling her that Skyla wanted quick alterations to the neckline of her gown so her shoulders and neck would appear more elegant. The seamstress wiped sweat from her brow, looking troubled.But Leila didn’t share th

EVELYNAfter several rounds of dancing, the ball came to an end, and everyone was escorted to the dining area. Several large tables were spread across the hall. The King, the Dowager Queen, and the ladies were seated at the front table, while the courtiers took the others.There was a brief period for conversation before the banquet began—both a social warm-up and a prime opportunity for the chosen lady to impress the King with her wit or intellect.But Georgina, rather than charming the King with clever remarks or engaging conversation, seemed far more interested in the timing of the food. She glanced back at Jessica and whispered, “When will the dishes be served?”Jessica looked visibly embarrassed. It was equally mortifying for her to have to remind Georgina that eating wasn’t the most important purpose of the banquet.“Are you hungry, Lady Georgina?” Cole tilted his head, his gaze fixed on her. He seemed rather amused by her bluntness.“Just a little, Your Majesty,” Georgina replie