Oriana's smile faded. Her brows drew together in a deep frown, and she pulled back slightly.
"Someone?" she echoed cautiously. "I did not remember you ever going out or meeting someone? Are you still pining on the second prince, Olivia?"
Olivia hesitated. She could have lied. Or dodged the question. But Oriana would hear about it eventually. if not from Rhistel, then from the elders whispering behind closed doors, or Damon himself. It was better she heard it from Olivia.
Taking a breath, Olivia met her sister's eyes. "It's… Damon."
The silence was immediate and Olivia felt guilty for a second. But then it was gone!
A sharp gasp escaped Oriana's lips before she recoiled, her expression contorting in disbelief. "What?"
"I didn't plan for it," Olivia said quickly, voice trembling. "It just… happened."
But the words barely registered with Oriana. Her face twisted in fury, in something close to betrayal.
A slap cracked through the air before Olivia could react.
