Chapter 260
Felix
I can't believe this.
The message crumples easily in my hand, parchment folding in on itself with a dry, unsatisfying sound.
"Leave," I snap, and the maid startles, bowing hastily before retreating down the corridor.
The door closes. Silence rushes in.
I drag a hand down my face and exhale slowly, pressing my palms to my eyes as if I can force the thoughts back where they belong.
I hate being told what to do.
And yet—
I can't lose Edith.
The very idea tightens something ugly and panicked in my chest. She isn't like the others. She never has been. She doesn't orbit me out of habit or ambition alone. She looks at me like she expects something solid, something real.
But Lumiya—
I drop my hands, staring at the ceiling.
Lumiya is beautiful. Perfect, even. Polished in a way that never falters. A little cold, yes, but that has always felt like her nature rather than a flaw. For as long as I can remember, I assumed she would be Queen one day.
