ALISTAIR
The lamps in the Grand Duke's estate burned low, casting long shadows across the Assembly Room. The day's council with noblemen had ended hours ago, yet Alistair remained, his composure firm. When Marquess Everleigh requested a private word, he agreed.
They walked to a smaller chamber near the hall. The fire in the hearth was steady, throwing a muted glow against the carved panels of the room. Alistair stood near the mantel, silent, waiting for the Marquess to speak.
The older man clasped his hands behind his back, the stance of a soldier who had lived long with discipline.
"Your Grace," the Marquess began, his voice measured. "I will be direct. The Gazette has published dangerous gossip. It names you and it names my daughter. It speaks of scandal."
Alistair did not flinch. "The Gazette thrives on half-truths. You are wise enough to know that."
The Marquess's gaze hardened. "Wisdom does not still a father's concern. My Evelina has been dragged into talk she did not choose. The court whispers, and every whisper chips away at her honor. I will not stand idle."
Alistair's reply was deliberate. "Marquess, hear me. My regard for Lady Evelina is not born from accident. She holds her own among courtiers who seek to use her. She does not yield, and she does not bend. That is why I speak with respect of her. Not as a pawn, but as a woman worthy of more."
The Marquess's jaw tightened. His silence pressed on the air between them until his voice returned, low but sharp. "You speak boldly, Your Grace. But bold words are wind. What I require is proof that your intent will not bring her into ruin."
Alistair held his ground. "Then take my words as oath. I do not seek Evelina as a weapon in this war. I do not seek her as a prize to parade. My intent is not tied to faction or throne. My intent is Evelina herself."
The Marquess stepped closer, his shadow stretching in the firelight. "Then know this. My loyalty to you, and to this court, will break if Evelina is harmed. She is my child. She is not to be thrown into political fire, no matter who speaks of crowns and power. If you draw her into such storms, you will make an enemy of me."
For the first time, Alistair's composure wavered. A flicker of frustration crossed his face, but he steadied his voice. "I do not take such warnings lightly. If trust is to be earned, I will prove it by my conduct, not in words alone. Evelina's worth deserves nothing less."
The Marquess gave a small nod, though his eyes remained cold. "Then prove it. For her sake, not mine."
Alistair bowed his head slightly. "Understood."
The fire crackled between them. The Marquess turned and left without another word, his footsteps sharp against the stone floor.
Alistair remained by the hearth, his hands clasped behind his back. He had faced generals, kings, and foreign envoys without faltering, yet the weight of a father's warning pressed heavier than any crown.
***
SELINA
The Marlowe estate stood in silence that night. In the study, Count Marlowe sat by his desk, reviewing correspondence lit by candlelight. His daughter entered, her red hair catching the glow. She moved with purpose, her expression alert.
"Father," Selina said, her tone measured, "I wish to speak of Ravenscroft."
The Count set aside the parchment and folded his hands. "What of him?"
Selina stood tall, her voice steady. "The duke's attention has strayed. Whispers say he watches Lady Evelina. At tea, at gatherings, his eyes are on her. And at the ball, I begun to notice."
The Count regarded her carefully. "You are certain?"
"I am." Her lips pressed into a thin line. "It undermines me. My loyalty to the Crown Princess is clear, yet if Evelina rises through him, it will shift balance in ways we cannot afford."
Count Marlowe leaned back, his gaze sharp. "Evelina is clever, but she is young. If she draws his notice, it is her misfortune. But for you, it is an obstacle. Do you intend to remove it?"
"Yes." Selina's tone was calm, but steel edged it. "I will not let Evelina outshine me. Ravenscroft is too important. If he binds himself to her, she will become untouchable, and I will be reduced to nothing. I will not allow that."
The Count studied her for a long moment. "Then tread carefully. Evelina has allies, not least her father. Reckless action will expose you. If you mean to move against her, you must do so with precision."
Selina's expression softened into a controlled smile. "I understand, Father. I have already considered my next step. I will extend an invitation. A tea, in her honor. It will appear kind, even gracious. But in that setting, every word, every glance, will be used to her disadvantage. Let her falter, and the court will take note."
The Count gave a slow nod. "So be it. Do not fail. The Crown Princess favors you now, but she values strength, not sentiment. Prove you can stand above Evelina, and your place will be secure."
Selina inclined her head. "I will not fail."
With that, she left the study.
Later, in her chamber, Selina dismissed her maid from attending to her hair, but then called her back, lowering her voice. "You will send a note to Lady Evelina tomorrow. A polite hand, nothing more. A ball at the Marlowe estate. Make it sound cordial, but firm. She will have no choice but to attend."
The maid hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, my lady."
Selina's gaze was fixed on her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were cold, her smile faint but deliberate.
"She thinks the court speaks of her with admiration," Selina murmured. "Let her come into my house. Let her be weighed, measured, and diminished. I will see to it."
The maid lowered her eyes, sensing the sharpness in her mistress's tone. Selina waved her hand, dismissing her.
When she was alone, Selina leaned back against the chair, fingers drumming lightly on the armrest. The night was quiet, but her thoughts were not. She had set her course. The ball would be her stage, and Evelina would be the one exposed.
Selina returned to her chamber, still feeling uneased, she sits down in front her mirror. A knock suddenly heard. Her maid, Lucia entered with a news.
"My lady" she said "a report had come." In her hand was a paper. "Speak" Selina replied. "It was confirmed that Lady Everleigh and Lord Ravenscroft had been seen in Aurora Lake." She continued, "It was said that they been meeting secretly, not only in Aurora Lake but also in the Kingswood Forest."
Selina hand tightens, a feeling of defeat and anger coming inside her. She knew that this will happened but she did not expect that Lord Ravenscroft will move quickly. Evelina Everleigh has been thorn for her since they were young. Everyone has been called Evelina as the perfect example of nobility and grace, she always thinks that Evelina is lucky as she was favored by the late Queen, Grand Duke Montclair's mother.
But Selina never fought against the Grand Duchess position, because since she was young, she only eyed for the Duchess of Ravenscroft. For her, being the Duchess of Ravenscroft is better than everything. Being a Ravenscroft bring more weight in a high society, the power just being beside the Lucian gives her a higher of authority. "Lucia, get a paper and ink, it's time for me to create a commotion." she said devilishly.