Chapter 3
Three days later, I received a confidential message.
Ghost's intel was spot on. Evelyn was stirring things up in the General Manor.
She'd been winning over some of Alexander's old allies and had been secretly corresponding with Richard Foxwell, the current Chancellor.
Richard was a sly guy, always smiling but with a knife hidden behind his back. He was also Alexander's biggest political rival in the court.
Seeing Richard's name made my alarm bells go off. This was getting way more complicated than I'd thought.
Just then, a gilded invitation arrived from the capital, penned in Evelyn's graceful handwriting. She was even inviting me back to the capital for her Garden Party.
"Your Highness, this is clearly an ambush," Mandy said anxiously.
I glanced at the line on the invitation: [Our bond hasn't faded.] I felt a deep sense of irony.
"Why not go?" I replied. "I want to see what this delicate lady is really up to."
Besides, there were some things I needed to get back from the capital myself.
Back in the capital, the Princess Manor was still as grand as ever, but now it felt more like a gilded cage.
The party was held at Alexander's General Manor, where I'd spent almost a decade of my life. Now, it had a new mistress.
When I arrived, the garden was packed with guests, most of them my former "friends" who were there to watch me make a fool of myself.
Evelyn wore a plain dress, yet her beauty outshone the whole garden.
She greeted me warmly, linking her arm with mine in a way that felt almost rehearsed. "Serena, you finally made it. I've been waiting for you for ages."
Her voice was soft and melodious. If I hadn't already seen through her, I might've been fooled by that harmless facade. I quietly slipped my arm free and replied with indifference, "Nice to meet you, Lady Evelyn."
A hint of disappointment flickered in her eyes, but she quickly replaced it with a bright smile. "Come, Serena, take your seat."
She seated me in the most conspicuous spot, as if she wanted everyone to witness her triumph.
At the party, glasses clinked and flattery flowed. The ladies were all buttering up Evelyn, while giving me looks, some pitying, some downright disdainful.
Evelyn raised her glass and walked over. "Serena, let me toast to you."
Her eyes danced. Her voice was soft but loud enough for everyone nearby to catch every word. "Thank you, Serena, for all these years looking after Alex on my behalf."
Just like that, she made it sound like my ten years of devotion were nothing but babysitting him for her. How cutting.
I raised my glass and met her smiling eyes. "Lady Evelyn, you must be joking. What happened between General Hawthorne and me wasn't about 'looking after' anyone.
"It was a deal where we both got what we wanted. Now that it's over, I got my cut and walked away. Fair enough, don't you think?"
I made myself sound mercenary and heartless, really leaning into that power-hungry persona.
Sure enough, Evelyn's smile faltered for a moment.
From across the garden, I spotted a figure I knew all too well heading this way. Alexander showed up, and instantly, every eye in the place was drawn to him.
He strode right up to Evelyn, took the wine jug from her hands, and poured me a drink himself. "Serena, she's being naive. Don't let it bother you."
He sounded like he was sticking up for me, but he stood protectively in front of Evelyn, shielding her. Such a fake.
I sneered inwardly, but outwardly, I put on a look of flattered surprise. "General Hawthorne, you're too kind."
"I heard things haven't been easy for you at Raven's Nest," Alexander said, his gaze deep and steady. "If you ever want to come back, I—"
"That's unnecessary," I interrupted, tossing back my drink. "Raven's Nest may be rough, but at least I'm out of reach from the capital and free to do as I please.
"As for you, General Hawthorne, surrounded by your lovely lady and caught up in luxury, make sure you don't lose sight of your real duties."
My words were a warning about Richard Foxwell.