[Cedric's POV]
Some distance away from where Rael and Viola had walked off, Cedric Korric's ever-cheerful smile twisted slightly.
His plan had been perfect. As soon as he arrived on the cruise he met up with Young Miss Viola…
She trusted him.
No.
He had made sure she did during the Empire's many networking galas.
She believed he was dependable and even asked him to protect Princess Seraphina during the entrance exam.
Cedric had smiled, bowed his head and played the perfect little knight.
But that wasn't enough.
He wanted Rael Von Ashborn in the group too.
Not to protect him but to kill.
Rael was a disgrace to nobility. Arrogant. Shameless.
A nobody born with the name of a duke.
Most importantly he had disrespected their savior, Duke Astravore.
And yet… Lord Astravore still gave him mercy and even signed a contract, binding himself from raising a hand against that bastard.
That contract may have tied the Duke's hands…
But it didn't tie Cedric's.
