The carriage arrived just before dusk.
Servants lined the pathway with petals. My father waited at the foot of the steps, arms open, a practiced smile on his face. Always the Duke. Always the statesman.
I stood beside him in pale blue silk. Hair pinned, gloves spotless.
A picture of a perfect daughter.
It took everything in me not to clench my fists when the door opened.
And Serina Vael stepped out.
Soft curls, blushing cheeks, a handkerchief embroidered with lilies gripped delicately between her fingers.
"Father," she breathed, voice light as spun sugar. "Elara…"
The way she said my name could have passed for love, if you didn't know the way it sounded when she testified against me.
"My sister… she always hated His Highness' kindness toward me. I never thought it would drive her to treason…"
I hadn't forgotten.
But I smiled.
"Serina," I said, stepping forward. "You look well. The countryside must've done wonders for you."
She blinked, visibly startled at my warmth.
"It… it did," she said. "You—look well too. Thinner, maybe."
"Stress," I said, sweetly. "Managing the estate while you were gone wasn't easy."
Her eyes flicked to our father, who was too busy doting over her to hear the barbs beneath the silk.
"You've always been the capable one," she said with a small laugh. "I would be so lost without you."
So would Auren, I thought.
But not this time.
---
That evening, the household hosted a small return banquet.
Nothing formal. Just family. A few noble cousins. One or two minor lords with ears like rabbits.
Enough for rumors to be born.
"You know," Serina said softly beside me as we watched the musicians play, "the Crown Prince will be arriving at court again soon."
"Yes," I said, sipping my wine. "I heard."
"You should prepare something—he always liked music."
I looked at her.
"He also liked honesty. And loyalty."
Her smile twitched.
"Of course. I meant no offense."
"Of course," I replied.
---
Later, after the banquet, Cladus walked me back to my chambers.
Neither of us spoke until we reached the doors.
"You don't trust her," he said, finally.
"I trust her," I said, stopping before the threshold. "To always do what serves her best."
"And what will you do?"
I turned to him.
"I'll give her everything she wants."
He frowned. "That's dangerous."
"No," I said softly. "It's bait."