Before the ceremony, Gerald had summoned his daughter into one of the royal studies in the palace.
The tall shelves towered over them, looking heavy with centuries of knowledge and judgment alike. The fading daylight filtered through the stained-glass windows, painting fractured colors across the marble floor, yet none of it softened the chill in the room.
"Father," Marianne greeted, lowering herself into a respectful bow. "You wished to see me?"
Gerald turned slowly, and the moment their eyes met, his hand came down on her cheek. The sound of the slap echoed in the library, but it hadn't been fierce enough to leave a mark on her skin.
Though Marianne had anticipated it, the sting still caught her off guard, snapping her head to the side and stealing her breath. Heat flared across her cheek due to the impact, her vision blurring only for a heartbeat. She straightened at one,keeping her hands clenched at her sides, and lowered her gaze to the floor.
She did not dare look at him.
