Chapter 1
The afternoon sun poured through the stained-glass windows of Astoran Manor, painting the marble floors in shades of gold, sapphire, and crimson.
To most people, the estate would have looked magnificent.
To Liora Astoran, it looked like a prison.
She stood beside the tall window of her bedroom, her fingers resting lightly against the cool glass. Beyond the manor grounds stretched perfectly maintained gardens, sparkling fountains, and iron gates that marked the borders of her family's territory.
The world beyond those gates seemed impossibly distant.
A flock of birds crossed the sky.
Liora watched them until they disappeared from sight.
Free.
The word lingered painfully in her chest.
A knock sounded at her door.
She quickly stepped away from the window.
"Enter."
A maid slipped inside carrying a silver tray with tea and pastries.
"My lady."
Liora offered a small smile.
"Thank you, Clara."
The maid blinked in surprise.
Most nobles never bothered remembering servants' names.
"You are too kind, my lady."
Liora almost laughed.
Kind. If only kindness could unlock doors. The maid left, and silence returned. The room was beautiful. Too beautiful. Rich silk curtains framed the windows. Shelves lined with expensive books covered one wall. A grand canopy bed occupied the center of the room. Everything a noble daughter could desire. Everything except freedom.
Her gaze drifted toward a small leather-bound journal hidden beneath her pillow. The only place where she could speak honestly. Slowly, she retrieved it. The worn pages opened to familiar words.
One day, I will leave this place.
She traced the sentence with her fingertips.
How many times had she written it? Dozens. Hundreds. Each entry was another dream. Another plan. Another hope that never seemed to come true.
A soft knock interrupted her thoughts. This one was gentler. "Liora?"
Her heart eased immediately. "Mother."
Lady Evelyne entered the room quietly. She was beautiful in a fragile sort of way. Silver-blonde hair framed a face that seemed permanently touched by sadness. Once, she had been known throughout the kingdom for her grace.
Now she moved like someone afraid of taking up too much space.
Liora quickly hid the journal. Not because she feared her mother. Because she feared what would happen if anyone saw it. Evelyne noticed the movement but said nothing. Instead, she crossed the room and adjusted a loose strand of hair behind Liora's ear.
"You look tired." Liora smiled faintly. "I could say the same."
For a moment, her mother's lips twitched upward. A rare victory. Then the smile vanished.
"Your father is in a difficult mood today."
The warning was immediate. Liora's stomach tightened. "What happened?" Evelyne looked toward the door before lowering her voice.
"There was a dispute at court."
That was all she said. She didn't need to say more. Whenever Duke Alaric Astoran was displeased, everyone suffered for it. Including his family. Especially his family.
Liora reached for her mother's hand. "You don't have to be afraid of him forever." The words escaped before she could stop them. A shadow crossed Evelyne's face. "My sweet girl."
There was pain in those three words. The pain of someone who had once believed the same thing.
Footsteps echoed from somewhere in the hallway. Heavy. Instantly, Evelyne withdrew her hand. Liora felt her chest tighten. The footsteps stopped outside the room. The door opened.
Duke Alaric Astoran entered.
The atmosphere changed immediately. It wasn't magic. It only felt that way. Tall and broad-shouldered, he filled the doorway like a storm cloud given human form. His dark military coat was immaculate. His silver hair was perfectly styled. His cold blue eyes swept across the room. Judging.
Liora lowered her gaze. Years of habit.
"Father."
He acknowledged neither greeting. His eyes lingered briefly on Evelyne. She immediately stepped back.
Satisfied, he turned his attention to Liora. "There will be guests this evening."
His voice was calm. Which somehow made it worse. Liora straightened. "Yes, Father."
"You will attend dinner."
"Of course."
His eyes narrowed slightly. As though searching for some hidden flaw. Some sign of rebellion. Something to punish.
"You will conduct yourself appropriately."
"I always do."
The silence that followed was dangerous. Liora immediately regretted speaking. Alaric's gaze sharpened. Before he could respond, another voice drifted from the hallway.
"Father?"
Marcus entered.
Liora's older brother looked every bit the future duke. Tall. Handsome. Proud. And completely loyal to their father.
He barely glanced at Liora. "Lord Varn's carriage has been sighted."
Liora froze. Lord Varn?
Alaric nodded. "Excellent."
A strange unease settled in her stomach. Marcus noticed. A faint smile touched his lips. Not kind. Knowing.
"Something wrong, sister?"
Liora ignored him. Marcus enjoyed making people uncomfortable. Especially her. Another figure appeared behind him.
Elira.
Her cousin stepped gracefully into the room, dressed in expensive emerald silk. Beautiful and charming, and perhaps the most dangerous person in the manor.
"My, my," Elira said lightly. "Everyone looks so serious."
Her gaze settled on Liora. The smile that followed was sweet enough to rot teeth.
"You should be excited." Liora frowned. "Why?"
Elira exchanged a glance with Marcus. Neither answered. The feeling in Liora's stomach grew worse.
Alaric finally spoke. "Lord Edric Varn will be joining us for dinner."
The room became very still. Liora had heard the name before. Everyone had. A powerful noble. Twice her age. Ruthless. Ambitious. A man surrounded by whispers and rumors. And suddenly she understood why Marcus and Elira looked so pleased.
Her pulse quickened. "Why is he visiting?"
The question slipped out before she could stop it. Alaric's expression remained unreadable. But the answer hit her like a blade.
"He has expressed interest in meeting you."
Silence.
Liora felt the room tilt slightly.
No...
No, no, no.
Not him. Anyone but him.
Across from her, Elira's smile widened. Marcus looked amused. Even Evelyne's face had gone pale.
Alaric stepped toward the door. "You will be ready by seven."
Then he left. The others followed. Elira paused only long enough to whisper:
"Try not to disappoint him, cousin."
The door closed. Liora stood alone. Motionless.
The golden sunlight still filled her room. The birds still flew beyond the window. The manor was still beautiful. Yet for the first time in her life, the cage felt smaller than ever.
And somewhere deep inside her, a desperate thought began to grow.
I have to escape.
