Chapter 1
(Azaria's POV)
We were all quietly seated in the hall when the doors suddenly opened without warning. Everyone in the hall turned and i instantly had a bad premonition. My younger brother; Renan paused mid-bite as he scrutinized the person. And then i saw......her.
She walked in like she belonged, dressed in violet silk that floated behind her, chin raised just enough to look graceful, not arrogant but close. Her hair was curled perfectly, not a strand out of place. She had that soft, pale look that people like ti call "delicate", but I didn't feel same. My gut said this wasn't just some guest.
All around the chamber, nobles adjusted in their seats. Queen Saphira did not move. She sat still, back straight, gloved hands resting gently over one another. Her face was smooth, expression unreadable like always. But I'd grown up watching my mother's every move and noticed the smallest change. Her left thumb tapped once against the side of her glove which meant anger.
The girl's eyes swept across the room once, then landed on me. She didn't look away. Instead, she started sizing me up- my crown, my gown, the gold at my waist and the black diamond pinned to my shoulder. I didn't miss the way her gaze lingered. Jealousy, clear as glass.
Then my Father, King Aldric stood and his voice filled the room like it always did- steady, strong, final.
"This", he announced, "is Liora Thorne. She is my daughter".
The words hit the room like a dagger quietly. My throat tightened, my heart beat faster but I felt cold as I stared at her. Then from the right side of the throne, I heard a scoff.
Dalia, my cousin and closest ally in the entire court, shot up from her seat like her dress caught fire.
"Very absurd", she hissed, not even pretending to be quiet. "She walks in, wearing royal colours, claiming to be one of us? After seventeen years of silence?" Eron, her brother, crossed his arms, leaning back with a grin. "Well, Liora's bold. Or stupid. Possibly both".
A few other cousins murmured in agreement. I knew that look in their eyes, they had perceived trouble. And then, Mother spoke, smoothly, coldly. Polished to the bone.
"How thoughtful", Queen Saphira comnented. "To bring......., Liora here after all this years. Unannounced, Uninvited. Unexplained".
Her tone didn't rise because it didn't need to. I knew that voice and what it meant. Someone was about to bleed. "We are not a house that forgets its dignity, Your Majesty", she said, her eyes now on Father. "I only pray she has been taught hers".
Mother's gaze shifted to Liora. And though her lips formed a soft smile, it didn't reach her eyes. Oof, there it was. Then as if none of the shade had just been thrown, Father spoke.
"Behold the child born of my blood, raised far beyond these halls. Liora Thorne, of noble descent, returns now to Velmoria by her father's right. She shall be given place in this court, as is owed. And from this day forth, she is to be honoured as kin of the crown".
I felt Liora glance at me again as the words echoed but I didn't meet her eyes. Honoured? She should start by surviving first. Mother's lips curled subtly as she spoke. "Welcome to Velmoria, Lady Thorne", she paused. "You will find that this palace...... does not bend easily".
Then she looked at me- just briefly with a meaning that read; Be sharp. Be sharper than her. And oh, I would be. I stood up quietly and gave Liora a mock bow before leaving.
