King Lucian's attention shifted back to Evelina, his expression unreadable. "Lady Evelina, I trust you'll use this second chance wisely. Not everyone is so fortunate."
Evelina's pulse quickened, but she forced herself to nod. "I intend to, Your Majesty."
The King leaned back in his chair, his gaze lingering on her for a moment longer before dismissing them with a wave of his hand. "You may go."
As Damian and Evelina exited the throne room, the tension between them felt like a coiled spring. Once they were out of earshot, Damian exhaled sharply, his hands curling into fists at his sides.
"He knows," he muttered under his breath. "He knows that we know, but he won't act on it—not yet."
Evelina glanced at him. "Then we need to stay one step ahead."
***********
Damian and Evelina had barely returned to their quarters when a sharp knock sounded on the door. Before either could respond, it swung open, revealing Selene standing there in all her calculating beauty.
