A loud knock. Then another. And another.
I don't move. I don't care.
But the knocking doesn't stop.
Frustrated, I throw the blanket off me and drag myself to the door. I yank it open.
Cassian.
He's standing there, tall, imposing, and unrelenting. His jaw is tight, his eyes dark with something unreadable.
I don't say a word. Just step aside.
He walks in, his gaze immediately landing on the untouched food piled on the table. His frown deepens.
"You haven't been eating?" His voice is sharp, accusing.
I cross my arms. "How do you expect me to eat food that's been poisoned?"
His head snaps toward me. "Don't be ridiculous, Celeste."
I scoff. "Nobody wants to harm me? Really?" I tilt my head. "Not the Queen? Not Liliana? Not the people celebrating the fact that I'm locked in here like a prisoner?"
His fingers twitch at his sides. "You're being paranoid."
I step closer, lowering my voice. "Am I?"
A tense silence hangs between us.
Then his voice hardens. "I just need you to confirm how you got the money to buy the Jeep, Celeste."
I let out a bitter laugh. Of course.
"This again?" I shake my head. "I don't owe you any explanation, Cassian."
His jaw tightens.
"You think you can just suspect me, investigate me, humiliate me and I'll run to explain myself to you?" I step forward, tilting my chin up to meet his gaze. "You don't deserve my explanation."
His eyes burn into mine. For a moment, I think he's going to say something. Demand more.
But he doesn't.
Instead, he glares at me for a long, suffocating moment, then turns and walks out.
The door slams shut behind him.
I exhale, my chest heaving.
Let him walk away.
This war isn't over.
***
A loud, hard knock.
I don't move. I don't care.
It comes again - louder, more insistent.
I groan and drag myself to the door. Yank it open.
A guard. Stern-faced. Unwavering.
"The council requests your presence, my lady."
A cold dread slithers down my spine. So it has come to this.
I lift my chin. "Give me a moment."
I lock my door behind me and follow him.
The grand hall looms before me, its towering pillars and golden chandeliers casting long shadows.
I step inside.
Seated before me: The Council Members. The Queen. And Cassian.
His gaze is unreadable.
I stand tall. I do not speak.
Lord Edric, the eldest, leans forward, his expression grave.
"We have heard everything." His voice booms through the hall. "Do you have anything to say in your defense?"
A deep breath.
Then I speak.
"Defense?" My voice is calm but edged with steel. "Defense from what? From working hard? From trying to survive?"
They shift in their seats.
I continue, my voice rising.
"Since no one will say it, I will." I sweep my gaze across the room. "The Queen repudiated our agreement. She denied me my rightful allowances. I was left with no choice but to pick up a job, just so I could help my parents."
A murmur ripples through the council.
"I have done nothing wrong." I enunciate every word. "I worked. I earned. And I was supported by kind-hearted people who valued my labour."
I turn my eyes to Cassian. He meets my gaze, his expression unreadable.
"Those accusing me of infidelity, let them prove it. It's a principle of the law." My voice is sharp as a blade. "I challenge anyone in this hall to present evidence that I have dishonoured my marriage."
Silence.
Cold. Heavy.
"If you can prove it, I will accept any punishment you decree."
The room holds its breath.
I step forward, my tone lowering but laced with warning.
"But if you cannot…" I pause, letting the weight of my words sink in. "Then know this: stripping me of my freedom is illegal. And when the time comes, this injustice will backfire on the entire palace."
Silence.
Then whispers. Nervous murmurs.
I swallow hard, tears burning in my eyes. But I refuse to let them fall.
I stand still. Unyielding.
And I do not look at any of them.
The council murmurs. The Queen leans in, whispering furiously with Lord Edric. Cassian listens, his face unreadable.
I stand still. My heart pounds, but my expression is blank.
They talk. They whisper. They deliberate.
Every second stretches unbearably.
Finally, Lord Edric clears his throat.
The room falls silent.
His gaze settles on me. Measured. Stern. Unforgiving.
"Princess Celeste," he says gravely. "Return to your chambers."
I don't move. I wait.
"You are free to attend your classes. To go wherever you wish and come back." He pauses. "But you will not vacate the palace grounds until the investigation is concluded."
A tense silence.
I clench my fists, nails digging into my palms.
That's it?
That's all they can say after humiliating me? After locking me up like a criminal?
I keep my face neutral. Expressionless.
I nod. A single, sharp movement.
Then I turn on my heels and walk away.
I feel their eyes on my back. The Queen's victorious smirk. The council's unease.
And Cassian.
Watching.
Always watching.
I don't look back. Not this time.