The time of reckoning has arrived.
Esther slips into my chamber again, her face alight with quiet excitement. "The council is duly constituted," she whispers.
I exhale, smoothing my beautiful but simple dress. "Perfect."
With steady steps, I stroll out, unhurried, savoring the moment. This is a dance of shame, and I want to witness every twirl.
As I approach the grand hall, the scene is deliciously chaotic.
Simeon sits in a corner, jaw clenched, fists tight. Across from him, the Queen and her son perch like fallen monarchs - silent, shameless, exposed.
I get there just in time to hear Lord Edric's voice echo through the chamber.
"Liliana must be called to speak for herself."
A heavy silence blankets the room.
I fold my arms, standing at the edge, watching. Cassian won't look at me. The Queen, however, glares daggers in my direction. If looks could kill… but too bad for her, I'm still standing.
A guard disappears down the corridor. Moments later, the grand doors swing open.
Liliana is dragged forward, her son in tow.
The second they step into the hall, the boy breaks free. "Daddy!!!"
He races across the floor, launching himself into Simeon's arms.
Simeon clutches him tight. "My guy!" he says, voice thick with emotion.
Liliana stands frozen, avoiding my eyes, avoiding Simeon's.
Then Simeon speaks, voice raw with disbelief. "Babe… how could you do this? You just disappeared into thin air with my Ethan? Why? One moment, we were fine, having fun. Next, you vanished?"
Liliana's response is a dagger to the gut. Cold. Unapologetic. "He's not your son. You know that."
Gasps ripple through the hall. The council members murmur among themselves.
I shift my gaze to Cassian.
Still, he won't look at me.
Coward.
The argument drags on and on, spiraling into a chaotic mess. Simeon and Liliana stand at the center of it, ripping apart whatever dignity they have left.
"You lied to me, Liliana! You made me believe I was the only one!" Simeon shouts, his voice raw with betrayal.
Liliana sneers, arms crossed. "Oh, please! You weren't exactly innocent either. Don't act like you weren't enjoying every moment until now!"
Simeon lets out a bitter laugh. "So that justifies you cheating on Cassian and me too? Making a fool of him? And me? And now, what? You're still trying to weasel your way out of this?"
I watch Cassian closely. He's stiff, his hands curled into fists. He looks like a man drowning in his own disgrace. Good. He deserves it.
And then, finally, he snaps.
"ENOUGH!!" His voice booms through the hall, silencing everyone instantly.
All eyes turn to him as he straightens his shoulders, his face twisted in frustration and humiliation.
"Get the royal doctor. I want a DNA test done first thing in the morning. We're ending this shit right now."
And with that, he storms out, leaving behind nothing but stunned silence. I don't look at him. I won't. Let him drown in his own shame.
Lord Edric clears his throat, turning to another council member. "Call the royal doctor immediately."
A few moments later, a messenger relays the response. "The doctor will be here at dawn."
Simeon exhales sharply and stands. "I'll be at my hotel. I'll return in the morning." He turns on his heel and strides out without another word.
I roll my eyes and hiss under my breath as I, too, walk away.
When I look behind, I see Liliana frozen, exchanging venomous glances with the Queen.
I don't need to hear what they're whispering. I know exactly what's happening.
This was all planned.
The Queen put her up to this, who knows how much she paid her?
Pathetic.
Shame on them.
The DNA test results will make the final blow. But the air is thick with anticipation.
I try to steady my breath, as I lie in my bed while a small fear lingers.
Will the weary manipulator strike again before the truth is revealed?