The morning light filtering through the tall arched windows was pale and cold, the kind that made even gold lose its warmth. Arin sat before her vanity, a small hand mirror angled just so as she examined her own reflection. She had been up for hours, though she would not admit to anyone that sleep had eluded her entirely. Her thoughts had been a relentless tide, she was filled with fear and confusion over the incident of the previous night.
she had woken up and immediately bolted out of the garden without a backward glance at the naked man laying beside her. and as much as she tried to banish what had happened out of her mind, everytime she closed her eyes memories of the night filled her.
Her thoughts were interrupted by footsteps before the door opened. At first, she thought it might be her maid bringing breakfast. But when the double doors swung wide, it was not one maid, but a train of servants. Two of them carried folded bolts of fabric. Another came in with a trunk half her size. And another, gods help her was carrying an ornate chest she had never seen before.
They moved with purpose, a flurry of soft footfalls and rustling cloth, like ants carrying spoils back to the nest.
"What," Arin demanded, her voice sharp, "is this?"
The nearest servant dipped her head without meeting Arin's eyes. "Orders, my lady."
"From whom?"
Before the servant could answer, another entered carrying a stack of books. She moved toward the shelves in the far corner and began removing Arin's own belongings, placing them haphazardly on the floor before slotting the new books in their place.
Arin rose from her seat. "Stop that! All of you stop at once." Her voice rang against the marble walls, but the servants didn't falter.
Then came the sound of heavier steps—measured, assured, unhurried.
Nova entered without ceremony, the skirts of her deep crimson gown whispering against the floor. Her hair was perfectly in place, a cascade of dark waves threaded with a thin band of gold. She didn't so much as glance at the servants. Her gaze fixed solely on Arin, and her lips curved in a smile that was not warm.
"Good morning, Your Grace," Nova said, the title rolling off her tongue as if it were a joke meant only for herself. "I see the preparations are coming along nicely."
Arin's brows drew together. "Preparations for what?"
"For your move, of course." Nova stepped farther into the room, her eyes scanning the space as if she were already measuring where her things would best be placed. "Roan was quite clear in his instructions."
Arin's breath caught. "Roan?"
"Yes," Nova said lightly, trailing a gloved hand over the carved bedpost as though appraising a piece of fine merchandise. "You see, he dislikes you so very much that he's had to… rearrange things. He's already left the citadel, did you know? At dawn. Gone off with his loyal men and warriors. Quite the statement, wouldn't you say?"
Arin's lips parted, but no words came. She had known Roan was cold toward her. She had known their marriage was not born of affection. But to leave without a word? To send this woman this interloper into her chambers as though she were nothing?
Nova's smile widened, showing a glint of teeth. "He's given me the queen's bedchambers. Says it suits me better."
Arin's voice sharpened. "These are my chambers."
"For now," Nova said. "But not for long. You'll be given one of the other rooms, smaller, of course. But comfortable enough for someone of your… standing."
The words cut in a way Nova clearly intended.
Arin took a step forward. "You have no right..."
"Oh, I have every right," Nova interrupted, her voice smooth but firm. "Given to me by your king himself. Do not make the mistake of thinking this is a negotiation."
The servants, sensing the tension, worked faster, carrying Arin's possessions toward the door while Nova stood at the center of the room as if she already owned it.
Arin moved to block one of them, snatching a gown from the servant's arms. "You will not touch my things."
Nova's hand shot out, seizing Arin's wrist, not harshly, but with a grip that made the point unmistakable. "You should be grateful, Arin. Some women would take offense at being given the queen's place. I merely accept it."
Arin yanked her arm free. "You think sleeping with my mate will make you a queen? You're nothing but a..."
Nova didn't let her finish. With a sudden, deliberate motion, she stepped close and grasped the front of Arin's blouse. The sound of tearing fabric cut through the air.
The seam split down the front, exposing pale skin and there, scattered like dark blooms against her collarbone and the curve of her throat, were the marks.
Nova's gaze dropped to them. The smile she gave was no longer subtle it was edged, triumphant.
"Well, well," Nova said softly. "That is interesting."
Arin's hands flew up to cover herself, but the damage was done. The servants had seen. Nova had seen. And Nova would make certain everyone else did, too.
"You have been busy," Nova murmured. "And not with your husband."
"That is none of your concern," Arin said, her voice low but tight.
"Oh, but it is," Nova replied, her tone mockingly gentle. "You see, Roan made it very clear to me, he did not consummate the mating. Which means these" she gestured toward the bruised skin "must be someone else's work."
Arin's breath came faster. "You're twisting this."
Nova tilted her head, feigning thought. "Or perhaps you're just proving what I already suspected. That you're a whore wearing a crown you don't deserve."
The words landed like a slap, though Nova hadn't touched her again.
The servants kept their eyes down, but the air was thick with the tension of unspoken judgment. Every one of them would carry this moment beyond these walls before the day was done.
Arin's face flushed hot with anger, but she forced her chin higher. "You may have Roan's favor for now, Nova. But you will never have his loyalty."
Nova's eyes glittered. "I don't need his loyalty, darling. Only his choice. And he's already made it."
She turned toward the servants, her voice crisp. "Finish clearing the room. Her belongings go to the east wing, chamber seven. And send for fresh linens for this bed. I prefer mine untouched."
The servants obeyed, moving with quick, careful steps. Arin could do nothing but stand amid the growing emptiness of what had been her sanctuary.
Nova, satisfied, took one last look around the room. She touched the canopy of the bed as she passed it, almost possessively, then paused at the door.
"Oh, and Arin?" she said without turning back. "You might want to be more discreet. Not everyone is as forgiving as I am."
When she was out of the room, Nova let out a satisfied and victorious breath. Arin's reaction had told her all that she needed to know, she had not laid with Roan the night before because if she had, then she would be more confident this morning.
It meant that they could move to the second stage of their plan of getting rid of Arin.