The day of the banquet came too soon.
The palace halls glowed with golden light, filled with nobles dressed in jewels and silk. Laughter, music, and the scent of roses filled the air, but Jerni felt none of it. She stood near the window of her room, watching the guests arrive from below.
She hadn't been invited to attend.
The Duke had said it was 'for her own reputation' until the rumors were cleared. But Jerni knew better that this was her punishment. A quiet way to remind her of her place.
Her maid, Mira Dowe, stood beside her, holding a small silver tray with a cup of tea. "My lady," she whispered, "you should rest. The banquet will last long, and no one expects you to appear."
Jerni turned to her, calm as ever. "That is exactly why I must appear."
Mira blinked. "But the Duke forbade it-"
Jerni set down her teacup. "If I hide, the rumors win. If I face them, at least I control the story."
There was a quiet strength in her voice, one that Mira had learned not to argue with.
An hour later, the grand doors of the ballroom opened once again, and gasps filled the room.
Her gown was deep sapphire blue, trimmed with silver. Her long black hair fell in soft waves, and her expression was calm, polite, and unreadable. The nobles turned their heads, whispering among themselves.
"She dares to show her face here?"
"She's bolder than I thought..."
Jerni ignored them all. Her steps were slow, elegant, and sure. She walked straight toward her father's table, where the Duke sat beside the Crown Prince and the royal envoy.
Her father's eyes darkened as he saw her approach. "Jerni," he said quietly, "what are you doing here?"
Jerni curtsied gracefully. "Forgive me, Father. But I could not stay away when the honor of House Veyne is in question. I only wish to prove that I have nothing to hide."
Crown Prince Aedric stood from his seat, looking surprised but also impressed. "Lady Jerni, your courage is admirable."
Jerni smiled faintly. "Thank you, Your Highness. I only act as a daughter should."
But beneath her calm tone, her mind was already spinning. Every pair of eyes, every whisper, every smile, she was reading them all like an open book.
She noticed how Lady Sera was seated unusually close to the royal envoy, whispering something behind her fan. The envoy's expression stayed neutral, but his eyes flicked toward Jerni with faint disdain.
'So that's how they spread it,' Jerni thought. 'Through royal ears.'
The banquet continued, with speeches, music, and endless toasts. Jerni kept her composure, smiling when required, speaking when spoken to. Yet she was always watching out.
During a short break, she slipped away to the garden behind the ballroom. The night air was cool, carrying the scent of roses and moonlight.
She needed space to think.
But she wasn't alone.
Footsteps echoed softly behind her. When she turned, she saw Vian, one of her half-brothers, the third son of the Duke. He was tall and handsome, but his eyes were sharp and mocking.
"Well, well," he said, smiling cruelly. "Our perfect sister shows herself again. Brave, considering the rumors."
Jerni folded her hands calmly. "Rumors are wind, Vian. They fade when the truth stands firm."
Vian chuckled. "You think truth matters here? Father already doubts you. Mother is making sure of that."
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "You seem well informed."
"Of course," he said, stepping closer. "Sera is my mother. You should know better than to play with her."
Jerni tilted her head. "So you admit it then. She's behind the lies."
Vian's smile widened. "Admit? My dear sister, it's not a crime to tell the truth."
He leaned close, lowering his voice. "Do you know why you were chosen for the Crown Prince? Because you were useful. But soon, when your name is ruined, Father will need someone else to offer... Someone like Fielle. Young, innocent, and easy to control."
Her heart froze before it burned into anger and coldness. "Don't you dare use, Fielle." She warned, but that only made Vian chuckle again.
He straightened up. "What can you do? Mother was already preparing her to be the next candidate. Tonight's banquet isn't about your scandal. It's about replacing you as the Crown Prince's fiancée."
And with that, he left, his laughter echoing through the garden.
Jerni stood still for a long time, her hands trembling slightly. Fielle, her sweet and shy sister, whom she helped raise, was going to be used against her.
Everything began to fall into place: the false rumors, the sudden investigation, the Duke's coldness. It was all planned.
She walked slowly toward the fountain at the center of the garden. The moonlight reflected in the water's surface, clear and cold.
"Replacing me?" she whispered.
She looked at her reflection. It was the calm face of a noble lady that hid a storm within.
"No," she said softly. "They may take my title, but they will never take my power."
When she returned to the hall, the musicians were playing a slow waltz. The nobles danced, unaware of the storm that was about to rise.
Crown Prince Aedric was standing near the window, watching her quietly. When she approached, he smiled slightly. "You seem distant tonight, Lady Jerni."
"Only thoughtful, Your Highness," she said.
He looked at her curiously. "You carry yourself well, even under suspicion. I admire that."
"Thank you," she replied. "But courage is not born from pride. It is born from necessity."
He nodded, clearly impressed. "You speak like someone far older than your years."
Jerni's lips curved faintly. "Perhaps that is what survival does to people."
Before he could respond, Lady Sera approached, her fan hiding a smirk. "Your Highness, forgive my interruption," she said sweetly, "but may I have a word about the investigation?"
Aedric nodded politely. "Of course." He stepped aside with Sera, leaving Jerni standing alone.
From across the hall, Duke Auren watched the scene, his expression unreadable.
As the night grew older, Jerni excused herself and walked back to her chambers. Once inside, she closed the door and went to her bed.
Mira entered quietly, holding a candle. "My lady, shall I prepare your bath?"
Jerni shook her head. "Not tonight. Bring me parchment, ink, and the list of household staff."
"The staff, my lady?"
"Yes," Jerni said softly. "If I am to survive, I must know who I can trust."
She looked out the window, where the ballroom lights still flickered in the distance.
'They think I am alone, but they have no idea who they've provoked.'
Her blue eyes shone with cold fire.