The West Drawing Room was a symphony of clinking teacups and polite, venomous gossip.
Elian peeked through the crack in the heavy doors. Princess Rowena sat on a plush velvet sofa, holding court. She looked radiant, triumphant, and completely insufferable.
"Yes," Rowena was saying to a Duchess, pressing a hand to her heaving bosom. "The wedding is tomorrow. Cassian insisted. He simply couldn't wait another moment. Our souls are screaming for each other!"
The Duchesses swooned. "So romantic! The Pendulum of Fate truly swung in your favor!"
"It did," Rowena sighed, wiping a fake tear. "I just want to be near him. Always."
Elian gritted his teeth. 'Liar,' he thought. 'Cassian nearly drowned in a river trying to get back to you. You're sitting here drinking Earl Grey. If the Pendulum Effect hit you that hard, you'd be climbing the walls, not hosting a tea party.'
