Chapter 3 - Whispers of the Court
The Royal Palace of Beaumont was a fortress of white marble, gold, and centuries of secrets. As the carriage passed through the towering iron gates, Sophia stared out the window, overwhelmed by the sheer scale of her new reality. This was not a mansion; it was an empire.
Inside, the palace staff stood in perfectly straight lines, bowing as King Alexander led her through the grand foyer. But amid the bowed heads, one pair of eyes remained sharp, calculating, and dangerously resentful.
Lady Elara of House Sterling stood at the top of the sweeping grand staircase. Strikingly beautiful, with raven hair and piercing green eyes, she had been groomed from birth by the High Council to be Alexander’s Queen. She wore a gown of emerald silk, her posture radiating absolute entitlement.
“Your Majesty,” Elara purred, descending the stairs with calculated grace. She offered a flawless curtsy before turning her cold gaze to Sophia. “And this must be… the bride. We were completely unaware you were bringing a stray into the palace.”
Alexander’s eyes darkened instantly. “Careful, Elara. You are speaking to your future Queen.”
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Elara’s smile did not reach her eyes. “Of course, Your Grace. I only meant that palace life is notoriously… unforgiving to those without proper royal blood. We must ensure she survives the transition.”
Sophia felt a chill run down her spine. The words were wrapped in velvet, but the threat was unmistakable. As Alexander led her away, squeezing her hand reassuringly, Sophia realized a terrifying truth. She had escaped the wolves of the Laurent family, only to be thrown into a den of royal lions. Lady Elara would not stop until Sophia was destroyed.
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