Katherine’s steps down the banquet hall felt longer than the entire walk she had taken to marry Adrian.

Her gown whispered over the marble floor, silver threads glinting under the candlelight. The nobles’ stares cut sharper than any blade — curious, calculating, or openly hostile. She could almost hear their thoughts: The French princess. The enemy’s daughter. The Emperor’s gamble.

The high table stretched across the raised dais, lined with the most powerful figures in England. At its center sat the Emperor Charles, his shoulders broad beneath his crimson mantle, the gold crown heavy upon his brow. On his right was Adrian, motionless and unreadable, a living statue of cold command. To the Emperor’s left sat Eva, the Empress — regal and composed, eyes like polished steel.

Katherine reached the dais and curtseyed deeply, first to the Emperor, then to Eva. The Empress’s faint nod was the only acknowledgment she received.

“Come,” Eva said, her voice carrying easily over the hall. “Stand beside me. Our court should see you clearly.”

The invitation was not kindness — it was positioning. Katherine would be under full scrutiny, her every movement visible to the assembled nobility.

---

When she took her place, the Empress’s hand landed lightly on her arm, the grip just tight enough to remind her that escape was not an option.

“Tell me, Princess,” Eva began in a tone sweet enough to sour milk, “what is the thing you most admire about England?”

Katherine knew the trap instantly. Praise England too lavishly, and she would be accused of betraying France. Speak too little, and she would insult her hosts.

She chose her words carefully. “I admire the resilience of the English people. Despite hardship and war, they remain strong and steadfast.”

Eva’s smile was slow and dangerous. “Ah… so you see us as hardened by war. And who has been at war with us, Princess?”

Murmurs rippled through the hall.

Katherine kept her voice calm. “It is no secret that our countries have been in conflict. But now we have peace, and I believe both our peoples can learn from each other.”

Eva tilted her head, still smiling, but her eyes glinted. “Learn from each other? Then you admit England has something to learn from France?”

More murmurs, this time edged with derision.

Katherine felt the ground shifting beneath her. “I only mean—”

“Enough,” Eva said lightly, turning to address the table. “The Princess believes we should adopt French ways. Imagine it! We might all be speaking French by next winter.”

Laughter broke out along the high table, sharp and mocking. Katherine felt the heat rising to her cheeks, but she forced herself to keep her expression serene.

She glanced toward Adrian. He sat perfectly still, wine glass in hand, his gaze on her — but he made no move to intervene. No word to defend her.

---

The Empress, satisfied with the ripples of humiliation she had cast, leaned back in her chair. “Come, Princess, sit here beside His Highness.”

Katherine obeyed, taking the empty seat next to Adrian. His presence was like a wall of ice, impenetrable.

The feast continued around them. Dishes of venison, pheasant, and fresh bread were passed. Katherine ate little, the food turning to ash in her mouth. She answered a few polite questions from the nobles seated nearby, but her mind was still replaying the Empress’s twisting of her words, the laughter that followed.

At last, when the plates were cleared and the musicians began to play softly in the corner, Adrian set down his cup. His voice was low enough that only she could hear.

“You must be more careful when you speak.”

She looked at him sharply. “Do you think I intended to insult anyone?”

“I think intention matters little here,” he replied without looking at her. “What matters is how your words are heard. And tonight, they were heard as arrogance.”

“I spoke the truth,” she said quietly.

Adrian’s eyes finally met hers, cold and unwavering. “Truth is not a shield in this court. It is a weapon — and one easily turned against you.”

Before she could reply, he rose from his chair. The sudden movement drew the attention of those nearby.

He turned to her, voice carrying just enough to reach the surrounding tables.

“You will not share my chambers. These rooms will remain yours alone.”

A hush fell over the hall. Katherine felt every gaze turn toward her once more — this time with sharper interest, the scent of scandal thickening in the air.

Adrian did not wait for her response. He inclined his head stiffly, then strode away, leaving her seated in the echo of his words.

The music faltered for a moment before resuming, but the whispers

had already begun.

Across the table, Eva’s smile was thin and victorious.