Chapter 32

Bianca has stopped underestimating Ember.

She used to believe her sister was just a problem of perception, a tomboy guard with no sense of courtly decorum, lingering too close to someone far above her station. But now that Bianca knows Ember bears a royal mark, the threat feels real.

She watches Kaine and Ember more closely now. Not just for flirtation or tension, but for the quiet moments. The way Prince Kaine’s gaze lingers longer than it should. The way Ember listens more carefully when it’s him speaking. There’s a rhythm between them now, subtle but steady, and it makes Bianca’s skin prickle.

So far, Ember hasn’t said anything. She’s kept her mouth shut and her back straight. But silence doesn’t mean safety. It just means Bianca has time to control the narrative before it spins out of her hands.

She knows she can’t risk making Ember appearing interested in Kaine. That would only reflect poorly on everyone involved, especially Bianca. As Kaine’s future Luna, she has no interest in being the subject of that kind of scandal.

But the rumors about Jasper’s interest in Ember are already spreading. She didn’t start them, but she can use them.

Jasper is royal. If anyone else could explain Ember’s mark, it would be him, and if she could convince him to pursue Ember in earnest, it might take care of her problem. The mark could be passed off as his.

She waits until she knows Jasper will be alone. He’s leaning against one of the outer balconies near the east wing, half-distracted by the view.

She approaches with a small smile, careful and unassuming. “Didn’t expect to see you here.”

Jasper straightens. “And yet here we are.”

“I’ve been hearing things.” Her tone is light, curious. “About you and Ember.”

He quirks a brow. “People have been talking?”

“You know how the palace is.” She leans against the stone railing beside him, keeping her expression casual. “You smile at someone too long, and suddenly you’re betrothed.”

Jasper chuckles. “What did you hear exactly?”

Bianca shrugs. “That you’ve taken an interest. That you’ve been spending time with her.”

“And what do you think?”

“I think she’s not as unapproachable as she pretends to be. Just careful. She doesn’t let people in easily.” She glances at him, measuring. “But you don’t mind that, do you?”

He tilts his head. “I don’t mind a challenge.”

Bianca smiles. “She’s used to people leaving. If someone didn’t… if someone actually pushed back... I think it would surprise her.”

Jasper watches her more closely now, his expression sharpening.

“She’s not immune to attention,” Bianca adds. “She just doesn’t trust it. She has scars like anyone else, maybe deeper.”

“And you think I should test that theory?”

“I think you already want to.” She steps away from the railing. “But she’s not the kind you win with flattery alone. You’d have to be persistent.”

Jasper’s smile grows more thoughtful than amused. “Good to know.”

Bianca says nothing else. She offers him a small, unreadable smile before turning and walking back inside.

She doesn’t look back.

Ember

By the time I reach Prince Kaine’s office, I’m already reviewing our talking points in my head. We’re almost ready to make our move on the estate. The false reports are finalized. Guard rotations adjusted. Travel covers in place.

Now comes the hard part, keeping the Queen and her people out of it.

When I enter, Prince Kaine is at the desk, rolling up a map. He nods to the seat across from him, and I sit without needing to be told.

We work in tandem for the next hour, going over every detail until the plan holds from every angle. He doesn’t offer small talk and neither do I.

He doesn’t question me, either. His trust in my competence has grown silent and steady, and I no longer need to prove myself to him in these meetings.

Still, I keep the title in my head like a shield. Prince Kaine.

It helps me stay level. Reminds me of the line I cannot cross. The line he hasn’t asked me to cross.

Nara hums faintly in the back of my thoughts. She doesn’t speak, not yet, but I feel her watching. Waiting. The bond is still quiet, dulled by the potion, but not gone. Never gone.

When the meeting ends, I gather the remaining papers, offer a formal nod, and excuse myself.

The hallway is empty until I round the corner and then Jasper is suddenly walking beside me.

“You and Prince Kaine seem busy lately,” he says without greeting.

I don’t slow. “It’s part of my job.”

He falls easily into step. “Must be a demanding one.”

“Only for those who take it seriously.”

He grins. “You know, I’ve been thinking. We got off on the wrong foot.”

“We did,” I agree.

“But I’m not the same person I was that night.”

“I hope not.”

“Still sharp.” He laughs, then leans closer. “I like sharp. Keeps things interesting.”

I glance at him. “Do you have a reason for this conversation, or are you just bored?”

“Maybe I’m curious.” His voice drops slightly, smooth and deliberate. “You’ve got this whole untouchable thing going on, but I don’t buy it. I think you just don’t know how to let anyone close.”

I stop walking and turn toward him. “You don’t know me.”

“I’d like to.”

“That’s not my problem.”

He smirks. “You push hard, but you don’t push everyone away. You didn’t push Kaine.”

I don’t answer.

He lifts a brow. “Too close to the truth?”

“Prince Kaine is my superior. That’s all.”

Jasper gives a slow, thoughtful nod. “If you say so.”

Nara’s tension coils in the back of my chest.

“He’s trying to get in your head.”

He always is.

“He’s not harmless anymore.”

I know.

I press past him and keep walking.

The rest of the day drags. I bury myself in the guard logs and rotation schedules, anything to quiet the edge left behind by Jasper’s voice.

He was more persistent today. More pointed. His flattery wasn’t light, it was loaded. And the way he looked at me didn’t feel casual. It felt like he was testing something.

The bond pulses faintly beneath the effects of the potion, subtle but steady. Nara paces again, uneasy. I keep my focus on the work. I don’t want to give his words weight, but I can’t seem to shake them.

When I finally reach my room that night, I sit on the edge of the bed without bothering to undress. The silence wraps around me.

I pull up my sleeve and rest a hand over the mark beneath my skin.

Jasper doesn’t know about it. Prince Kaine doesn’t either, and that’s how it has to stay.