REYNOL

s in the conservatory, snipping at a pot of perfect white orchids. When Gideon sp

e a look of pure contempt. "Are you insane, Gideon? You want to p

Livia is my chosen mate. We have

ciety? Or invite more ridicule? Seraphina will be t

ntly filling with tears. I placed a hand protectively over

he words hang in the air, a perfect picture of a tragic, repentant victim. "But I am carrying the Montgomery heir. If we

inal card. "Gideon, maybe your mother is right. Mayb

s, his jaw set. "No, Livia. You will go. You will go as my chosen mate." He t

n, her face a mask of weary d

ou, girl," she hissed, her voice low and menacing. "You are to be on your best behavior. You will not speak unless spoken to. You will not cause any trouble. If you cau

spine, but I bowed my head in submi

d. "Mother, t

ce a mask of frightened innocence. But inside, I was smiling. I had won. The gala was my

PHIN

ss delivered my gown. When Clara opened the

re gown was embroidered with fine silver thread that formed constellations, shimmering like real stars under the candlelight. The cut was sev

he was beautiful, yes, but it was a dangerous, predato

ehind me, her eyes shining with t

e in the mirror. This wasn't just a dres

re kingdom that the daughter of

would Damian's reaction be when he saw me like this? The thought made my heart beat a little faster,