The Delacroix estate remained still, but Natalia’s mind raced with questions and possibilities. The truth of her abandonment weighed heavy on her, but she refused to let it weaken her resolve. Instead, it sharpened her focus—if she couldn’t trust her family fully, she would outmaneuver them at every step.
Natalia sat by the hearth in her chamber, the flames casting flickering shadows across the room. Maximilian leaned against the wall nearby, silently observing her.
"Thinking about your next move?" he asked quietly, his red eyes watching her closely.
Natalia smirked, though her expression held no mirth. "You know me too well."
He walked over and sat beside her, the weight of his presence grounding her. "What are you planning, Natalia?"
She leaned back in her chair, her gaze distant. "Alaric’s guilt won’t be enough. Father’s influence runs too deep, and Lucian’s allegiances are always shifting. If I want to secure my future—and control this family—I’ll need more than just words."
Maximilian’s lips curled into a small, dangerous smile. "Good. I was hoping you’d say that."
---
The next morning, Natalia summoned Damon to her chambers. Of all her brothers, Damon was the only one whose loyalty she never doubted. He entered, arms crossed, the usual defiance in his expression softened by a hint of curiosity.
"So, what’s the plan, Natalia?" Damon asked, leaning casually against the doorframe.
Natalia’s gaze sharpened. "I need you to do something dangerous."
Damon grinned. "Now you’re speaking my language."
"I need you to keep an eye on Alaric and Lucian," she continued. "If they’re still hiding anything, I want to know. I can’t move forward without understanding all the pieces on the board."
Damon’s grin faltered, replaced by a rare seriousness. "You think they’ll betray you again?"
"I don’t trust them," Natalia admitted, her voice steady. "Not yet."
Damon nodded slowly. "Fine. I’ll keep watch. But if either of them steps out of line..."
"You know what to do," Natalia finished, her eyes gleaming.
Damon smirked. "Always."
---
Meanwhile, the tension between the Montague and Delacroix families continued to simmer. Though Maximilian remained fiercely protective of Natalia, not everyone approved of their closeness—least of all Cassandra Windmere.
Cassandra, daughter of a powerful count, was notorious for her obsession with Maximilian. She made no secret of her desire to become the next duchess of Montague, and Natalia’s presence in Maximilian’s life only fueled her jealousy.
In the afternoon, Natalia and Maximilian attended a formal banquet hosted at the Montague estate, a gathering of nobles meant to celebrate the recent victory against the Ashbournes. Cassandra was there, of course, her gaze lingering too long on Maximilian.
"Lady Natalia," Cassandra greeted with a syrupy smile as she approached them. "What a surprise to see you here. I thought the eastern dukedom preferred to remain... isolated."
Natalia returned the smile, though her eyes gleamed with cool amusement. "You know how it is, Lady Cassandra. A strong alliance requires participation in these events—whether they’re useful or not."
Cassandra’s smile wavered for a split second, but she quickly recovered. "Indeed. Though I wonder... How long will this alliance last, given how unpredictable things can be between families?"
Maximilian’s gaze darkened, sensing the underlying insult, but Natalia placed a gentle hand on his arm. "Don’t worry, Lady Cassandra. I always finish what I start."
---
The rest of the banquet passed without incident, but Natalia remained on edge. Cassandra’s presence was a reminder that not all threats came from the battlefield—some came from within the glittering halls of nobility, cloaked in false smiles and subtle insults.
As the night wore on, Natalia excused herself from the crowd and slipped onto the balcony for a moment of quiet. The cool breeze swept through her silver hair, and she breathed deeply, savoring the brief reprieve.
But her solitude didn’t last long. Maximilian joined her, his presence warm and steady beside her.
"She’s a snake," he muttered, referring to Cassandra.
Natalia chuckled softly. "You noticed?"
Maximilian shook his head, his expression serious. "She won’t stop until she gets what she wants."
Natalia’s gaze drifted to the distant mountains on the horizon. "Let her try. I have no intention of losing—not to her, not to anyone."
Maximilian’s arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. "Good. Because I’ll burn this entire empire to the ground before I let anyone take you from me."
---
As they stood together under the moonlight, Natalia knew that the path ahead would be perilous. Betrayals, rivalries, and power struggles awaited them at every turn.
But with Maximilian by her side and her enemies within reach, Natalia felt more determined than ever.
The game was far from over—and she intended to win, no matter what it took.