The next few days were filled with quiet tension, like the calm before a storm. Natalia knew that her enemies—both within and outside the family—would soon make their move. And she wouldn’t wait idly for them to strike.
Maximilian had returned to Montague for a few days to prepare his forces, leaving Natalia at the Delacroix estate with Damon and Lucian. But his absence only heightened the unease in her heart.
In the stillness of the night, Natalia sat at her desk, poring over old family documents and maps. There must be something I missed—something critical that will reveal the truth about the Ashbournes’ attack and her abandonment.
---
A knock at the door pulled her from her thoughts.
"Come in," she called, expecting Damon.
To her surprise, it was Lucian. He entered with his usual charm, but Natalia noticed the tension in his movements, the unease behind his smile.
"Planning something dangerous, little sister?" Lucian teased, closing the door behind him.
"Always," Natalia replied, leaning back in her chair. "What do you want, Lucian?"
He sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. "I came to warn you. Things are shifting. Father is growing restless—and there are rumors circulating about you."
Natalia’s eyes narrowed. "What kind of rumors?"
"That you’re planning to take over the dukedom. That you’ve allied yourself too closely with Maximilian Montague. And..." Lucian hesitated.
"And?" Natalia pressed.
Lucian exhaled. "And that some nobles are considering aligning with the Ashbournes to oppose you."
---
Natalia’s mind raced. The Ashbournes, long-time rivals of the Delacroix family, were waiting for an opportunity to strike—and it seemed some nobles were eager to betray her for their own gain.
"They think I’m weak," Natalia muttered, more to herself than to Lucian.
Lucian shrugged. "Not weak. Just dangerous. And no one likes dangerous things they can’t control."
Natalia stood and crossed the room to the window, gazing out at the darkened estate. "Then I’ll have to show them how dangerous I can really be."
Lucian’s smile was faint, but genuine. "I thought you might say that."
---
The next morning, Natalia summoned Damon to discuss Lucian’s warning. They sat by the fire in her chambers, plotting their next steps.
"The nobles aligning with the Ashbournes are a threat," Natalia said, her voice steady. "If they think they can use my past against me, they’ll regret it."
Damon leaned forward, his expression grim. "What’s the plan?"
Natalia’s purple eyes gleamed. "We’ll strike first—quietly. We’ll find out which nobles are conspiring with the Ashbournes and expose them before they make their move."
Damon grinned. "I like it. Subtle sabotage. I’ll handle the dirty work."
"Good," Natalia said, her lips curving into a cold smile. "Let’s remind them who they’re dealing with."
---
Later that day, a messenger from the Montague estate arrived, bearing a letter from Maximilian. Natalia unfolded the parchment and read his familiar handwriting.
“My dearest Natalia,
Preparations are underway. I’ll return soon. Be careful—Cassandra is more dangerous than she appears. There are whispers that she’s planning something. If she makes a move, don’t hesitate to act.
Yours, Max.”
Natalia’s grip tightened on the letter. Cassandra was up to something—and if Maximilian was warning her, it meant she was running out of time.
---
That night, Natalia attended a small gathering at the estate, where nobles from various regions mingled under the guise of diplomacy. The air was thick with false pleasantries and veiled threats, and Natalia kept her guard up.
Among the attendees was Nicholas Ashbourne, the arrogant son of the southern duke. His eyes lingered on Natalia longer than was polite, his smile predatory.
"Natalia Vivienne Delacroix," Nicholas greeted, bowing slightly. "You’ve grown even more beautiful since we last met."
"I wish I could say the same about you," Natalia replied coolly.
Nicholas chuckled, unbothered by the insult. "I see you haven’t lost your sharp tongue. I wonder, though—how sharp is your blade?"
Natalia’s eyes narrowed. "Do you want to find out?"
Before Nicholas could respond, Cassandra Windmere appeared at his side, her expression dripping with false sweetness. "Lady Natalia," she purred. "Such a pleasure to see you here. I’ve heard so much about your... recent accomplishments."
"I’m sure you have," Natalia replied, her voice smooth as silk. "And I hope you’re prepared to hear more."
Cassandra’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second, but she quickly recovered. "Oh, I look forward to it. Though I wonder—how long can you hold onto what isn’t truly yours?"
Natalia’s gaze turned cold. "Try me, Cassandra."
---
As the night wore on, Natalia mingled with the guests, gathering bits of information and piecing together the schemes in motion. It became clear that Cassandra and Nicholas were working together—and that they had set their sights on taking her down.
But Natalia wasn’t afraid. If anything, their arrogance only fueled her resolve.
By the time the gathering ended, Natalia knew exactly what she had to do.
---
In the privacy of her chambers, Natalia sat by the window, the moonlight casting a silver glow over her ash-white hair. She unrolled a map of the empire and began marking the locations of the nobles aligned with the Ashbournes.
She smiled—a smile that was more dangerous than any weapon.
Let them come. Let them scheme. I’ve dealt with betrayal before—and this time, I’ll be ready.
The game was no longer just about survival. It was about power—and Natalia Vivienne Delacroix would do whatever it took to win.
---
End of Chapter 22.