Court Of Shadows and Lies

39. Torn Allegiances

"Cessalie," my father’s voice boomed across the room as he finally acknowledged my entrance, his tone heavy with judgment, "how gracious of you to join us."

I felt every eye on me, watching, waiting for my response. But I wouldn’t give them the satisfaction of seeing me falter. I raised my chin, forcing a polite smile. "Of course, Father. I wouldn’t miss it."

Meliora’s smirk widened, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. She’d love to see me squirm, wouldn’t she? But I wouldn’t give her that satisfaction either.

Amara’s voice broke the tense silence. "Sit down, Cessalie."

I reached for the chair, intending to take my seat, but before I could sit, Kaelen’s voice cut through. "Where will Serene sit?"

I stopped, glancing back at Serene, standing there like a statue, his expression calm, as always.

"Where a slave should sit—on the floor," Rylan added coldly, his eyes locked on Serene.

Serene didn’t flinch, didn’t even look at Rylan. His gaze stayed on me, waiting for my response.

I clenched my jaw, anger bubbling beneath my calm façade.

No matter how lowly they see him, he belongs to me. He’s loyal to me. He will not sit on the floor like some discarded thing.

"Serene will not sit on the floor," I said firmly, my voice echoing in the room.

Cyrion’s mocking voice followed almost immediately, "Why? Isn’t he just a slave?"

Amara, always eager to fan the flames, added with a sly smile, "You brought this slave into the house only a few days ago, but it seems you were already having a secret affair with him behind everyone’s back."

Of course she’d say that. Isn’t she the one hiding her own daughter’s indiscretions?

I let out a scoff, my gaze sharp as I directed my words at her, "Don’t provoke me, Lady Amara. You know very well who’s hiding which affairs." I shifted my eyes toward Meliora, who suddenly looked uncomfortable, squirming slightly in her seat.

Cyrion’s voice rose, cutting through the tension. "Enough! What are you implying, Cessalie? Why are you trying to blame others?"

"Father, I’m not blaming anyone," I said, turning my gaze back to him, my voice steady. "Whatever you’ve heard, it’s not true. I’m not pregnant."

He looked at me, incredulous, his voice rising in anger. "So, you’re saying the High Lunarch lied? The most powerful magician in our kingdom, and he lied?"

"Yes!" I shouted, matching his volume without hesitation. "He must have! There was a misunderstanding!"

The room fell silent, everyone stunned by my audacity. Even Cyrion paused, his eyes wide at my defiance. The servants stood frozen, and I could feel the weight of their shock pressing in around me. My voice must’ve echoed through the entire hall.

Cyrion’s expression darkened, his teeth gritting as he spat, "Cessalie, do you remember that forest? The nights you spent alone?"

I froze, my heart tightening in my chest. How could I forget? When Meliora had broken his favorite vase and blamed me, he had thrown me into that cursed forest, left me as prey for the beasts. If it hadn’t been for my children finding me...

I clenched my jaw, keeping my voice steady as I replied, "Of course I remember, Father. And maybe you should ask your precious daughter what happened that day. I’m sure Meliora remembers very well."

Meliora shifted in her seat again, her eyes wide with panic. "What? Father, don’t believe her! She’s lying!"

Cyrion’s voice boomed again. "Don’t drag Meliora into this!"