Court Of Shadows and Lies

44. The Silent Standoff

I could feel my father’s grip on my wrist tighten, his fingers pressing into my skin with an iron resolve. It was clear that he wasn’t going to let go, not without a fight, and neither was Serene.

But then I heard Serene’s steady voice, cutting through the tension like a blade.

“You’ll not sacrifice her for your reputation, Duke,” he said, his words measured yet filled with an unmistakable firmness. His hand, already gripping my father’s, tightened just enough to make my father wince. It was a silent but clear assertion that he would not back down. “She will give birth to this child. What happens afterward—anything not concerning her—can be decided for the child. But not this.”

I heard my father’s teeth grind in irritation. His brow furrowed deeply, his eyes flashing with contempt as he glared at Serene. “Who the hell are you, slave, to decide anything about my family?”

Serene didn’t flinch. He simply leaned in closer, his expression unwavering. The way he stood, tall and commanding, his broad shoulders slightly leaning toward my father made me feel like the room shrank around them. He was angry—yes—but not in a way that would make him reckless. His tone, though firm, was calm and measured, as if he were speaking to someone who needed to be reminded of their place.

“Duke Cyrion,” Serene’s voice remained soft but with an undercurrent that commanded respect. “I’m the one who stands beside Cessalie. I have no intention of allowing you to make a decision that will hurt her any further. This child may not be something you wish for, but I will not allow you to dispose of it to satisfy your pride.”

My heart clenched as I looked between them. My father’s jaw clenched, his face turning red with fury. He was caught between his pride and the undeniable force Serene was presenting. There was a flicker of something—shock, perhaps—when he realized Serene wasn’t going to back down.

“You think you can control me?” my father spat.

Serene didn’t flinch. Instead, he stepped even closer, his presence now completely eclipsing my father’s. His eyes were unwavering, filled with determination, but his voice remained controlled, polite, yet carrying a weight that none of us could ignore. “Duke Cyrion,” he repeated, his words like silk but as heavy as stone, “This isn’t about control. It’s about protecting Cessalie and ensuring her safety. I will not let you decide her fate on a whim.”

The room seemed to tense as Serene’s voice dropped, that quiet warning hanging in the air like an invisible thread, a subtle reminder of the consequences if my father continued down this path.

My father’s lips twisted in anger, but before he could retort, the floor beneath us suddenly began to tremble.

The others around us stumbled slightly, Meliora and Isla clinging to one another, their faces pale with shock. Amara’s hand went to her chest, and I felt my heart race, the sudden earthquake-like tremor unsettling me.

Serene didn’t even flinch, his gaze still locked on my father. It was clear to me now: he had caused this. He had used his magic to create this disturbance, to send a message.

Cyrion’s eyes widened as the shaking continued, and I saw the flicker of realization in his eyes. He slowly released my wrist, stepping back slightly, no longer willing to hold his ground against Serene’s quiet strength.

“I’ll allow this child to live,” my father said finally, his voice thick with reluctant acceptance. “But this matter will be discussed at the dinner table soon.”

Without another word, he turned and strode away, his eyes lingering on Serene for a moment before he disappeared down the hallway.

Isla’s gaze, however, stayed on Serene just a moment longer, her eyes lingering as if captivated by him. I couldn’t help but notice the way her look seemed to linger longer than necessary, a strange fascination in her eyes before she too turned and followed my father out.