A Trap Set in Motion

The following morning, Serene awoke with a sense of calm determination. The path ahead was clear, but she needed to act with precision. Her enemies were already on the move, and she couldn’t afford a single misstep.

She dressed in a simpler gown this morning—soft lavender with no adornments—an image of humility, designed to make those around her underestimate her. In her past life, she had relied too much on appearances and status. This time, she would move unseen, let others fall into their own traps, and strike when they least expected it.

As she prepared herself, Lily returned with news from the palace.

“My lady,” Lily began, looking anxious, “I overheard that Lady Lilian is planning to meet with Prince Revero in secret this evening. It seems she intends to discuss matters regarding your family.”

Serene’s eyes flickered with understanding. Perfect. Lilian's ambition was pushing her into risky decisions, and this secret meeting could be the opportunity Serene needed to drive a wedge between them.

“Lily, that’s excellent information,” Serene said, a sly smile forming. “Make sure to keep listening. For now, I need to meet with someone who can help us ensure that Lilian 's plans do not go as she expects.”

“Who will you meet, my lady?” Lily asked, curiosity in her tone.

Serene thought for a moment before responding. “Lord Damien Greythorne.”

.....

Later that afternoon, Serene arranged a private meeting with Damien at the Greythorne estate. As she arrived, she found Damien waiting in the drawing room, casually lounging in a high-backed chair. He stood as she entered, a small, amused smile playing on his lips.

“Lady Serene,” Damien greeted, his voice smooth. “To what do I owe the honor of this unexpected visit?”

Serene wasted no time with pleasantries. She moved closer to him, her expression calm but calculating. “I need your help, Lord Damien.”

Damien raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her sudden forwardness. “Help? That’s an interesting choice of words. What exactly are you asking for, Serene?”

“I need to stop Lady Lilian,” Serene said bluntly. “She’s plotting against my family, and she intends to use Prince Revero to do it.”

Damien’s smile faltered for just a moment, his interest clearly piqued. “And what makes you so sure of this?”

“I have my sources,” Serene replied, choosing her words carefully. “But this isn’t just about Lilian’s ambition. It’s about survival—for me and for those loyal to me. If Lilian succeeds, Revero will consolidate his power, and those who don’t align with him will be cut out.”

Damien’s eyes gleamed with understanding. “And you want me to interfere? Why would I risk that?”

Serene stepped closer, her gaze intense. “Because I know you’re not loyal to Revero. You’re smarter than him, and you know his ambition will lead to ruin for those who follow him blindly. But I’m offering you something better—a chance to be on the winning side.”

Damien chuckled, though there was a sharpness in his eyes. “You’ve certainly grown bold, Serene. I almost admire it. But you have to give me something more than vague promises.”

Serene took a deep breath, then leaned in slightly, lowering her voice. “Tonight, Lilian will meet with Revero in secret. She intends to plant doubts about my family’s loyalty and convince him to distance himself from us. I want you to be there, to witness it.”

Damien’s amusement faded, replaced by interest. “You’re suggesting I spy on them?”

“I’m suggesting you protect your own interests,” Serene countered. “If you witness their conversation, you’ll know exactly how far Lilian is willing to go—and how easily she’ll turn on others when it suits her. You’ve been neutral so far, but neutrality won’t save you in the coming storm.”

Damien stared at her for a long moment, considering her words. Finally, he gave a slow nod, a grin creeping back onto his face. “Very well. I’ll do it. I’m curious to see how this plays out.”

Serene smiled, though her heart pounded in her chest. “Thank you, Lord Damien. Trust me, you won’t regret this.”

.....

That evening, Serene returned to the palace under the pretense of attending a small gathering. In truth, she had no intention of socializing. Her mind was fixed on the secret meeting between Revero and Lilian—and on the trap she had set in motion with Damien’s help.

She positioned herself near the royal gardens, close enough to observe without being seen. The moon hung high in the sky, casting pale light over the neatly trimmed hedges and marble fountains. As she waited, she could feel the tension building within her, the anticipation of what was to come.

Moments later, she spotted them—Revero and Lilian, walking side by side toward a secluded alcove in the garden. They spoke in hushed tones, too low for her to hear from her vantage point, but their body language told her everything she needed to know. Lilian leaned close to the prince, her hand lightly brushing his arm as she spoke. Revero, for his part, looked thoughtful, his eyes narrowing slightly as Lilian whispered in his ear.

Perfect.

Serene didn’t need to hear their conversation to know what was happening. Lilian was laying the groundwork for her betrayal, just as she had done in the past. She would sow seeds of doubt in Revero’s mind, slowly eroding his trust in Serene’s family while positioning herself as his most loyal confidante.

But this time, Serene had a counterattack ready.

As she watched from the shadows, she spotted a figure slipping quietly through the garden—Damien. He moved with the grace of a predator, staying hidden as he approached the alcove where Revero and Lilian stood. From his vantage point, he would be able to hear everything they said.

Serene’s lips curled into a satisfied smile. Now the game truly begins.

....

The next morning, Damien sought her out. His expression was unreadable, but Serene could see the spark of amusement in his eyes.

“You were right,” Damien said, folding his arms across his chest. “Lilian's playing a dangerous game. She spoke to the prince about your father, trying to undermine his influence. She’s subtle, but she made her intentions clear enough.”

Serene’s heart pounded, though she kept her voice steady. “And what does the prince think?”

“Revero is intrigued,” Damien replied. “He didn’t fully commit to her ideas, but he’s listening. Lilian's planting seeds of doubt, just as you said.”

Serene nodded, her mind already spinning with possibilities. She couldn’t let those seeds take root, but she couldn’t act too hastily, either. This was a delicate game, and one wrong move could ruin everything.

“Thank you, Damien,” she said, her voice calm but determined. “Now we know exactly what we’re dealing with.”

Damien studied her for a moment, then smiled. “I have to admit, Serene, this is more entertaining than I expected. But I’m curious—what’s your next move?”

Serene’s eyes gleamed with cold determination. “Now, we make Lilian regret ever crossing me.”

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