Episode 5: The Duke’s Warning

***
Evelina walks briskly through the palace halls, Anna scurrying beside her. Her heart is still hammering from the encounter with Valerius.
Evelina Everhart
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*I survived. I survived. I didn’t get executed. That’s a win, right?(ಥ﹏ಥ)
Anna
Anna
(whispering) My lady… that was terrifying! The Emperor, the nobles, and… and Duke Draven!
Evelina Everhart
Evelina Everhart
(nodding quickly) I know, Anna. Trust me, I know.
She lets out a deep breath, trying to shake off the tension. Just as she turns a corner—
???
???
Lady Everhart.
Evelina freezes. That voice. Deep. Smooth. Unmistakable.
Evelina Everhart
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*Oh, come on! Give me a break!(;´༎ຶٹ༎ຶ`)
She slowly turns to see Valerius Draven standing in the dimly lit hallway, arms crossed. His sharp gaze pins her in place.
Evelina Everhart
Evelina Everhart
(nervous laugh) Duke Draven. Fancy meeting you here.
Anna grips Evelina’s sleeve, clearly terrified. Evelina, however, keeps her expression calm.
Valerius Draven
Valerius Draven
(slowly) That performance back there… interesting.
Evelina Everhart
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*Interesting? I was barely holding myself together!(눈_눈)
She forces a polite smile.
Evelina Everhart
Evelina Everhart
I aim to be memorable.
Valerius steps closer, his presence overwhelming.
Valerius Draven
Valerius Draven
(quietly) I don’t believe in sudden personality changes, Lady Everhart.
Evelina Everhart
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*Ah. So he’s suspicious. Fantastic.
She tilts her head, feigning innocence.
Evelina Everhart
Evelina Everhart
(◕‿◕)
Evelina Everhart
Evelina Everhart
A near-death experience can be quite… enlightening.
Valerius watches her, as if searching for something. The silence stretches, thick with tension.
Valerius Draven
Valerius Draven
(low voice) Do not test the Emperor’s patience again. You may not be as lucky next time.
Evelina Everhart
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*Is this… concern? No, no. Definitely a threat. Probably. Maybe?
Evelina Everhart
Evelina Everhart
(smirking) Duke Draven, are you worried about me?
Anna gasps softly. A few nobles passing by slow their steps, clearly eavesdropping. Evelina realizes too late that she may have pushed too far.
But instead of anger, Valerius merely… chuckles. A deep, amused sound that makes Evelina’s stomach flip.
Valerius Draven
Valerius Draven
Worried? No. Amused? Perhaps.
Evelina Everhart
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*That’s worse!(ಥ﹏ಥ)
He leans in slightly, his voice dropping lower.
Valerius Draven
Valerius Draven
(softly) Be careful, Lady Everhart. You’re playing a dangerous game.
With that, he turns and walks away, leaving Evelina rooted in place.
Evelina Everhart
Evelina Everhart
*In mind*Oh, I know it’s dangerous. The problem is, I have no idea how to win.(;´༎ຶٹ༎ຶ`)
***

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