Crimson Rose Queen

(The Provocation)

I leaned into Damien's ear, loud enough for Sebastian to hear: "Are you married, Your Highness?"

The prince's laugh was a velvet stroke. "Why? Does the Empress seek to trade crowns?"

Sebastian's goblet shattered against the wall. "ENOUGH!"

Ethan Cross flinched. Damien merely arched a brow. "Temper, Leohart."

I seized the chaos, pressing closer. "Play Marry Me Today for me?" Humming the modern tune, I rested my head on Damien's shoulder—

Crack.

Sebastian's fist met the marble pillar. Blood dripped from his knuckles as he snarled: "Return to your chambers. NOW."

(The Fracture)

Ethan suddenly staggered. "I... need air." He fled—but not before I caught the agony in his eyes.

Why does he care?

Damien studied me, his earlier playfulness gone. "You wield beauty like a blade, Empress. But who do you truly wish to wound?"

Before I could answer, Sebastian yanked me backward. "This ends here." His whisper scalded my ear: "Push me further, and even I won't protect you."

I laughed—bright and brittle. "Who said I wanted your protection?"

The silver locket at his throat glinted, its hidden engravement burning between us like a secret.