Lucien waited until the corridor emptied before securing the chamber door. Only Liora remained inside with him, her fingers tense as she placed the scroll on the table between them. It bore no title, no markings beyond Lilian's crimson wax seal—partially cracked, likely from Beatrice's trembling hands.
"Do you trust her?" Lucien asked quietly.
"No," Liora answered. "But I believe her fear was real."
He nodded once, then broke the seal cleanly.
The parchment inside was worn; the ink was faded but legible. Liora leaned close as Lucien unrolled the scroll further. What they read made the candlelight flicker as if reacting to the truth.
To Beatrice, from House Valcour's hidden hand,
You are instructed to isolate the girl. Feed her only what makes her dependent. Her mind must dull before her womb is opened for the prince's gain. If the prince resists, break the girl's will.
