Chapter 21

Diem debates skipping the Corbois cousins’ dinner until Sorae’s silent prodding pushes her to attend. Choosing an audacious emerald dress and dagger, Diem resolves to project confidence. She enters a glittering, competitive hall, instantly drawing attention, and is seated near Aemonn but far from allies, with Luther across the table beside Iléana.

Iléana flaunts intimacy with Luther, wounding Diem, who doubles down on poise. At the table, Diem performs a calculated display—exposing her thigh, enlisting Aemonn to help with her dagger, and pinning the blade into the wood—to establish dominance. The cousins test her with jabs about her mourning attire and power; Eleanor quietly advises strategy, while Aemonn publicly backs Diem.

Questions turn to Diem’s grey eyes, prompting Luther’s unexpected, scholarly explanation linking them to Lumnos. Diem accidentally reveals she has seen Luther’s bedroom, provoking Iléana. Aemonn needles Luther about heresy; Diem battles rising doubts about Luther’s role enforcing unjust laws, unsettled by insinuations.

Focus shifts to scars when Velis notices Diem’s collarbone mark. Iléana calls scars weakness and claims Luther will remove his before becoming King. Feeling Luther’s aura withdraw under the attack, Diem delivers a firm rebuttal: scars signify survival and strength, and she would want a King to wear them proudly. The room falls silent.

Speculation flares about Diem marrying Luther to consolidate power. Luther gives a careful answer: Diem will choose her Consort, and he serves her rather than seeks to marry her—relieving Diem yet stinging personally. Aemonn counters with flamboyant support, flirting to shield her and privately deriding Iléana. He warns Diem that Luther keeps many secrets and plans. When Diem finally looks for Luther, both he and Iléana have slipped away.