A Royal Invitation

To be honest, Lyra couldn't quite make sense of Lucien's motives.

He was, after all, the distinguished Second Prince. Why would he overlook someone like Isadora, a proper marquis's daughter, and instead focus on her—a woman surrounded by controversy and complications?

"Forgive me, Your Highness," she said with careful politeness, "but I've been unwell and am taking this time to rest. Attending social events is not convenient for me right now."

With a graceful nod, Lyra turned on her heel and walked away, cutting off any further discussion.

She had no interest in getting tangled in royal games. Her goal was to use the nobles as leverage, not to become one of their pawns.

However, it was becoming clear that Lucien had other plans—plans that involved drawing her deeper into their world.