Chapter 48 Shadows Beneath The Palace Chapter 48 Shadows Beneath The Palace ( 57 ) +20 Free Coins The Imperial Palace matched Fiona's memory to the last gilded beam . Opulent , solemn , and immovable at Jexburgh's heart , it nevertheless pressed upon the lungs - each breath there demanded a caution measured twice before taken . Only a chosen few crossed its threshold to celebrate New Year's Eve with the royal family : several sons and daughters of the Zonfrillo Estate , Roxanne , and Fiona herself . Roxanne's invitation held little novelty - she had graced these halls many times before - while for Fiona , tonight's summons glimmered with first - time danger . Fiona easily spotted Soren and Callum among the gathering . Closer to Emperor Aldric stood the princes . At a glance , she recognized the Fourth Prince , Cornelius , Rowena's only son , and two born of Claudia - Marcus , the Third Prince , and Zephyr , the Sixth . When courtesies were exchanged , she presented each consort with a small porcelain jar of Lustre Pills , their pearl - white glow promising flawless skin . Rowena's smile warmed like late spring . " I have heard the Divine Doctor's recipe is miraculous . I have long wished to try it , yet the chance eluded me - until you brought them this very evening . " Claudia cast a sideways look at Rowena , sarcasm flickering behind dark eyes before she turned that same gaze upon Fiona - this time touched with genuine surprise . Rumor had praised the girl's beauty ; Claudia had dismissed every word . Now , seeing Fiona in silk the color of first snow , she conceded - silently - that gossip , for once , had spoken true . Were she not Zachary's daughter , Claudia mused , she and my nephew would have made a striking match - talent and beauty , both . " Ms. Fiona , you blossom more radiantly each time I see you , " Claudia offered , her voice lilting with polished charm . Fiona dipped in a flawless curtsey . " Your Highness flatters me beyond merit . " Her tone balanced humility with quiet confidence . Emperor Aldric chuckled appreciatively . ' So thoughtful . Your first visit to the palace , yet not one of my consorts overlooked - quite the attentive young lady " His approval rolled through the hall like distant thunder , soft yet unmistakable . His gaze caught on the white parrot listless inside its gilded cage . Such a fine bird - how ever did you manage to raise it into this sorry state ? Surprise edged toward disappointment . 1/3 14:48 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 48 Shadows Beneath The Palace : 57 +20 Free Coins Fiona sank to her knees , forehead nearly touching the marble . " Uncle Aldric , my eldest uncle Stanley personally found me a birdkeeper , yet I lack the talent to tend a creature so delicate . I brought the parrot here , hoping you might suggest a remedy ." Her confession rang with sincere contrition . Better not mention that Zephyr himself urged me to bring it , she reminded herself , lips remaining shut on that dangerous detail . Emperor Aldric's smile returned . " Among us , only Zephyr truly understands birds . Let him look after the creature for you . " The decree fell as gently as snow , yet carried the weight of iron . Zephyr rose from his brocade - cushioned stool . The silk of his ceremonial robe whispered against the marble as he sank into a formal bow . " Your son obeys , " he said , his steady baritone cutting through the banquet hall like a polished bell . From across the gilded table , Fiona let her gaze float toward Zephyr . Their eyes brushed , his mouth tipping into the faintest almost - smile - gone a heartbeat later , as if the parrot incident had never been his suggestion at all . Not far away , Soren reclined in deliberate ease , the very picture of disinterest , as though nothing in Fiona's orbit could disturb the still water of his mind . But memory is a stubborn thing . Fiona recalled the day his sword - tip nudged her chin , cold metal biting like frost through her skin . At first , she had believed he failed to recognize her . Yet if that were true , the blade would already have been buried . Instead , it hovered , restrained , mercy pulsing along its edge . The posture , she realized , carried the playful menace of a cat batting yarn . With any other man , she would have named it open flirtation . Yet Soren routinely pushed her away , three times , four , as if intimacy were poison . She abandoned the riddle , deciding the man himself must be the fault in the equation . Fiona curtsied lightly , the relief in her smile soft as candlelight . " Thank you , Uncle Aldric , for devising a way out of my parrot troubles . " Turning to Zephyr , she added , " And my thanks to you as well, Zephyr Zephyr's laughter rippled , smooth and low . " For so small a favor , you owe me no thanks at all " Emperor Aldric gestured , and a fresh cushion was placed beside Florence . With that single motion , he granted Fiona the honor of a seat at the royal table . Florence leaned closer , curiosity shining behind her lashes . " Your archery is splendid . Does that mean your riding is equally fine ? " 2/3 14:48 Fri , Oct 10 Chapter 48 Shadows Beneath The Palace 57 +20 Free Coins Fiona shook her head with modest grace . " I can manage well enough to stay in the saddle , nothing more . " Florence clapped softly . " Do you play kickball ? If you do , join our side in the next match . " The princess ' warmth settled over Fiona like spring sunlight , and , in that instant , Florence found herself liking the gentle newcomer . Across the table , Zephyr's gaze returned to Fiona again and again . Compared with his sister Florence , Fiona possessed a softer , more ripened femininity that drew the eye despite his best intentions . Give her two more years , he mused , and that figure will be perfection . A woman both gentle and spirited -rare indeed . If the chance arises , I might just keep her for myself , once Zachary can no longer shield her . Callum's brow tightened the moment he caught the direction of Zephyr's interest , the soldier in him bristling at the unspoken trespass . cup after cup Yet he had no grounds to speak , so he drowned the urge in wine , tilting back until the ewer stood empty . By the banquet's end , a full flagon had vanished down his throat , and the heat of resentment threatened to break past the disciplined mask of his face . He would not allow Zephyr's designs to land on Fiona if he could help it . Soren laid two fingers atop Callum's cup , preventing another pour . " The fireworks banquet is yet to come . You want to make a scene before the night is over ? " The quiet rebuke cooled Callum's blood . He drew a slow breath and nodded once in grudging thanks . C