Chapter 119

The hall was alive from murmur of voices from different corners of the room to the clinking of crystal glasses. My reflection stared back at me from a gilded mirror in the corner, crown on my head felt heavier than it should and the gown Dominic had chosen for me felt like chains instead of fabric. The royal banquet was for me or rather, for the version of me Dominic had paraded before them—the returning queen, the picture of grace and power. My face was painted into a mask of composure, but inside, I was breaking. “Chin up, Serena,” Dominic said in a low and commanding tone as he leaned in close. His hand rested possessively on the small of my back, making me irritated. “You’re a queen now. Act like it.” I bit the inside of my cheek to keep me from snapping at him. Every part of me wanted to rebel, to wipe that smug expression off his face, but I couldn’t afford to act recklessly. Not yet. With a firm grip, he guided me toward the gathered nobles and elders. The room fell silent as we