Stephen fell into step beside me the moment we crossed the entrance hall.
The servants still bowed as we passed, their heads lowered respectfully beneath the glittering chandelier lights, but I could feel their attention lingering carefully behind us.
Watching.
Listening.
Because everyone had heard Nathan's announcement.
Everyone knew what Draven had done.
Stephen walked calmly beside me with one hand folded behind his back, his expression smooth and elegant as always.
But the silence around him felt wrong now.
Sharper.
More dangerous.
For several seconds, neither of us spoke.
Then quietly—
almost mockingly—
Stephen said,
"So this is the Duke's third rule."
His voice was soft enough that only I could hear.
I kept my gaze forward.
"The South's council seat," he continued smoothly. "His authority. His position during his absence."
A faint laugh escaped him.
"Tell me, Seraphina…"
His eyes slowly slid toward me.
