My Unchosen Ex Chases Reborn Me (Soren and Fiona) novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48 Shadows Beneath The Palace

Chapter 48 Shadows Beneath The Palace

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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.

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Chapter 48 Shadows Beneath The Palace

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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?”

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14:48 Fri, Oct 10

Chapter 48 Shadows Beneath The Palace

57

+20 Free Coins

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