Deviating from the original plot

Chapter eighty-six

Victoria remained silent, letting the words hang in the air.

"Regardless," he continued, a small smile forming, "you're everywhere in the news again. The household has been flooded with letters of thanks ever since."

"I haven't even opened any of them," Victoria admitted, a faint sigh escaping her lips.

"They're filled with gratitude," her father said, gently patting her head. "I'm proud of you."

"Thank you, Father," she murmured, leaning against him. Her mind still swirled with the events of the previous day, the chaos of the duel, and the shadows of what Damien had done. Yet for a moment, leaning there, she allowed herself a brief respite, letting the warmth of her father's presence settle around her like a shield against the storm of her thoughts.

♡♡

"I can't believe I missed the entire thing," Evelyn said, settling into her chair with a sigh as she and Celeste shared tea.

"I would've tested my weapons too if I were there," Celeste added, a teasing glint in her eye.

"Where were you anyway?" Evelyn asked, raising an eyebrow.

Evelyn flushed slightly, looking away. "Oh... I had... a wardrobe malfunction. Had to go change."

"You seem suspicious," Celeste said, narrowing her eyes playfully. "Did you go out with someone?"

Evelyn froze for a moment, her lips parting slightly.

"You're like an open book," Celeste chuckled, leaning back. "Come on, what really happened?"

Evelyn hesitated, a nervous laugh escaping her. "It... it was a mistake. I accidentally kissed Freya," she admitted, her cheeks burning a deep shade of pink.

"Oh!" Celeste covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "Evelyn, you scandalous woman!"

"Stop! It was an accident," Evelyn protested, fidgeting with her cup.

Celeste's smile softened as she sipped her tea. "Anyway, on a more serious note... we discovered that Viscount Damien was one of the Black Mages."

Evelyn's eyes widened. "The Viscount? I can't believe it... after everything?"

"Yes," Celeste said firmly. "He's been captured. We might finally get answers about why he did all of this."

Evelyn shook her head in disbelief. "Some people... I swear. I never expected this from him."

"Me neither," Celeste said. "I just hope Victoria is okay about this."

✧✧

Two days later, Victoria arrived at the barracks, prepared to join in Damien's interrogation.

Her uncle guided her down the dimly lit corridor to the holding cell. "The crown prince has already questioned him, but Damien refused to answer," he explained. "Perhaps you'll have better luck getting him to talk."

Victoria's eyes narrowed as she approached the cell. The young man sat slumped against the wall, his wrists bound, the bruises from the arena still fresh on his face. He looked up slowly as she entered, a faint smirk on his lips.

"Victoria Valenford," he drawled, his tone equal parts defiance and fatigue. "Came to lecture me in person?"

"I came for answers," Victoria replied evenly, stepping closer.

Damien let out a weary breath, his voice edged with bitterness. "You really think you can make me talk?"

"You owe me at least that much," Victoria said quietly, her tone steady but heavy with restrained emotion.