Chapter 124 Magrot First Move
Marcus nodded slowly. "Then we better solve this quickly. Before anyone else gets hurt."
They split up, each heading to begin their assigned tasks. Behind them, Adrian stood at his chamber window, watching the training yard.
Lila was there, recovered from her fever, going through basic drills with surprising competence. Her body was remembering faster now. Soon her mind would follow.
And when it did, when she knew everything, Adrian would have to face the man he'd become in her absence.
He wasn't sure he'd survive that reckoning.
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Lila was exhausted but functional. The fever had burned through her system, leaving her oddly clearer than before. The fragments she'd mumbled in delirium were still there, hovering at the edges of her consciousness.
She remembered Adrian's hands cooling her fever. Remembered his voice, rough with emotion, saying things she couldn't quite recall clearly.
It confused her. Everything about him confused her.
She was carrying fresh linens to the upper floors when Margot appeared from a side corridor, blocking her path.
"Lady Lila. How fortuitous. I was hoping to speak with you privately."
Lila's stomach tightened. "I have duties, Lady Margot."
"This will only take a moment." Margot glanced around, ensuring the hallway was empty. "Walk with me."
It wasn't a request. Margot turned and walked toward a secluded gallery overlooking the gardens. Lila followed reluctantly, her arms still full of linens.
When they were alone, Margot turned with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
"You've become quite the topic of conversation lately. The King's special project. Training with the warriors. Spending nights in his chambers." Her voice dripped false sweetness. "People are talking, dear. Such scandalous whispers."
"I've done nothing wrong."
"Haven't you?" Margot moved closer. "You've insinuated yourself into the King's attention. Used your connection to the late Queen to gain sympathy. And now you're parading around, fainting dramatically, requiring his personal care. It's quite the performance."
Lila's hands tightened on the linens. "I never asked for any of this."
"Of course you did. Women like you always do. You saw an opportunity and took it." Margot's smile turned cold. "But let me make something very clear. Adrian is not yours. He will never be yours. You're a servant. A disgraced noble playing at being important. And I will not stand by while you manipulate him."
"I'm not manipulating anyone."
"Then prove it. Stay away from him. Stop seeking his attention. Stop with these convenient collapses that require his intervention." Margot's eyes glittered dangerously. "If you don't, I'll make sure everyone knows exactly what kind of woman you are. I'll spread rumors that will destroy what little reputation you have left. You'll be lucky to keep your position as a scullery maid."
The threat hung in the air between them.
Lila stared at Margot, seeing the jealousy and desperation beneath the polished exterior. This woman loved Adrian. Had probably loved him for years. And now she saw Lila as competition.
The old Lila, the one from before the fever, would have been afraid. Would have bowed her head and agreed to anything to avoid more suffering.
But something had changed. The fever, the memories, Adrian's hands so gentle on her face. Something had shifted inside her.
"I don't care what you say." The words came out steady, surprising them both. "Spread whatever rumors you want. I have nothing to lose."
Margot's eyes widened. "Excuse me?"
"You heard me. I've already lost everything. My family, my memories, my position and my dignity." Lila stepped closer, meeting Margot's gaze directly. "What more can you take from me? What could you possibly say that would make my situation worse?"
"I could have you thrown out of the palace entirely."
"Then do it. Maybe that would be a mercy." Lila's voice dropped. "But you won't. Because you need me here. You need someone to blame for Adrian's disinterest. It's easier to hate me than accept that he simply doesn't want you."
Margot's face flushed with rage. Her hand flew up, aiming for Lila's face.
Lila's body moved before her mind registered the threat. She caught Margot's wrist mid-swing, her grip firm.
Both women froze.
"Don't." Lila's voice was quiet but hard. "Whatever you think I am, whatever you believe I'm doing, I won't let you hit me. I've endured enough from everyone. It stops now."
She released Margot's wrist and stepped back.
Margot stared at her, shock and fury warring on her face. "You dare…"
"I dare." Lila adjusted her hold on the linens. "Now if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."
She walked away, her heart pounding, half expecting Margot to attack her from behind. But nothing came. Just silence and the sound of her own footsteps echoing in the gallery.
Behind her, Margot stood frozen, her wrist still tingling where Lila had grabbed it. That grip had been strong. Trained. Not the fumbling grasp of a servant.
Something was very wrong with Lila Hartwell.
And Margot intended to find out exactly what.
She smoothed her dress and walked toward Aria's quarters. If subtle threats wouldn't work, it was time for more direct action.
Lila Hartwell would suffer. One way or another.
Margot would make certain of it.