Vyan and Iyana froze, caught in Daphne's piercing gaze like two kids caught sneaking out past curfew. They exchanged a quick, guilty glance before Iyana cleared her throat, clearly scrambling for an excuse.
"Uh…" she stalled, looking about as clueless as a swordsperson in an archery competition.
Vyan stepped in smoothly, barely missing a beat. "I didn't want to bother you about this, but the thing is… Ash's stuff got stolen," he said, his tone so convincingly grave that Iyana shot him a side-eye, silently marveling at his ease with fibbing. "Yes, it turns out one of our butlers went rogue and took off with Ash's childhood stuff: clothes, shoes, and, you know, all those gifts you gave him.
Even his engagent ring," he finished.
Daphne's face fell, placing a hand over her aching chest. "Oh… That's really unfortunate. I didn't even know he wasn't wearing his ring when he, you know…"
"To be honest, I was the only one who knew about it," Vyan added, layering his story with just enough drama to keep it interesting. "Right before he ran off to fight, he took off the ring and wrote a hasty letter for you."
Daphne's brow furrowed, her face ashen. "But I never found a letter…"
"Well, he left it on his bedside table," Vyan continued smoothly. "So, when our place got raided, it must have been lost in the chaos."
Iyana glared at him, narrowing her eyes with the kind of look that practically scread, Seriously? Why are you faking such a tragic backstory? Now she is even sadder!
Vyan's reply was a simple, flat stare, as if to say, It's not faking if it's true.
Daphne took a deep breath, finally breaking her intense focus on the past. She turned to Iyana, forcing a smile. "Oh, look at , getting all wrapped up in past. I haven't even greeted you properly, Lady Iyana."
Iyana broke off her silent, stare-down with Vyan and turned to Daphne, flashing her a wide grin. "Oh, don't even worry about it! It's such a pleasure to et you, Lady Ryen. And, if I can be completely honest, I am incredibly envious of your height."
Daphne chuckled, a bit surprised, as if she didn't often hear complints about being taller than most won. "Really?"
"Yes!" Iyana nodded eagerly. "You have got my dream height! I have always wanted to be this tall."
Vyan raised an eyebrow, amused. "And why is this the first ti I am hearing about your height ambitions?"
Iyana rolled her eyes dramatically. "Because, if I ever drew your attention to it, you would call a midget in under three seconds."
"Noted, midget," Vyan replied with a mischievous smirk.
Iyana shot him a mock scowl, but Vyan looked unbothered as usual. anwhile, Daphne giggled, clearly entertained by their exchange.
"But honestly, can you imagine?" Vyan continued, sounding obnoxious on purpose. "If you were any taller, you would be even scarier and more powerful."
Daphne laughed and chid in, "Oh, I don't think height has anything to do with strength." Find exclusive stories on m_v l|e-
"Exactly! Thank you," Iyana declared triumphantly. "If height mattered, then I wouldn't be stronger than you."
Vyan put on a mock-offended face. "Oh, please. Do you have any idea what I am capable of with my magic?"
Iyana crossed her arms, feigning disinterest. "Magic? That's just cheating."
"Excuse , it's a powerful skill," Vyan shot back.
"If you are so skilled, why don't you co at with a sword, Your Grace? You know, sothing without a magical cheat code," Iyana challenged, raising an eyebrow.
"Oh, so you want to provoke into losing a limb?" Vyan laughed, sounding strained. "Yes, no thanks. I value my limbs, actually."
"That's what I thought," she replied smugly. "And just look at you, embarrassing us both in front of the marchioness."
Daphne raised her hands, smiling. "Oh, don't mind . I am just enjoying the show."
"Has he always been this irritating, Lady Ryen?" Iyana asked, raising a brow.
"Oh, absolutely. He has always had a smart mouth, but there is no denying he can be incredibly sweet, too."
Iyana rolled her eyes, feigning reluctance. "I suppose I can't argue with that."
Vyan let out a dramatic gasp, clutching his chest as if wounded. "Are you two badmouthing right in front of ? The people close to my heart, ganging up on like this?"
"Don't flatter yourself," Iyana dismissed, taking Daphne's hands with a warm smile. "Honestly, it would have been so great if we could have been sisters-in-law. Such a sha, isn't it?"
Daphne's face softened. "It really is."
"Well, we will just have to make up for it," Iyana said brightly. "I would love to get to know you better. I an it—I really like you."
Daphne looked pleasantly surprised. "Really?"
"Absolutely! I would be honored to call you a friend," Iyana said, her eyes sincere. "And I don't know why Vyan has been blessed with so many cool people in his life, like seriously, all of you are really nice."
Daphne's smile grew, a warmth in her eyes. "If that's what you really want, then sure. I would like to be your friend too."
"Aweso!" Iyana chirped and glanced down at her dust-covered uniform, brushing off a bit of dirt. "Anyway, I should go get changed—I have been out in the field all day. But let's definitely et up again. I would love to hear all the embarrassing stories about Vyan's past, if you don't mind sharing."
"Oh, that sounds delightful!" Daphne replied, laughing.
"Perfect!" Iyana shot her a final smile. "I will see you soon. Enjoy your evening, Lady Ryen." With that, she briefly glanced at Vyan and headed up the stairs, leaving Vyan watching her go, a fond smile tugging at his lips.
"She is quite different from the rumors," Daphne said thoughtfully. "They said she was cold, ruthless, maybe a bit arrogant… but she is not like that at all."
"Oh, the rumors aren't entirely wrong," Vyan replied, chuckling. "That's the side of herself she lets the world see. But underneath it all? She is kind, and honestly, a bit playful and bubbly. She just doesn't let that part show too often."
Daphne's lips curled into a smile. "So, I guess she let her guard down around because you told her I was important to you?"
Vyan nodded, a small smile playing at his lips. "It seems like it. Iyana has this knack for letting the right people see who she really is. She doesn't hand out trust easily, but when she does, it's the real thing. And this ti, she is trusting my judgent on you."
Daphne's gaze softened. "She reminds a little of your mother."
"Not quite. My mother was all too willing to be Grandfather Eryndor's obedient little puppet. Iyana, on the other hand… she is a rebel to her core. She would sooner break her own jaw than fake a smile just to please him. You and Ash practically tore yourselves apart trying to win his approval, and look where it got you both."
Daphne chuckled, giving him a playful nudge. "You know, Vee, you rember everything a little too well for soone who was only five back then. anwhile, I can't even rember what I had for lunch yesterday."
"What can I say? I have got a freakishly good mory," he shrugged, earning another laugh from her. "But anyway, you should get going. I wouldn't want to risk stirring up trouble with that abusive husband of yours."
She rolled her eyes. "Do you have to throw in 'abusive' every ti you ntion him?"
Vyan slid his hands into his pockets, giving her an exaggerated look. "You should be glad I am sticking with that adjective and not upgrading it to 'late.'"
She gasped and swatted his arm, laughing. "Oh, shut up!"
"If only he would. Forever."
Little did Vyan know that his casual remark would soon turn prophetic, unfolding with a bitter twist he never anticipated.
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