The Betrayed Princess Rising (Lylah and Ezra) novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70

3rd Person’s POV

Finished

Cora led Vargan toward the outdoor garden, her steps light, her posture demure–but her lips curved with a smile far too sharp to be innocent.

Sunlight spilled over the garden beds, illuminating rows of carefully cultivated blooms. The air was thick with floral perfume and something darker beneath it. Cora slowed deliberately, her gaze drifting toward a cluster of pristine white flowers glowing faintly in the light.

“Lylah adores flowers,” Cora said sweetly, tilting her head. “Especially those. The white lilies.” She lifted a delicate finger and pointed. “If you brought her those, I’m sure she would be so touched.”

The lilies were breathtaking–petals pale as frost, edges faintly luminescent. Beautiful. Deadly. Their poison was subtle, woven into their pollen and sap, but dangerous even to shifters with enhanced healing.

Cora’s smile widened imperceptibly.

She could already picture it–Vargan’s foolish gratitude, his clumsy hands offering death wrapped in white petals and offering them to Lylah.

Amusing.

“Thank you young lady, you’re so kind” Vargan said warmly, his lined face brightening. “But am I truly allowed to pick them?”

“Of course,” Cora replied smoothly. “They’re bred for harvest.”

He hesitated only a moment before kneeling, carefully cutting several stems. He’s only a beggar–one Cora was certain had no education or sense at all–there wasn’t a flicker of suspicion on his face.

That only amused her more.

To her, it felt like luring a blind, helpless mouse straight into a predator’s trap–so easy it was almost boring.

“May I know your name?” Vargan asked as he stood, clutching the flowers. “So I may repay your kindness someday.”

Cora stepped back, her nose wrinkling in instinctive disgust before she forced her expression neutral. “I’m Coraline. Don’t bother,” she said coolly. “We won’t meet again.” She gestured impatiently. “Now go. Quickly.”

She watched with thinly veiled pleasure as he admired the bouquet, completely unaware of the poison resting against his palms. “So which way should I go?”

“Lylah is in the Traditional Healing Hall, that building,” Cora said, pointing. “Just walks straight ahead.”

“But would you walk with me? I’m afraid I might go to the wrong building.” He reached out,

Cora recoiled violently, a shrill cry tearing from her throat. “Don’t touch me! Get your filthy hands away!”

172

1:23 pm

Chapter 70

Finished

Her mask cracked.

Vargan froze, wounded confusion in his eyes. “You called me filthy?”

Her patience snapped.

“You beggar,” Cora hissed, venom lacing every word. “How dare you? I’ll take you there, fine. But don’t you dare touch me, and keep those flowers away from me!”

She spun on her heel and stalked toward the hall, forcing him to follow. Whispers trailed behind her as other students turned to stare. Cora’s fists clenched at her sides, nails biting into her palms as she fought the burn of humiliation.

At the entrance, she halted abruptly. “Wait here. She’ll be out in a moment-”

Suddenly, Vargan’s hand closed gently around her wrist.

“Lylah would want to see you too,” he said kindly. “Please, wait with me.”

Cora shrieked.

She tore free violently, her voice echoing through the corridor. “Don’t touch me! You disgusting beggar! You’re filthy–you’ll stain my skin!”

The outburst drew immediate attention.

Doors opened. Heads turned.

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