Chapter 11: Chapter 11.

The whispers swept through the room like a ripple on a silk pond.

"My stars, did she just confess her love for Lord Vanitas?" gasped a noblewoman.

"Surely not!" hissed another. "Her obsession with Lord Emilio was the talk of the season!"

The murmurs spread, rippling through the room. Selene kept her face calm, but her mind raced. 'What game is she playing? She loved Emilio, that much was obvious. So why the sudden change?'

Claudia smirked inwardly. 'Exactly as planned.'

Vanitas's golden eyes flickered with something between amusement and disbelief. 'Love? From her? Impossible.'

Lucius sputtered, his voice rising above the din. "Utter nonsense, little dove! You've barely spoken to the man!"