River tilted her head, her expression softening just slightly. “I will stand beside Heiko. I will host this ball. And I will not falter. Not because I am shielded… but because I am in control.”
The words landed like a blade.
For once, Lana had no reply. She searched River’s face, as though trying to reconcile the fragile Omega she thought she knew with the steel now standing before her. And for the first time in years, Queen Lana felt… outmatched.
Without another word, she inclined her head — a subtle gesture, but one that carried volumes. Then she turned and left the chamber, her crimson gown trailing like a wound across the polished floor.
--
Later that day, Heiko returned to find River overseeing the placement of decorations herself, giving quiet instructions to servants who obeyed
