There were few things in this world more dangerous than Cassian Valenhardt with new gossip.

1. Wars? Terrifying.

2. Assassins? Scary.

3. Cassian knowing a piece of information that could ruin my life? Immediate doom.



Because once he found out something, he never let it go.



And unfortunately for me...



He just found out the worst thing possible.



~~~



It started innocently enough.



I was minding my own business, wiping down a table in the servants' hall, when I suddenly felt a hand drape itself over my shoulder.



"Thalia."



I immediately went stiff.



That voice. That tone.



I turned my head very slowly.



And there he was.



Cassian Valenhardt. Looking way too entertained.



I squinted at him suspiciously. "What do you want?"



Cassian grinned. "I heard something interesting."



Oh no.



I tried to play dumb.



"I have no idea what you're talking about."



Cassian tilted his head. "No? You're sure?"



"Yes." I nodded firmly. "Absolutely sure."



He leaned in. "You had tea with Duke Reinhardt."



I choked on air.



"PFFT—" I slapped my chest. "I—WHAT—WHO TOLD YOU THAT?!"



Cassian chuckled. "So it's true."



I gasped. "YOU TRICKED ME."



He looked smug. "And you fell for it. You're really bad at this."



I groaned. "Cassian, I swear—"



He tapped his chin thoughtfully. "It's strange, really. The Duke isn't exactly the type to invite maids for tea."



"I WAS NOT INVITED."



He ignored me. "So why, dear Thalia, is our cold, ruthless Duke paying attention to you?"



I scowled. "It's not like that!"



Cassian smirked. "Oh? Then how is it?"



"It's just—" I waved my hands frantically. "He's suspicious of me!"



Cassian grinned wider. "Suspicious? Oh, my dear Thalia. That sounds a lot like interest."



I nearly screamed.



Cassian crossed his arms, clearly enjoying my suffering.



"So," he drawled, "when's the wedding?"



I threw my rag at his face.



"SHUT UP."



Cassian dodged effortlessly. "You wound me."



"Good."



Cassian leaned against the table. "Does he watch you often?"



I groaned. "Please stop."



"Does he look at you in that way?"



"There is no way."



"Is this a forbidden romance?"



"STOP TALKING."



Cassian laughed. "I'm just saying. A maid and a Duke? Very scandalous. Very romantic."



I grabbed a spoon and pointed it at him. "Cassian, if you keep talking, I will attack you with this."



He snorted. "A spoon?"



"It's a weapon if you believe hard enough."



He shook his head, amused. "You're really panicking, huh?"



I huffed. "Wouldn't you panic if someone started a ridiculous rumor about you?!"



Cassian smirked. "Depends on the rumor."



Just when I thought the conversation was over, Mara suddenly rushed into the servants' hall, out of breath.



"Thalia!" she gasped.



I blinked. "Uh... yes?"



Mara paused. Then grinned.



"Oh. You haven't heard yet?"



I narrowed my eyes. "Heard what?"



Cassian, who was clearly enjoying this too much, leaned forward. "Oh? Something new?"



Mara nodded dramatically. "There's a new rumor going around."



I immediately panicked. "OH GODS, WHAT NOW?"



Mara giggled. "People are saying Duke Reinhardt is showing special interest in you."



I died inside.



I slammed my head against the table.



Cassian laughed. "Oh, this is fantastic."



Mara patted my back. "It's not that bad!"



I muffled a scream into my arms. "WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME?!"



Mara shrugged. "Well... you have been around him a lot lately."



"That's not my fault!"



Cassian grinned. "Maybe it's destiny."



I glared at him. "I hate you."



Cassian chuckled. "No, you don't."



Mara smirked. "So... is the rumor true?"



I sat up abruptly. "NO."



Cassian raised an eyebrow. "So you wouldn't mind if I spread it a little more?"



I lunged at him.



Cassian dodged, laughing. "Easy there, lovebird."



I screamed into my hands.



~~~



After threatening Cassian's entire bloodline, I stormed out of the servants' hall, fuming.



I was going to avoid Duke Reinhardt at all costs.



No more encounters. No more rumors. No more staring.



I turned a corner too quickly.



And crashed straight into someone.



Tall. Solid. Unmoving.



I stumbled backward, barely keeping my balance.



Strong hands caught my wrist, steadying me.



I looked up.



And froze.



Duke Adrian Reinhardt.



Standing right there.



Staring down at me.



Expression completely unreadable.



I wanted to die on the spot.



For a long, painful second, neither of us spoke.



Then, from behind me—



Cassian's cheerful voice rang out.



"Oh dear. Look at the happy couple."



I whipped around. "CASSIAN, I SWEAR TO—"



Adrian sighed heavily. "What now?"



Cassian grinned. "Don't mind us. We were just discussing your special interest in Thalia."



Adrian stared at me.



I stared back.



I felt my soul leave my body.



I pointed at Cassian. "HE'S LYING."



Adrian tilted his head slightly. "...Am I supposed to know what this is about?"



Cassian smirked. "Oh, nothing. Just a rumor."



I wanted to scream.