Mated To My Ex's Dead Brother

Cassie POV:

Early the next morning, I was summoned to the Elder Council chamber of House Golden.

It was an ancient, oppressive room. The domed ceiling was painted with the myth of the First Dragon forging the world in fire. The air was thick and heavy, designed to make anyone standing in the center feel small.

Lord Morgan, the Chief Elder and Kile's uncle, sat at the head of the massive oak table. Several other elders sat along the sides, all wearing dark robes woven with scale patterns that marked their high status in the Dragon-born hierarchy. Their eyes locked onto me, sharp as hawks.

Kile and Journey stood to Lord Morgan's right. Journey leaned against Kile, looking pale and fragile, as if she were the one suffering a great injustice.

The moment I stepped into the chamber, the sheer weight of their collective stares pressed down on me. I walked calmly to the center of the room and offered a perfect, measured curtsy. I did not let a single tremor show in my hands.

Lord Morgan cleared his throat. His voice boomed through the quiet room. "Cassie Stein. I assume Kile has explained the situation to you. For the harmony of the family, and... for the happiness of Lady Journey, we expect you to look at the bigger picture."

Another elder chimed in, his tone dripping with condescension. "Indeed. For a Dragonless orphan like you to become a lesser consort of House Golden is already an immense honor. Do not be ungrateful."

Kile spoke up, his impatience leaking through. "Cassie, the elders are all here. Just nod your head, and we can put this behind us."

I lifted my chin and let my gaze sweep across the faces in the room, finally landing on Journey.

Journey immediately shrank back, hiding behind Kile. Her voice trembled perfectly. "Cassie, please do not look at me like that... I am scared. If it were not for me... you and Kile would not be in this mess."

She was doing it again. Her acting was so flawless it was a tragedy she was not on a royal stage.

I sneered internally, but on the outside, I let my face crumble just enough to show hesitation and deep sorrow.

I looked at Lord Morgan, forcing my voice to sound raw and broken. "Chief Elder, I... I need a little time to think."

Lord Morgan frowned, clearly annoyed by the delay.

Journey immediately played the saint. "Kile, do not push her. Let her think about it. I know Cassie has a kind heart."

The word "kind" coming from her mouth felt like a needle scraping against my bones.

Finally, Lord Morgan waved his hand in dismissal. "You have one day."

I walked out of the chamber. I could feel the collective sigh of relief from Kile and Journey burning into my back. They thought I was just struggling with my pride. They thought I would break by tomorrow.

I returned to my room and locked the door. The mask of the heartbroken girl vanished instantly.

I walked to the window and looked out at the distant peaks of the Richmond Mountains. The main seat of Ayden’s lineage. My true destination.

I turned to my other maid, Brynn. "Brynn, go out and confirm the rumors regarding House Richmond's current desperation. I need to know if they are still seeking a way to fulfill... the late Lord Ayden’s unfinished rites."

Brynn looked confused, but she nodded sharply and left. She was highly capable and never asked unnecessary questions.

I needed a flawless opening. An excuse so perfect that no one could refuse it, allowing me to legally reject this concubine status and claim my place in House Richmond as Ayden’s widow.

Kile, Journey, your little play was about to end. My show was just starting. I just needed to keep them convinced that I was entirely broken.

That afternoon, I made sure a few servants saw me sitting alone in the garden, wiping away fake tears, looking utterly devastated. I knew the reports of my misery would reach Kile and Journey quickly, making them drop their guard even further.

By nightfall, Brynn returned. She closed the door tightly behind her.

"Miss," Brynn whispered. "You were right. House Richmond is in a dire position. They are indeed looking for a bride to complete the ghost marriage for Lord Ayden. They need to appease his mother's side of the family, House Hathaway, who are furious that his engagement was never fulfilled before he died."

I stared at the flickering candle on the table. A slow, genuine smile spread across my face.