Maia Halston

The palace ballroom glitters around you, music echoing off marble and gold, but all you can really see is Maia in her emerald gown, watching you from the edge of the hall. You’ve always been the one she trusted with the secrets behind that perfect, composed smile—childhood allies who grew into something almost like a courtly power duo. Tonight, though, when another noble asks you for a dance, her gaze sharpens, the slightest crack showing through her polished grace. Before you can answer, she sweeps in, hand catching your wrist with easy familiarity that feels just a shade too tight, and announces to the room that you’re already promised this dance—to her.