AUTHOR'S POV CONT'D.
The next day, Selena and Lord Thorne began executing their meticulously crafted plan to drive a wedge between Jayden and Aliya. The stakes were high, but they were determined to succeed.
Subtly Spreading Rumors, Selena started her day early, mingling with the court's elite and influential members. She knew that spreading rumors required finesse; it couldn't be too overt or too blatant. Instead, she planted seeds of doubt carefully, making sure they would grow into full-blown suspicions.
When the sun started rising, she joined a group of courtiers, including Lady Miranda, the chief maid of queen Mellisa, who was known for being a gossip and her close relationship with the queen. As they chatted over leave and flowers, Selena seized her opportunity.
"Did you hear ab
