With a heavy heart, Sera entered the smaller section of the house, inexplicably drawn to the little girl.
She couldn't pinpoint the exact reason for her fondness—perhaps it was the child's pouty lips, big brown eyes, or her overall endearing presence. Regardless, the girl had become a vulnerability to Sera.
Cradling the weighty little human in her arms, Sera stepped into the living room where a group of men awaited her. Their varied sizes and expressions startled her momentarily, as she was unaware of their presence. It was evident, however, that whatever was about to unfold would not be in her favor.
Locking eyes with the man who claimed to be her father, his gaze grew colder, and Sera broke the tense silence. "What is it?" she asked, cutting through the murky atmosphere of confusion.
One of the men spoke up, suggesting they leave the room to allow Valerian, Sera's supposed father, to have a conversation with his daughter. They expressed concern that their interference would only lead to resentment from Sera, something they wished to avoid. The strong and intimidating man's words were met with agreement from the others, and they exited the room without sparing a glance at Sera.
Pressing for answers, Sera inquired further, determined to uncover the truth. Valerian, however, evaded her gaze and muttered, "Let Emerald go, she is too young for this."
The little girl squirmed in Sera's grasp, shaking her head in refusal. She clung tightly to Sera, not wanting to be let go.
"Father, did you tell her that Mama... Mama..." Sera trailed off, unable to comprehend why someone would not be able to keep such a dark secret from an innocent child.
Valerian defended his decision, explaining, "Should I lie? She will grow up to hate me, Si. I do not want that... I do not want that. Let her go and come... Come, talk to me. I have something very important to tell."
His stern expression accompanied by a touch to his white beard indicated the seriousness of the matter. Sera glanced at the little girl, silently promising her return, before reluctantly leaving the room.
As she stepped outside, Sera felt the tension radiating from the child in her arms. The girl, referred to as Em, spoke up anxiously, "Can you not keep me inside too, sister? I want to know what my father is saying. Will he say that Mama will be back? Or where Mama went? M-mama didn't go to the angels, right?"
The innocent emotions pouring forth from the young girl caused Sera to question the fairness of the world. It was heartbreaking to witness the child still clinging to the hope that her mother would return.
Sera sniffed, surprised by the tears streaming down her face. Hastily, she wiped them away.
"You know, little one, go and find sister Kara. She said she has a beautiful gift for you," Sera suggested.
The child's eyes widened in anticipation. "A gift?"
"Yes, go find her," Sera urged.
As the little girl ran off, Sera watched her, knowing that she wouldn't find her aunt or any gift. Sera wanted to shield her from the potential hardships that lay ahead.
With a heavy heart, Sera re-entered the living room. Her pulse pounded beneath her skin.
"Sera," her father's deep voice called out. "Sit."
Sera complied, taking a seat.
"What is it, Father?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
In the mere two days since she arrived in this world, everything had changed. Her mother had been killed, she had encountered the much scarier Damian in person, and she had come to realize that the Kingdom of Lumina was not what she had imagined. Now, she faced an uncertain future.
"Rose, you know how much I love you, don't you?" her father questioned with pleading eyes.
"Yes, Papa. What is it?" she inquired, her pretty eyes filled with concern. The word 'Papa' slipped easily from her tongue. It was not the blood relation that held them together, but the bond they shared. She knew her father wanted nothing but the best for his children.
"You need to get married. Immediately. There is no longer any question about it, Si."
Her heart raced even faster in her chest. She hadn't seen this coming. Although she remembered a man named Genghis who was supposed to meet her, she didn't fully grasp the significance of it all.
But now, things started to make sense.
"Why? I recall not being ready or prepared for marriage. It is a significant commitment, Papa. I—"
"We have no other choice," he stated coldly.
Sera glanced at his face and saw the emotions he tried to conceal in his eyes.
"What do you mean, Papa? We do have a choice. Can't we wait until I am prepared for such a serious commitment like marriage? It's absurd that you expect me to marry under these circumstances," her tone lowered to a hushed whisper by the end of her sentence.
She was expressing her discontent, and with every word, her inner queen emerged. Sera—Jane was not someone who liked being dictated to. Forcing a woman into marriage was something she would avoid at any cost.
Her father let out a loud, exasperated sigh. The sympathy in his eyes disappeared, leaving behind a cold demeanour.
"Seraphina Rose," her father addressed her.
"Yes, father?" Sera responded.
"We both know how Kingdom Lumina treats humans. Without our title, we are of no use. And to maintain that title, there must be a housewife in this household. It is not up for discussion. Do you want to see Em being taken to the kingdom to serve the queen? Washing their filthy clothes? Cleaning up after their meals? Or who knows what else they might demand? Our title was obtained through marriage-"
His words made Sera grasp the workings of the kingdom. Marriage was seen as sacred and necessary. Without it, there would be no livelihood, no future for the commoners.
"What are you saying, father? I need to get married?" Sera inquired.
"Hmm... There is no room for discussion. Without a title in this household, we both know where we would end up," he muttered, pausing for a moment. "I hope you won't be selfish in this matter."
Sera nodded. "I won't."
"End of discussion."
Sera stood up and walked away without a glance back. The unease in her heart grew, but she couldn't let it show.
"Sera..." a whisper came from behind, causing her to turn around.
It was Kara, hiding behind the side wall of the house, clutching her dress. Sera glanced back and noticed the same men who had been with her father moments ago.
Without a word, she followed Kara. It was still midday, and tensions were rising.
"What is it?" Sera asked in a hushed tone as they entered her deceased mother's room, the same room where Sera had awakened.
"You will have to marry Genghis because he was the only suitor who came to ask for your hand, and your mother approved. He is an old man, Sera. It's unfortunate that you didn't even get a chance to see his face," Kara expressed concern for her friend. They had grown up together, and Kara didn't want such a fate for Sera. "There are no other options. I overheard the village men discussing the preparations for the main hall for your wedding..."
Sera shook her head. Amidst the whirlwind of thoughts, one stood out the most.
The previous possessor of her body had other plans, she sensed it. The night Damian had arrived was not too long ago. Sera had invited Damian.
"You were brave to ask me for a conversation," his words echoed in her mind, his raw and masculine voice stirring something within her. But it quickly faded. However, one question remained.
What had the previous possessor of her body intended?
"I might have another option," Sera stated, locking eyes with Kara.
"What is it?" Kara asked.
"I'm not certain. Let the men arrange my wedding. But can you ensure one thing?" Sera requested.
"You're being absurd, but tell me. What is it?" Kara paid close attention to her best friend's wishes.
"Even if things are moving swiftly, make sure it becomes the most magnificent ceremony of the season. Ensure no other event surpasses it in grandeur. Our reputation must be upheld, don't you think?" Sera's voice carried authority.
Kara nodded, slightly bewildered by the woman before her. She didn't understand everything, but she had to trust her instincts.
Without the marriage, their entire village would be in jeopardy. Sera's family held power and a title that protected the village. Thus, she understood the paramount importance of the impending wedding.
And it had to be a grand one.