The celebration ball continued to swirl with mirth and music, and Seraphina found herself engaged in a lively conversation with Lady Elara and Lady Isabella, two esteemed ladies of the court. They spoke of their aspirations in politics and shared laughter over the intricacies of courtly affairs.
Meanwhile, Asmodeus couldn't resist the allure of Seraphina's company, even though he sensed her lack of romantic interest. Instead of mingling with the other ladies as he usually would, he found himself standing beside Seraphina, drawn to her presence like a moth to a flame.
One of the ladies, Lady Elara, noticed her husband's absence and expressed her concern. Before Seraphina could explain, Asmodeus interjected with his characteristic charm. "Why worry about him when you have such delightful company here?" he quipped, leaving the ladies amused and momentarily forgetting about their concern.
As the evening wore on, Lady Elara and Lady Isabella excused themselves, leaving Seraphina and Asmodeus alone. He flashed her a captivating smile, his gaze tracing the contours of her face with an intensity that made her heart flutter.
"I'd like to show you something beautiful," he said, extending his hand to her.
Intrigued, Seraphina accepted his invitation, and he led her to the rooftop. They settled on a stone ledge, the night sky above them a canopy of twinkling stars. Asmodeus began to weave stories about the constellations, sharing fascinating facts and celestial myths that captivated Seraphina's imagination.
She looked up at the stars with wonder in her eyes, feeling a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the night sky. As she did, she sensed Asmodeus' gaze on her, admiring her with a lingering fascination.
"Your hair, like cascading moonlight, and your eyes, like the emerald depths of the forest," he complemented, his voice low and seductive.
Her cheeks flushed with flattery, but she knew she must maintain her distance. With a gracious smile, she gently tried to withdraw from the intimate moment.
"Thank you, Prince Asmodeus, but I should return to the ball now," she said politely.
However, before she could fully step away, he pulled her back into his embrace, his grip tightening possessively. Seraphina's heart quickened, a mix of confusion and discomfort washing over her.
In that moment, Lucius appeared at the rooftop entrance, his eyes locking onto the scene before him. His heart sank with a pang of jealousy, witnessing the close proximity between Seraphina and his brother. Despite his growing feelings for her, he couldn't bring himself to act on them, bound by the constraints of their arranged marriage.
"Is there something you need, Lucius?" Asmodeus asked, his voice laced with amusement.
Lucius masked his emotions with a composed demeanor. "I simply came to check on the both of you. The night is growing late, and the ball still continues."
Asmodeus released Seraphina, but the tension in the air remained palpable. Seraphina felt a mixture of relief and confusion, unsure of what to make of the encounter.
With a polite nod, she excused herself and returned to the celebration below, the night sky's enchantment lingering in her mind. As she navigated through the ballroom, she couldn't shake off the sense of being watched, but she focused on concealing her own emotions and the intrigue that swirled around the Ebonhart family.
In the grand tapestry of fate, the evening had woven a complex dance of desires, secrets, and hidden motives. Seraphina's journey was far from over, and the celestial and infernal realms awaited the revelation of her true heritage.
As the cho came to a close, the night was draped in veiled mysteries, poised to unravel in the chapters yet to unfold.