I woke up feeling groggy, the remnants of restless dreams clinging to my mind. Stretching, I dragged myself out of bed and headed to the bathroom. The cool water from the shower helped wash away the fatigue, and I felt my muscles relax under the steady stream.
After the shower, I dressed in my usual attire: a black silk shirt that clung to my figure, paired with tailored black pants that emphasized my lean, muscular frame. The outfit was simple but elegant, exuding an air of authority and sophistication.
Once dressed, I left my room and walked down the opulent hallway to the dining room. The dining room was a grand affair, with high ceilings and walls adorned with rich, dark wood paneling.
A massive chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm, golden glow over the room. The long dining table was set with fine china and gleaming silverware, each piece meticulously placed.
I sat at the head of the table, and breakfast was promptly served. Today, it was a feast: freshly baked croissants, ripe berries, scrambled eggs with truffles, and smoked salmon. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a cup of dark, aromatic coffee completed the meal.
As I began to eat, my advisor, Elara, entered the room. Elara was a striking woman with sharp features and piercing blue eyes. Her long, auburn hair was tied back in a severe bun, and she wore a dark, fitted suit that matched her no-nonsense demeanor. She carried a leather-bound planner, and her expression was as stern as always.
"Good morning, my lady," Elara said, her voice crisp and professional. "Here is your schedule for today. First, you have a meeting with your mother at her castle. Then, you have a training session with the demon soldiers. Your evening is free."
I nodded, acknowledging her words with a curt, "Understood."
Elara continued, "Your mother's meeting is set for this morning. She specifically requested your presence."
"Very well," I replied coldly, dismissing her with a wave of my hand. "That will be all, Elara."
She bowed slightly before leaving the room. I returned to my breakfast, savoring the rich flavors. Once I finished, I held up my hand, and the table was promptly cleared by the silent, efficient staff. I stood, taking my car keys from a side table, and left the castle.
I preferred driving myself. There was something about the independence it offered, a rare luxury in my controlled life. My car, a sleek black sports car, exuded wealth and class. The leather seats were buttery soft, and the engine purred with power as I started it.
As I drove towards my mother's castle, I sighed heavily. It had been a while since my last visit, and I dreaded the inevitable conversation about marriage. My mother had been insistent on securing an advantageous match for me, but I had little interest in such matters.
In just a few minutes, I arrived at my mother's castle. It was a magnificent structure, with towering spires and intricately carved stonework. The gates were guarded by stern-faced sentinels who bowed as I passed. Inside, the grand hallways were adorned with rich tapestries and gilded accents, a testament to my mother's power and influence.
As I entered the castle, servants and guards bowed respectfully. One of the servants, a young woman named Anya with curly brown hair and kind eyes, approached me.
"Where is my mother?" I asked, my tone authoritative.
"She is in the throne room, my lady," Anya replied with a bow.
I made my way to the throne room, stopping at the large, ornate doors. I knocked firmly, and my mother's voice came from within.
"Enter."
I pushed open the doors and stepped inside. The throne room was a grand spectacle, with high vaulted ceilings and massive windows that let in streams of light.
My mother sat on her throne, a striking figure with flowing white hair and piercing purple eyes. Her horns curved elegantly from her head, and she wore a classically designed gown that highlighted her regal presence.
"Mother," I greeted her, my voice as cold as ever.
"Seraphine," she replied, a smirk playing on her lips.
"What did you do, Mother?" I asked, my patience already wearing thin.
"I've put you in the perfect match system," she said nonchalantly.
I sighed in frustration. "Why must you meddle in my affairs?"
Her eyes narrowed slightly. "It is my duty to ensure the future of our lineage. The perfect match system will find you a suitable partner, someone who can match your strength and intellect."
"I don't need a matchmaker," I retorted, my voice rising. "I can handle my own affairs."
"Really?" she countered, her voice calm but firm. "And how has that worked out for you so far? You're still alone, Seraphine."
I clenched my fists, struggling to keep my temper in check. "I don't need anyone," I insisted.
My mother's expression softened slightly, but her resolve remained. "Seraphine, this is for your own good. The system has been proven to work. It finds the best possible match based on compatibility and strength."
I sighed again, knowing it was futile to argue further. "Fine, Mother. I'll consider it."
"Good," she said, her smirk returning. "But that's not the only reason I called you here."
"Oh?" I raised an eyebrow. "What else is there?"
"Tomorrow, Riley will be released," my mother announced, watching my reaction closely. "Since her sister Lydia is going to become the next human queen, she needs her sister."
My heart skipped a beat, but I kept my expression neutral. "And what does that have to do with me?"
"You've been... invested in Riley's well-being," she said, a hint of amusement in her voice. "I thought you'd like to know."
"Why would I care?" I asked, my voice carefully controlled.
"Don't play coy with me, Seraphine," she chided gently. "I know you better than you think."
I sighed, running a hand through my hair. "Fine. Thank you for the information."
"Remember, Seraphine," she said, her tone turning serious. "You have a duty to our people. Don't let your personal feelings cloud your judgment."
"I won't, Mother," I replied, though my mind was already racing with thoughts of Riley's impending release.
"Good," she said, her voice softening slightly. "I just want what's best for you, Seraphine. Remember that."
I nodded, feeling a mix of frustration and gratitude. "I'll remember."
"Now go," she said, waving me away. "You have a busy day ahead."
I left the throne room, my thoughts in turmoil. Riley's release was a complication I hadn't anticipated, and I couldn't help but wonder what it would mean for us.
As I made my way back to my car, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. The perfect match system, Riley's release, my mother's expectations—it was all too much.
I drove back to my castle, the engine's roar a welcome distraction from my swirling thoughts. Once inside, I headed straight to my chambers, needing a moment to collect myself.
Throwing off my shoes, I collapsed onto my bed, staring up at the ceiling. Riley's face floated into my mind, her defiant green eyes and pink hair as vivid as ever.
"What am I going to do with you, Riley?" I whispered to the empty room.
Tomorrow would bring new challenges, and I needed to be ready. No matter what happened, I couldn't let my feelings for Riley interfere with my duties. But as I lay there, I couldn't help but feel a flicker of hope. Maybe, just maybe, there was a way to balance it all.