The soft buzz of excitement filled the Everhart Palace as the arrival of spring brought with it the much-anticipated Spring Festival. Preparations had already begun, with nearly every corner of the palace and surrounding grounds coming to life under the hands of artists, designers, and artisans. For Seraphine, it was a welcome distraction from the constant whispers about her supposed connection to the king—a story that had spread like wildfire through the palace corridors since Leorick's last meeting with the council.
In the palace gardens, Seraphine leaned over a sketch of floral arrangements, her fingers tracing the outline of delicate blooms. She was part of the design team for the festival, a role she cherished for allowing her to create beauty that everyone could enjoy, no matter their status or title. Her designs would set the tone for the celebrations, from the intricate garlands that would decorate the palace gates to the vibrant archways of flowers and lanterns lining the festival grounds.
Lady Elowen, her mother, approached quietly, a gentle smile on her face. "You've outdone yourself this year, my dear. The council may argue over crowns and titles, but no one can deny the touch of magic you bring to the festival."
Seraphine offered her mother a grateful smile. "The festival has always been my favorite time of year. There's something about spring, the way it brings everything to life. If only… the rumors weren't overshadowing it all." She brushed a lock of hair behind her ear, trying to focus on her sketches rather than the endless gossip.
Her mother gave her hand a comforting squeeze. "Rumors come and go, Seraphine. But the festival? That's something real. It's something that brings people together and gives them hope. Besides," she added with a knowing look, "I believe the king has chosen his queen. Rumors may have started it, but his actions have only confirmed it."
At the mention of Leorick, Seraphine felt a flutter of uncertainty. Though they had only met a handful of times, his words at the council meeting had reached her. She'd been told of his open defense of her, his declaration that she would be queen, not a concubine. The council's disapproval meant little in comparison to his public stand, but it left her feeling both flattered and uneasy. Could she truly be the one to stand at his side?
Seraphine's thoughts were interrupted by Alaric, her younger brother, as he bounded over to her, his expression bright. "Seraphine, have you heard? They're organizing a lantern ceremony for the festival!" he exclaimed. "The king himself requested it! He said it would be a symbol of unity and light."
Seraphine blinked in surprise. A lantern ceremony? It wasn't a traditional event for the Spring Festival, yet the idea felt… enchanting. She could picture it now—the soft glow of thousands of lanterns illuminating the night sky, each one a wish, a hope, a promise for the year to come.
"That's a lovely idea," she murmured, caught in her own vision of what the festival might look like. "Imagine the palace garden, Alaric, filled with lanterns floating above the blossoms. It'll be magical."
Alaric nodded enthusiastically. "And guess who was asked to be in charge of the lantern arrangements?" He gave her a pointed look.
"Me?" Seraphine asked, her eyes widening.
Her brother grinned. "Of course. I overheard Duke Aldric himself say that your designs were unmatched, and he wanted to see what you could create."
Seraphine's smile faltered at the mention of Duke Aldric. She knew the Duke was still less than pleased about Leorick's insistence on making her queen, yet it seemed even he couldn't deny her touch for the festival's preparations. Taking a steadying breath, she decided to focus on her work, on the joy of creating something beautiful for her people.
---
Over the next week, Seraphine threw herself into the festival's preparations. She designed lanterns in the shape of delicate blossoms, each one symbolizing new beginnings, and she chose colors that mirrored the palette of spring: soft greens, blush pinks, and warm yellows that would cast a gentle glow. She even enlisted the help of local artisans to carve intricate flower motifs on each lantern, ensuring that every detail was just right.
The day before the festival, as she stood in the palace gardens overseeing the final touches, she was joined by a figure she hadn't expected to see.
"Your Highness," she greeted, turning to see Leorick standing beside her. His presence, so close and unannounced, sent a quiet thrill through her.
"Seraphine," he replied warmly. His gaze swept over the garden, taking in the lanterns and flowers with admiration. "It seems the festival has found its heart in your hands."
Seraphine's cheeks warmed at his compliment. "Thank you, Your Majesty. I… I only hope it lives up to the spirit of the festival."
He nodded thoughtfully, then added in a lower voice, "And I hope it serves as a promise, as well."
She looked up at him, puzzled. "A promise, my king?"
His expression softened. "A promise of new beginnings—for the kingdom, and perhaps… for us. I asked for this lantern ceremony to remind our people of unity, of hope. But also because I wanted you to know how much your presence means. You are not simply a cure to my curse, Seraphine." His voice grew gentler, his gaze holding hers. "You are the light that makes this new life worth living."
The sincerity in his words left Seraphine speechless. She had never imagined he would see her as anything more than a solution to his curse, a noblewoman whose loyalty made her a logical choice. Yet here he was, speaking to her with a tenderness that she could feel in her very bones.
The silence stretched between them, filled with a thousand unspoken things, until Leorick straightened, his royal demeanor returning.
"Tomorrow night, the lantern ceremony will begin. I would like you to be there, by my side." He looked at her, waiting for her answer.
Seraphine hesitated, her heart pounding, but she managed to nod. "I would be honored, Your Majesty."
He offered her a slight bow, his gaze lingering on her for just a moment longer before he turned and left, leaving her in the quiet garden, her heart racing with a mix of wonder and uncertainty.
---
As night fell, the preparations finally came to a close. The garden was ready, each lantern carefully placed, each flower arrangement thoughtfully crafted. Seraphine took one last look, satisfaction and excitement blooming in her chest. Tomorrow, under the glow of a thousand lanterns, she would step into the unknown. And though she didn't know what awaited her, she felt a flicker of hope—for herself, for the kingdom, and for whatever lay in store with the king who was slowly becoming more than just a name.