Seraphine was in the gardens, overseeing the final touches of a new flower arrangement, when she noticed Leorick approaching. His expression was soft, yet there was a hint of hesitation that made her pause. He came to her side, brushing his hand along her arm as he offered her a faint, reassuring smile.
"There's something I need to tell you," he began, his voice gentle.
She looked up, sensing the weight in his tone. "What is it?"
Leorick sighed, glancing toward the horizon as if he could already see the dust rising from approaching carriages. "My parents are coming to visit, along with some of my extended family. They want to see..." he trailed off, choosing his words carefully, "...they want to see the kingdom, and meet you."
Seraphine felt her heart skip. She had anticipated that she'd meet his family someday, but she hadn't expected it to be so soon. Her mind quickly raced through thoughts of preparation-ensuring the castle was spotless, that she looked every bit the queen he deserved. Yet, beneath it all, a twinge of anxiety crept in. She had heard rumors of Leorick's family, particularly of his mother's sharp tongue and high standards.
She looked at him, trying to gauge the seriousness in his eyes. "Do they know...about us? About...me?"
He nodded slowly. "They know. They know that we're together, that we've begun to build a life here." He paused, his eyes softening as he took her hands in his. "I won't pretend this will be easy. They... well, they have their own expectations. But I'll be here with you, every step of the way."
She squeezed his hands, drawing strength from his words, but couldn't help voicing the worry gnawing at her. "And do you think they'll... approve?"
Leorick's gaze held steady, unwavering. "Approval isn't what I seek, Seraphine. This is my kingdom, and you are my queen." He lifted her hands to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss on her knuckles. "I just want you to know that you're not alone in this."
She smiled, though her expression held a hint of apprehension. "I'll do my best to make a good impression," she murmured. "But I fear they may see right through me."
He chuckled softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "If they truly see you, then I believe they'll come to admire you as I do. They may be difficult, but they're not blind."
They spent the following days preparing for his family's arrival, readying the castle and its grounds to welcome them. Yet, as much as she busied herself, she couldn't quite shake the feeling of being watched, judged even before they'd arrived.
Leorick's words echoed in her mind, a promise of steadfast support, but she knew there would be moments-brief but cutting-when she would have to stand alone. And for those, she would have to steel herself.
The morning of the arrival dawned crisp and clear, but a strange, restless energy filled the castle. Servants moved quickly, making last-minute adjustments to the decor, ensuring everything appeared flawless. Seraphine supervised each detail, her gaze sharp and focused, but her thoughts were a storm of anticipation. She reminded herself of Leorick's words, steadying her heart.
As the clock struck noon, the procession of carriages approached, gleaming under the midday sun. The lead carriage bore the Valmont coat of arms, its gold and crimson hues marking it as a royal family member's. Seraphine stood at the castle steps, Leorick beside her, his hand discreetly placed on her back as if offering silent reassurance.
The first to emerge from the carriage was the Dowager Queen, Leorick's mother. She descended with a grace that spoke of her years at court, her every step a testament to discipline and regal authority. Her gaze swept over the castle and its grounds before resting on Seraphine, her expression unreadable but her posture stiff.
"Mother," Leorick greeted, inclining his head with respect.
She nodded, her eyes only briefly softening as she acknowledged her son. "Leorick," she replied before turning her attention fully to Seraphine. "And you must be Seraphine." Her voice was cordial but clipped, as though she were addressing a distant acquaintance rather than her son's chosen companion.
"Yes, Your Grace," Seraphine replied, meeting her gaze calmly. "It's a pleasure to welcome you to our home."
"Hmm," was all the Dowager Queen offered, her eyes flickering over Seraphine's attire and the setting around her. "I see you've made... changes to the castle."
Seraphine's smile held steady. "Yes, we've refreshed a few rooms, Your Grace. Leorick felt the kingdom would benefit from a renewed spirit." She glanced at Leorick, who gave her a small nod of approval.
A polite, if forced, smile graced the Dowager Queen's lips. "Indeed." Her tone left much unsaid, but Seraphine caught the unspoken disapproval lingering behind it.
Lady Amara and other relatives followed, each with a polite but slightly cool demeanor. They offered civil greetings, but there was an unmistakable air of judgment hovering over each interaction. Still, Seraphine held herself with poise, her replies steady, her gestures graceful.
Inside the grand hall, the royal family gathered for tea. The castle's staff had laid out a splendid arrangement of local pastries, seasonal fruits, and delicately spiced teas-small touches Seraphine hoped would show her thoughtfulness in preparing for their visit. As she moved to serve the tea, Lady Amara tilted her head, a faint smirk on her lips.
"Such an... interesting selection," Amara remarked, glancing at her mother. "Is this the traditional fare of your household, Seraphine?"
Seraphine could feel the subtle mockery behind the words, but she responded with calm assurance. "Yes, I thought it would be a delightful way to share a part of our family's culture with you all."
Amara raised an eyebrow, taking a slow sip of the tea. "Hmm, how... quaint."
Leorick's hand tensed beside Seraphine's, and she sensed he was about to speak, but she subtly pressed his arm, giving him a reassuring glance. "I'm glad you find it interesting, Lady Amara," she replied lightly. "Tradition is important to us here."
Amara said nothing more, her lips tightening in displeasure at Seraphine's composed reply.
Later that evening, as they gathered for dinner, Seraphine moved to pour a glass of wine, but the bottle slipped slightly in her grip. She managed to catch it before spilling a single drop, but not before Lady Amara and the Dowager Queen exchanged glances.
"Oh, dear," Lady Amara said with an exaggerated sigh. "Perhaps such delicate tasks are unfamiliar to you?"
Seraphine looked directly at her, her smile unbroken. "On the contrary, I enjoy the responsibility. Every skill requires practice, don't you agree?"
Lady Amara's brows lifted in surprise, caught off guard by the gentle strength in Seraphine's response. Leorick, who had been watching, leaned in with a proud smile. "You handle it perfectly," he said, his voice warm as he met her gaze.
His mother pursed her lips, but she said nothing, clearly unsettled by Leorick's open admiration for Seraphine.
Later that night, as the castle finally grew quiet, Seraphine and Leorick sat together in the privacy of their quarters. She leaned against him, the day's tension seeping from her as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
"You handled them so well," he murmured, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
"It's not easy," she admitted softly. "I can see their judgment in every glance, hear it in every subtle word."
Leorick's gaze hardened. "They may be my family, but that doesn't give them the right to make you feel unwelcome in your own home." He gently brushed a hand through her hair, his fingers lingering. "You're the queen here, Seraphine. They'll come to realize that soon enough."
She smiled, touched by his unwavering support. "Thank you, Leorick," she said, resting her head against his shoulder. "As long as I have you by my side, I'll face whatever they throw my way."
He tightened his hold on her, a silent vow of loyalty and love. In that quiet moment, surrounded by the weight of his family's judgment, Seraphine found strength in the warmth of his embrace, a reminder that she wasn't alone in her journey.