The grand halls of the Eryndor estate bustled with activity, as servants hurried to prepare for the arrival of Baron Verdant and his daughter, Celeste. The impending marriage had drawn attention throughout the region, and every detail was being scrutinized to reflect the power and prestige of the Eryndor family.
Basil stood in the training grounds, his arms crossed and his mind still lingering on the name "Celeste Verdant." He hadn't shared his suspicions with anyone yet.
"Master Basil," Lira called out, walking toward him with her usual calm expression. "The baron and his daughter have arrived."
He nodded, his usual composure intact, though internally, curiosity and apprehension stirred.
Inside the reception hall, the baron and his daughter were greeted by the Eryndor family. The baron, a nervous man with graying hair and a modest stature, bowed deeply.
"It is an honor to be here," he said, his voice trembling slightly.
Beside him stood Celeste. Dressed in an elegant yet understated gown, she exuded grace and beauty. Her long, dark hair fell in soft waves, framing a face so flawless it seemed almost otherworldly. Yet beneath her calm exterior, her piercing eyes held a sharpness that only the most perceptive could notice.
The family's attention was drawn to her immediately, but it was Basil's mother, the Dragon Queen, and the elf wife, Lady Isolde, who truly took notice.
Both women exchanged a glance, a subtle yet telling look that spoke volumes. As nonhumans, their senses were far keener than those of the other wives or children. From the moment Celeste entered the room, they felt it—a latent power hidden beneath her composed exterior.
Lady Isolde, the elf wife, whispered softly to the Dragon Queen, "She is no ordinary human."
The Dragon Queen smirked. "Indeed. She hides it well, but there's a beast within her. Let's see what she's made of."
As the baron and his daughter were led into the main hall, Basil finally entered. His steps were confident, his expression unreadable as always.
When his eyes landed on Celeste, however, he stopped in his tracks. For a moment, the world seemed to pause.
The first word that escaped his lips was a whisper, but it carried across the room.
"Beautiful."
The entire hall fell silent. Every head turned toward him, stunned. Basil was known for many things—his arrogance, his strength, his recklessness—but never for his compliments.
Celeste's eyes widened slightly at his remark, but she quickly masked her reaction with a polite smile.
The baron chuckled nervously, bowing his head. "You honor my daughter, young master."
The Dragon Queen, however, narrowed her eyes. Her gaze shifted from her son to Celeste, studying the young woman more intently.
Later, as the guests were escorted to their chambers to rest before the formal discussions began, the Dragon Queen made her move. She approached Celeste in the garden, where the young woman had stepped out for some air.
Celeste turned to see Basil's mother walking toward her, an aura of majesty and power surrounding her.
"Lady Eryndor," Celeste said with a graceful bow.
"You're an intriguing one," the Dragon Queen said, circling Celeste like a predator assessing its prey. "Your beauty is undeniable, but it's the strength you hide that interests me."
Celeste's smile didn't falter. "I'm afraid I don't know what you mean, my lady."
"Oh, I think you do," the Dragon Queen replied, leaning closer. Her golden eyes glinted like molten fire. "You may fool the others, but not me. I can feel it—the beast lurking beneath your skin. You've walked paths most nobles wouldn't dare tread. Am I wrong?"
For the first time, a flicker of unease crossed Celeste's face.
"I mean no harm to anyone here," she said carefully.
The Dragon Queen's smirk widened. "Good. Because if you did, there would be consequences. Harm my son, and I'll show you what a true dragon's wrath looks like."
Celeste met her gaze evenly, her confidence returning. "I would never dream of it, my lady."
Satisfied, the Dragon Queen straightened. "Good. Then we have no quarrel. But remember this, child: you've entered a den of dragons. Tread carefully."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Celeste alone with her thoughts.
Meanwhile, Basil stood in his chambers, trying to process everything. His first impression of Celeste lingered in his mind.
"Beautiful," he muttered to himself again, shaking his head.
Lira entered, her usual calm demeanor masking her amusement. "You're surprisingly quiet today, Master Basil. I didn't expect that reaction."
He gave her a sidelong glance. "Don't read too much into it, Lira. She just… surprised me."
Lira smirked. "You're not easily surprised. Perhaps this marriage won't be so bad after all."
Basil sighed, running a hand through his hair. "We'll see about that."