The golden rays of the morning sun slanted across the luxurious bedspread, waking Seraphina from her peaceful slumber. Her room, larger than most grand halls, was adorned with silks and fine tapestries, showcasing a scene of wealth and refinement. The subtle gleam of rubies and sapphires reflected off the polished marble floors. A large mirror—one of many in her chambers—hung on the far wall, depicting her graceful silhouette as she stirred awake.
Seraphina blinked, stretching her arms out lazily as she rested back onto her pillows. Her bed was comfortable, an oasis of softness, the perfect cocoon after a long night. She slowly sat up, taking in the delicate arrangement of gold-framed artworks that decorated the walls—scenes from the empire's storied past, each piece a reminder of the strength that had built the kingdom.
A soft knock at her door roused her from her contemplations. The door creaked open to reveal Feliciana, her trusted attendant, entering with a respectful bow.
"Good morning, Your Highness," Feliciana said gently. "The day awaits, as usual."
Seraphina smiled warmly at her, already knowing what her attendant was going to say. In all the years of her upbringing, it had been ingrained in her that there was no real limit to what she could ask for, to the extent that every day held a new horizon of potential.
"It does indeed, Feliciana," Seraphina replied, her eyes glinting with an energy only someone with absolute freedom could possess. "I think I will visit the Capital Market today."
The Capital Market was known to be a place of unimaginable wonder, a marketplace where only the wealthiest—royalty, foreign dignitaries, and the empire's elite—were welcome. It was a place where anything could be bought, where the rarest treasures of the earth and beyond were presented for sale, from beautiful jade statues crafted by the finest artisans to relics from lands the empire had conquered.
Seraphina had visited many such marketplaces during her life, but each time, the novelty of exploring the vast world of riches still captivated her.
Feliciana's hands gently smoothed down Seraphina's royal gown, a stunning design spun from glimmering threads of gold. "As you wish, Your Highness."
Seraphina rose, admiring herself in the mirror briefly, the crown her father had gifted her shining atop her flowing chestnut hair, catching light with every tiny movement. As she adjusted her tunic, Feliciana helped guide the princess's steps to the waiting carriage.
Standing by the entrance to her chambers was one of the empire's most respected warriors and one of Seraphina's personal guards, Orlan. He was a massive man, his build like stone, and his calm yet commanding presence was unshakable. Even among the greatest of emperors' warriors, Orlan was renowned. The princess's safety was his only mission, and she knew that.
"My lady," Orlan greeted, bowing slightly. "It is an honor as always. Shall I accompany you to the market?"
Seraphina grinned. "Of course, Orlan. How else can I ensure my safety if not with you at my side?"
She moved past him toward the carriage. "Let's go, I've heard there is a new collection of exotic creatures at the market today."
The streets of the imperial capital were a sight to behold, rich with diversity and life. As they passed through the marble-paved roads and grand towers, Seraphina couldn't help but appreciate the beauty and culture of her surroundings. It was a reflection of the great wealth her father, Emperor Zephyria, had garnered through years of conquest and strategy. The empire was beyond anything the world had ever seen before.
Soon enough, the grand gates of the Capital Market opened before her eyes, revealing rows upon rows of exotic items. Merchants loudly called out, trying to sell their wares to anyone and everyone who passed by. Expensive silks, golden chests filled with diamonds, and every form of luxury imaginable were on display.
Seraphina's bodyguards remained alert, their watchful eyes constantly scanning for any threat to the princess's safety. They had known since the moment she was born that their charge would never face the constraints of a normal princess. She could take what she wanted, whenever she wanted, but unlike many others, she was never driven by greed.
It was the sheer joy of discovery, of exploring what wealth the world had to offer, that excited Seraphina.
The moment she stepped out of the carriage, all eyes turned to her. Merchants, craftsmen, and noblemen instantly recognized her, greeted her, and offered their finest goods for sale. Each knew the immense fortune behind the crown and were ready to pander to Seraphina's whims. Still, there were only a handful who could interest her.
Her eyes wandered across the bustling market stalls, stopping at one in particular. The vendor appeared humble enough—just another seller amidst the multitude—but he stood beside a stunning piece of art: a sculpture of a golden griffin, made with intricate craftsmanship. The statue was unlike any she had seen before, emanating a mysterious aura from its glowing eyes and detailed wings.
Seraphina walked up to the vendor and ran her fingers across the smooth surface of the statue. "How much for this?" she asked, her voice calm but full of genuine intrigue.
The vendor, who was clearly unaware of the princess's identity, quickly cleared his throat and said, "For you, my lady, it would be a fortune. This statue is worth more than your kingdom's treasury could hope to contain."
Seraphina smiled. "But I have access to far more than that," she said, turning her gaze to her guards, then back to the vendor. "I will pay for it with something far more precious than gold."
The vendor's eyes widened in realization, but he held his ground. "Whatever you wish, Your Highness. Consider it a gift."
As he handed her the statue, the other merchants watched in awe. To buy such a treasure and to leave without haggling was a move no one could afford unless they were of Seraphina's station.
Seraphina stood there for a moment, her hand gripping the statue's edge, eyes glinting as she slowly turned toward her bodyguard Orlan. "Tell me, Orlan, do you ever wish to own something like this?"
Orlan, always the stoic warrior, merely shook his head. "I do not, Your Highness. You, however, may own as much as you desire."
She giggled, her heart lifted by the freedom she had in this moment.
"What are you going to do with all that you can buy, Seraphina?" Orlan asked, his voice suddenly quiet, almost contemplative.
Seraphina turned to him, the grin never leaving her face. "I will buy anything that catches my heart," she replied. "And maybe one day, I'll buy a way to make the entire world belong to me."
Though she said it in jest, there was an underlying truth in her words. With the world spread before her, there would be nothing to stop her from truly claiming everything she set her sights on.