The morning broke with a pale, silver light as Seraphina stood in the courtyard, the cold biting through the air but failing to touch her. She was dressed in a crimson cloak lined with soft fur, its heavy folds cascading down to her boots. Her hair, braided and pinned in intricate coils, gleamed like spun gold against the dark fabric. Her face, pale but sharp with determination, was set in stone as she watched the guards mount their horses. Despite her composed exterior, tension coiled in her chest, tighter than the braid that crowned her head.
Kael stood among the guards, though he looked nothing like a servant now. He wore dark, fitted attire layered with leather armor, the polished edges of the metal glinting faintly beneath his cloak. A sword hung at his side—a simple but sturdy weapon, one that seemed oddly suited to him despite his claims of amnesia. His hair fell in loose waves, slightly unruly but softened by the sharp lines of his jaw. He caught her gaze once before quickly bowing, his expression unreadable.
"You're certain about this, Your Highness?" Marielle stepped closer, her voice hushed but urgent. "We could send an envoy instead. You don't have to—"
"I do." Seraphina's tone left no room for argument. "Veyra sent assassins into my chambers. If I don't confront them myself, they'll think we're weak—and weakness is an invitation for blood."
Marielle lowered her eyes, stepping back with a bow. Seraphina turned her attention to Kael.
"Stay close to me," she instructed, her voice quieter but no less firm. "Don't let your guard down."
"Yes, Your Highness," he said, his voice steady, though there was something in his eyes that flickered—concern, perhaps.
Without another word, Seraphina mounted her horse. The procession moved out through the gates, their cloaks snapping in the wind, leaving the towering spires of Arundelle behind.
-----
The journey to Veyra was uneventful, yet the silence felt heavier with each passing mile. Seraphina sat straight-backed in her saddle, her eyes fixed on the road ahead, but her thoughts wandered. She couldn't shake the image of the assassin's blade glinting in the moonlight or the cold fury she'd felt when she held her own dagger against the man's throat. Veyra denied their involvement, yet every instinct she had told her otherwise.
When they reached the gates of Veyra at dusk, the sky was streaked with violet and indigo. Torches burned along the walls, their flames flickering in the wind as guards stepped forward to greet them. King Edric awaited in the grand hall, flanked by nobles and courtiers whose faces were painted with smiles that didn't touch their eyes.
"Princess Seraphina of Arundelle," Edric said, bowing low. His voice was smooth, practiced, each word sharpened by courtesy. "It is an honor to welcome you."
Seraphina returned a nod, her expression neutral. "The honor is mine, King Edric. I trust my arrival has not inconvenienced you."
"Not at all." His smile deepened, but there was something behind it—something calculating. "We are always pleased to receive friends. Please, come. Rest. We'll speak after you've settled in."
The words grated against her nerves, but Seraphina forced herself to play along, if only for now. She had questions, and Edric had answers—whether he wanted to give them or not.
-----
Dinner that night was a spectacle of opulence. Golden platters overflowed with roasted meats, sugared fruits, and warm bread glazed with honey. Musicians played delicate tunes, their melodies weaving through the air like strands of silk. Yet beneath the grandeur, the tension simmered.
Seraphina sat at the head of the table beside Edric, her every movement measured. Kael stood behind her, his eyes constantly scanning the room, his hand never straying far from the hilt of his sword.
"It pains me," Edric said, lifting his goblet, "that you believe we had a hand in this attack. I assure you, Princess, that Veyra has remained true to the peace we swore to uphold."
Seraphina met his gaze, her tone cold and cutting. "Then you deny any involvement?"
Edric placed his goblet down, leaning closer. "Completely. I give you my word."
She studied him for a long moment, but his expression remained unreadable. The words rang hollow, yet there was no crack in his mask.
"Very well," she said finally, though her tone lacked conviction.
Edric's smile returned, but this time it was sharper. "Good. Then let us set this aside for tonight. We can revisit the matter tomorrow. But for now, I've arranged entertainment to honor your visit."
Seraphina gave a polite nod, though unease coiled in her gut.
The performance began with dancers in silken veils moving in hypnotic patterns, their arms weaving through the air like smoke. The music swelled, laughter and clapping rising around the hall, but Seraphina barely noticed. She remained still, her focus divided between the king and the shadows cast by the flickering candlelight.
Kael leaned slightly closer, his voice low. "You don't believe him, do you?"
"No," she murmured.
-----
That night, Seraphina lay in her chambers, staring at the ceiling. The luxurious bed did little to ease the weight pressing down on her chest. Something about the castle felt wrong, as though the walls themselves were holding secrets.
"Are we leaving tomorrow?" Kael asked softly.
Before she could respond, a faint movement caught her eye.
The shadow outside her door.
Her breath stilled, her fingers curling around the dagger hidden beneath her pillow. She sat up slowly and turned to Kael, gesturing towards the flickering outline.
Kael stirred on the far side of the room, his hand drifting to the sword at his hip.
"Don't." She cut him off with a whisper.
Instead, she raised her voice, loud enough to carry. "Yeah, we are leaving. There's nothing to worry about here."
Kael's eyes flashed with understanding. He nodded. "Yes, Your Highness. The hospitality has been most generous."
The shadow lingered for a moment longer, then disappeared.
Seraphina let out a slow breath, but her fingers didn't leave the dagger's hilt.
"They were listening," Kael said, his voice low.
"Yes." Her gaze hardened. "And they'll be back."
She lay down, but sleep did not come. Her thoughts spun in endless circles, each one drawing her closer to the same conclusion—whatever secrets Veyra held, she would tear them open, no matter what it took.
But staying here was not going to be an option.