The morning sun cast its golden rays over the castle garden, dappling the cobblestones and marble tabletops with patterns of light and shadow. Birds chirped in the hedges, their melodies weaving with the soft rustle of the breeze through the towering oaks. The air smelled of blooming roses and fresh dew, a deceptive calm over a gathering filled with hidden tensions.
Two families sat around a grand table laden with silver platters of fruit, warm bread, cured meats, and delicate pastries. Goblets of honeyed wine and spiced tea glittered in the sunlight, untouched by some and eagerly consumed by others.
King Aldred of Eryndor sat at one end of the table, his broad shoulders and graying beard giving him a presence that demanded respect. Opposite him, Queen Lysara of Selvaris, her regal beauty untouched by age, held her chin high. Between them, advisors, ministers, and distant relatives of both families filled the seats, doing their best to keep the atmosphere light.
"We've had a splendid harvest this year," Aldred said, his voice deep and cordial. "The alliance will undoubtedly ensure that both kingdoms benefit greatly from our resources."
Lysara nodded, her tone polite but sharp. "Indeed. Selvaris has always been generous with its trade routes. Let us hope the generosity is... reciprocated."
The tension simmered beneath the surface of their words, but both monarchs maintained the veneer of civility.
Seris, however, had no such patience for pretense. She sat beside her mother, her crimson gown a striking contrast against the verdant backdrop of the garden. Her gaze flickered to Valric, seated directly across from her, his dark eyes watching her with the same quiet intensity that had unnerved her the night before.
"Your castle gardens are impressive," Seris said, her voice deliberately light but her words edged with challenge. "Though I must admit, I find them lacking in originality. Selvaris's gardens are renowned for their rare, exotic flora. Perhaps I could give you some advice, Prince Valric."
Valric raised a brow, his knife slicing through a piece of bread with precision. "How generous of you, Princess. Though I suspect your advice comes with... conditions."
She smirked, taking a sip of her tea. "Only that you're willing to listen. But I imagine that's not one of your strengths."
The table grew quieter as several pairs of eyes turned toward the pair, the tension between them palpable. Queen Lysara cleared her throat, attempting to redirect the conversation.
"Seris, perhaps you should spend less time criticizing the gardens and more time learning about your new home," she said, her tone a subtle warning.
"Yes, Mother," Seris replied, though her sharp gaze never left Valric.
The prince, for his part, leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk playing on his lips. "Perhaps the Princess is simply nervous about her new surroundings. Adjusting to a kingdom like Eryndor can be... overwhelming."
Seris's fingers tightened around the stem of her goblet, but she forced a laugh. "Overwhelming? Hardly. Though I will admit, I find some of the company... tedious."
"Enough," King Aldred said, his voice cutting through the growing tension. "This breakfast is meant to strengthen ties between our families, not fray them further. Seris, Valric, you would both do well to remember that."
The two exchanged a final, sharp glance before turning their attention back to their plates.
---
As the breakfast concluded, Seris rose from her seat, smoothing the folds of her gown. She turned to her mother, her tone respectful but firm.
"Mother, I'd like to speak with our advisor," she said. "There are a few matters regarding the marriage that I wish to clarify."
Queen Lysara arched a brow, suspicion flickering in her eyes. "And why must this conversation happen now, Seris?"
"It's important," Seris replied, her tone leaving little room for argument.
After a moment's hesitation, Lysara nodded. "Very well. Do not keep him too long. We have matters to attend to this afternoon."
Seris inclined her head, offering a faint smile before turning to leave. She felt Valric's gaze on her as she walked away, but she didn't look back.
---
The advisor's quarters were tucked away in a quieter wing of the castle, far from the opulence of the royal chambers. Seris moved swiftly through the corridors, her heart pounding with anticipation and unease.
The letter from the previous night burned in her thoughts, its cryptic warning echoing in her mind. Trust no one. Shadows are everywhere.
When she reached the door, she knocked sharply, the sound reverberating in the quiet hall.
"Enter," came the low voice from within.
Pushing the door open, Seris stepped inside. The room was modest compared to the rest of the castle, with shelves lined with books and scrolls, a large desk cluttered with maps, and a single window letting in the morning light.
Advisor Kael stood by the desk, his sharp features and silver-streaked hair giving him an air of wisdom. He bowed slightly as she entered.
"Princess Seris," he said. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
She closed the door behind her, her expression guarded. "I received your letter."
Kael's eyes narrowed slightly, though his demeanor remained calm. "I see. And I assume you understand the importance of discretion?"
"Of course," she replied, stepping closer. "But your letter raised more questions than it answered. I need to know exactly what you meant."
Kael gestured for her to sit, but she remained standing, her arms crossed.
"You mentioned betrayal," she said. "Who in Selvaris would dare go against the crown?"
Kael sighed, his expression grim. "There are factions within our kingdom, Princess, who believe that this alliance is a mistake. They see peace as weakness and would prefer war to secure our dominance."
"And you think they would betray me to achieve that?" she asked, her voice sharp.
"It is a possibility," he admitted. "But the danger is not limited to Selvaris. There are those in Eryndor who view this union with equal disdain. You are not safe here, Princess."
Her heart sank at his words, but she forced herself to remain composed. "Do you have proof? Names?"
Kael hesitated, his gaze flickering toward the window. "Not yet. But I have sources working to uncover the truth. Until then, you must be cautious. Trust no one."
"Not even Valric?" she asked, her tone laced with doubt.
Kael's lips pressed into a thin line. "Especially not him. He may be your husband in name, but his loyalty lies with Eryndor. Do not forget that."
Seris felt a chill run down her spine. The weight of the situation was becoming clearer, and with it came a sense of dread.
"I need to know everything," she said firmly. "Every detail, every lead. If there are threats against me, I deserve to know."
Kael nodded, his expression resolute. "I will keep you informed, Princess. But for now, be careful. Do not let your guard down, even for a moment."
Seris nodded, her mind racing as she turned to leave.
---
As she made her way back through the castle, Seris couldn't shake the feeling that she was being watched. The corridors seemed darker, the shadows more menacing. Every creak of the floorboards and whisper of the wind set her on edge.
When she finally reached her chambers, she locked the door behind her and leaned against it, her heart pounding. She retrieved the letter from her pocket and read it again, the words blurring as her mind raced.
Who could she trust?
And as the sun climbed higher into the sky, she couldn't shake the feeling that the real danger was closer than she realized.