The autumn air was crisp as Selene Vasari stepped out of the academy gates, her gaze falling on the familiar Vasari carriage waiting for her. It had been a month since she arrived at Academy, yet the sight of home, distant as it still was, brought an odd sense of relief.
Isolde, ever the dutiful maid, bowed as she opened the door. "My lady, the Duke and Duchess have eagerly awaited your return."
Selene lifted the hem of her gown, settling into the plush interior as the carriage lurched forward.
"I imagine my father will expect a full report," she murmured.
Isolde nodded. "Indeed, my lady. He has already made preparations for your stay."
Selene turned her gaze to the passing scenery. A month away was nothing in the grand scheme of things, but after everything her past life's desperate choices, the bitter consequences even the smallest gestures of care felt unfamiliar.
This time, she would not let their affections go to waste.
---
Crown Prince Keith Everhart stood rigid before his father, Emperor Hadrian Everhart, in the grand study of the Imperial Palace. He had been summoned back from the academy, though "summoned" was merely a polite way of saying commanded.
The moment he stepped inside, he knew this was no ordinary discussion of political affairs.
"You have been avoiding Selene."
Keith's jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
"And yet," his father continued, unimpressed by his silence, "you follow Lady Evangeline like a lost hound."
Keith clenched his fists but willed himself to remain composed.
The Emperor exhaled sharply. "You seem to forget your duty."
"I have not forgotten, Father."
"Then let me remind you."
The Emperor's gaze was sharp, voice dropping into something far more dangerous.
"Three hundred years ago, the Vasari Rebellion nearly tore this empire apart," he began, his tone cold and deliberate. "Duke Lucien Vasari believed his power could rival the throne. He was wrong. The rebellion was crushed, but the Vasaris remained too powerful to eliminate. So, a decree was made: every ruling heir must marry a Vasari daughter to keep them in check. If no Vasari daughter exists, a royal princess is given to the Vasaris instead."
Keith already knew this history, but his father pressed on, relentless.
"Your mother is a Vasari. And now, it is your turn to uphold that bond."
Keith's chest tightened, his breathing shallow.
"At all costs," the Emperor said, "you will marry Selene Vasari."
The words fell like iron chains, shackling him in place.
Keith's lips pressed into a thin line. "Father, I..."
"Enough."
The Emperor leaned forward, voice dark. "Let go of this foolish infatuation with Lady Evangeline. If you do not, I will deal with her myself."
Keith's breath caught. "You wouldn't dare.."
"Would I not?" the Emperor cut him off, eyes cold. "You will do as you are told."
He straightened. "Tomorrow, you and your mother will visit the Vasari Dukedom. You will act accordingly. And you will treat Selene as your future wife. Am I understood?"
Keith's entire body tensed, his anger seething beneath the surface. But in the face of his father's command, there was only one answer he could give.
"…Yes, Your Majesty."
---
The journey home was smooth, and as Selene's carriage passed through the towering gates of the Vasari estate, she felt an unexpected sense of peace settle over her.
The Vasari Manor, a fortress of dark stone and silver-lined banners, stood against the evening sky, its towering presence offering a comfort only home could provide. Servants lined the entrance, heads bowed in respect.
The moment Selene stepped onto the cobblestone path, warm arms enveloped her.
"My sweet Selene," her mother, Duchess Seraphina Vasari, murmured, holding her tightly.
Selene melted into the embrace, breathing in the familiar scent of jasmine.
Before she could pull away, another set of arms wrapped around her—strong, protective.
"My little star," her father, Duke Aldric Vasari, murmured against her hair. "You've been gone far too long."
Selene blinked, momentarily stunned. Though her father was a formidable man in court, to her, he had always been the one who spoiled her most**. She had braced for his usual sharp-eyed assessment, but instead, she found warmth in his hold.
"Father,"she said softly, surprised by the tightness in her throat.
He pulled back just enough to study her, his piercing gaze scanning her face. "Are you eating well? You look thinner."
Selene bit back a smile. "I assure you, I am well."
A familiar voice interrupted.
"My lady!"
Pamela, her other maid, rushed forward, beaming. "You have no idea how much we have all missed you!"
Selene laughed lightly. "It's good to be home."
Inside, the manor was exactly as she remembered—grand, elegant, yet undeniably warm. The scent of warm bread and roasted meats filled the dining hall, a meal carefully prepared in anticipation of her return.
Seated between her parents, Selene shared stories of her time at Academy. Her mother listened attentively, occasionally tucking stray strands of Selene's hair behind her ear, while her father watched her with the quiet intensity he always reserved for his only daughter.
Then, inevitably, the conversation shifted.
"Has the Crown Prince treated you well?" her father asked.
Selene hesitated, carefully setting her goblet down. "He has… kept his distance."
Her mother exhaled, expression softening. "That boy should be grateful to have you."
Her father's gaze darkened slightly, fingers drumming against the table. "If he does not treat you properly, he is not worthy."
Selene's chest tightened.
They hated this engagement. She knew that. They had indulged her every whim as a child, except this one. Even when she had chased after the Crown Prince with unwavering devotion, they had never truly approved.
But they could not change it. The engagement was a political necessity, a bond neither she nor her family could break.
Her father's voice was gentle but firm. "He has no choice, Selene. But neither do we."
Selene took a slow sip of her wine, letting the truth settle over her.
No matter what she did, the empire's plans for her remained unchanged.
But that did not mean she would simply accept them.
After dinner, exhaustion pulled at her, and she excused herself to her chambers. For now, she would rest. Tomorrow… she would decide what came next.
---
Back at the Imperial Palace, Keith stormed into his chambers, his father's decree ringing in his ears.
"At all costs, you will marry Selene Vasari."
"Evangeline is nothing."
A sharp crash echoed through the room as he swiped a gilded vase off the table**, the pieces shattering across the marble floor.
His breathing was ragged.
He hated this. Hated being forced into a future he did not choose.
Tomorrow, he would be dragged to the Vasari Dukedom.
And he would have to pretend Selene Vasari meant something to him, when all she represented was a cage from which he could never escape.