The grand halls of House Vasari stretched endlessly before me, the polished marble floors reflecting the golden glow of the chandeliers above. My maids fluttered around me, their hands adjusting my gown, smoothing the delicate fabric, and ensuring every detail was perfect.
I sighed inwardly.
I had insisted, repeatedly on a simple gown, light makeup, and minimal fuss. Yet, they had ignored my requests with polite smiles, determined to make me look my best. The delicate embroidery on my dress, the way my hair cascaded in perfect waves, and the subtle shimmer of jewels at my wrists all spoke of their efforts.
"My lady, the Crown Prince is here," one had reminded me, her voice tinged with anticipation.
As if that mattered to me. I had no desire to please Keith Everhart. Not anymore. But I didn't have the heart to refuse my maids when they were only trying to support me. So I endured it.They had worked so hard, their enthusiasm genuine. Denying them would have felt cruel. So I had allowed it. And when I finally looked in the mirror, even I had to admit they had outdone themselves.
The reflection that stared back at me was breathtaking. Poised. Regal. Untouchable.
But inside, I felt nothing.
The scent of roses greeted me as I stepped into the lush garden, my maids trailing behind before stopping at the entrance. The soft rustling of petals in the breeze was soothing, but it did nothing to ease the quiet storm within me
.
At the center of the garden, three figures sat around a wrought-iron table, my mother, Duchess Seraphina Vasari; the Empress; and Crown Prince Keith Everhart.
Their eyes turned toward me as I approached, and I immediately dipped into a graceful curtsy. "Mother. Your Majesty. Your Highness."
The Empress was the first to respond, her voice warm and welcoming. "Selene, my dear, come sit with us. It has been too long since I last saw you. How have you been?"
She gestured to the seat beside my mother directly across from Keith.
I obeyed, lowering myself onto the chair with measured poise. My hands rested lightly in my lap as I answered, "I have been well, Your Majesty. The academy has kept me occupied."
Across the table, Keith remained silent. His expression was unreadable as he idly stirred his tea, barely acknowledging my presence.
Even now, he refused to meet my gaze.
The Empress let out a small, amused chuckle. "Ah, the two of you are far too quiet. Is it because your mothers are here? Are you feeling shy?" She turned to my mother with a teasing smile. "Perhaps they need some time alone."
Keith's expression changed instantly. A false, practiced smile stretched across his lips. "That sounds like a wonderful idea, Mother."
I barely had time to react before he stood and extended a hand toward me. "Shall we?"
For the briefest moment, I hesitated. Then, with a carefully measured smile, I placed my hand in his. allowing him to guide me away. His grip was light at first, almost gentle.
As soon as Selene and Keith disappeared, Duchess Seraphina set down her teacup, her expression tight.
Duchess Seraphina Vasari sighed, watching Selene and Keith disappear down the garden path. "Your Majesty, I worry for my daughter. Keith does not love her."
Empress Lysandra Everhart smiled, setting down her tea. "Love takes time, Seraphina. My son is young and foolish, but he will come to see Selene's worth."
Seraphina's lips pressed into a thin line. "And if he never does?"
Lysandra's gaze remained steady. "He will. They are the perfect match, strong houses, strong bloodlines. In time, love will follow."
Seraphina sighed, unconvinced. Lysandra simply poured her more tea, her voice light. "Trust me. All they need is time."
On the other hand hand the moment Keith saw that everyone was out of sight, that gentleness vanished.
Keith's grip tightened before he shoved Selene aside. The unexpected force sent her staggering, her heels scraping against the stone path as she barely managed to stay upright.
"What the hell was that for?" Her voice was sharp, cutting through the silence.
But he didn't answer. Not with words.
In an instant, he closed the distance between them, forcing her back against the cold stone wall. His hand wrapped around her throat", not enough to fully choke her but enough to make her breath hitch in fear.
"You think you're clever, don't you?" His voice was low, dangerous. "Running to my father, crying about me? What, did you think that would make me love you? Would it make me forget Evangeline?"
Selene's eyes widened, panic creeping in. "Keith, let go," she whispered, her hands wrapping around his wrist. "I didn't why would I do that, I no longer obsess over you"
"Liar!" He tightened his grip before suddenly loosening it, his fingers still pressing against her skin. "You're frustrated, aren't you? That I love her and not you? That I won't love you?"
His eyes burned with hatred, filled with a venom she had known all too well in her past life.
She struggled against his hold, her fingers clawing at his wrist, but his strength was unwavering. Her breaths came in short, panicked gasps.
Then his lips curled in mockery. "You expect me to believe you're over me? When you dressed up so beautifully the moment you heard I was here?"
She froze for half a second before gritting her teeth. "I didn't dress up for you."Her voice was hoarse but firm. "My maids took their time because they care. I didn't stop them because I care about them. Don't flatter yourself."
Keith's grip faltered slightly.
Disbelief flickered across his face.
Tears stung Selene's eyes, but she refused to let them fall.
Instead, she forced herself to think.
Then, quietly, she said, "You're right. I was obsessed with you once. I did reckless, foolish things."
She met his gaze head-on. "But that's over. If there was even a speck of love left in me, I would destroy it myself."
Something in him shifted hesitation flickering just beneath the surface.
She took a shaky breath. "I didn't report you. Your father must have been watching you and discovered you with Evangeline at the academy. Do you really think I hold enough power over the Emperor to command him?"
Keith stiffened, his jaw tightening. Slowly, his hand fell away from her throat.
He took a step back, running a frustrated hand through his hair.
Selene exhaled, regaining her composure. "We can't escape this engagement, Keith. Neither of us can break it. But we don't have to be miserable."
She let the words settle before pressing forward. "Let's make a deal. We act like a loving couple in public. We smile, we hold hands, we say the right things. But in private, we live our own lives. After you become king, we divorce after three years. You marry who you want. I will be free."
He stared at her, considering.
She knew the moment he realized it.
The moment he saw that this was the only way out.
Finally, he exhaled sharply. "Fine."
When they returned to their mothers, the Empress smiled knowingly. "That was quick. I hope you two had a meaningful conversation."
Keith responded smoothly, his voice the perfect mask. "Yes, Mother. I believe Selene and I have reached an understanding."
I only gave a small nod, settling beside my mother once more.
Duchess Seraphina eyed me carefully, concern flickering in her gaze. But I merely picked up my teacup and took a slow sip.
Whatever she was thinking, she wouldn't voice it here.
The conversation moved forward, shifting to court affairs and upcoming festivities.
But I wasn't listening.
Across from me, Keith sat stiffly, his hands clasped in his lap, his jaw tight.