"Sera, I'm so sorry." Athaliah turned to Seraphine, guilt written all over her face. "My brother told me countless times that he'd fallen for a she-wolf, but I had no idea he was talking about you." She let out a frustrated sigh and added earnestly, "Please… let me handle this."
Seraphine simply smiled and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. "It's okay." Her voice stayed calm and carried none of the irritation everyone expected. "I can handle this myself."
She stepped forward and looked directly at Prince Jasper. A warm smile appeared on her face, soft enough to ease some of the tension hanging in the air. "Prince Jasper…" She spoke gently, careful not to embarrass him in front of so many powerful people.
"I'm truly honored. A man as handsome, successful, respected, and powerful as you showing interest in me, any woman would feel flattered."
The compliment only made Jasper's chest tighten. If anything, it gave him a spark of hope. Seraphine understood exactly what he was feeling.
