The palace of Veritida had never looked more alive.
Golden chandeliers dripped from the high ceilings like captured stars, casting a warm glow over polished marble floors that reflected the movement of nobles, ministers, and dignitaries from across the land. Silk gowns whispered against the ground, jewels glimmered with quiet arrogance, and the air carried a mixture of expensive perfumes and unspoken intentions.
Divura stood at the grand entrance for a brief moment, taking it all in.
"This is… beyond anything," she murmured under her breath.
"You sound surprised," a familiar voice said behind her.
She turned, and there he was.
Damian.
Dressed in royal black and deep crimson, he looked every bit the first prince of Veritida. His presence alone commanded attention, yet his eyes softened the moment they met hers.
"You knew it would be like this?" she asked, raising a brow.
"I knew you would fit perfectly into it," he replied calmly.
Divura felt a strange warmth rise in her chest. She quickly looked away, pretending to adjust the sleeve of her gown.
"You give me too much credit."
"No," Damian said, stepping slightly closer, his voice lower now. "Not enough."
For a brief second, the world around them faded. The music, the chatter, the movement it all blurred into nothing.
Until
"Prince Damian."
They both turned.
A minister bowed slightly, interrupting the moment. "The king is asking for your presence."
Damian exhaled softly. "Of course."
He looked back at Divura. "Stay close. Tonight is… important."
She nodded. "I can tell."
As he walked away, Divura's gaze lingered just a second too long.
The banquet hall was even more breathtaking.
A long table stretched across the room, filled with delicacies most had only heard of in stories. Musicians played softly, their melody weaving through conversations.
Divura had barely taken her seat when whispers began to ripple through the room.
"That's her…"
"The healer…"
"The one the king spoke about…"
She straightened slightly, trying to remain composed.
Then a commanding voice cut through the noise.
"Divura."
Silence fell instantly.
The King of Veritida rose.
"Come forward."
Divura stood, her heart pounding, but her steps steady. She bowed.
"Your Majesty."
"I have heard much about you," the king said. "A young woman with exceptional medical knowledge and rare precision. You have gained recognition far beyond your years."
Divura kept her tone calm. "I only do what I have learned, Your Majesty."
The king smiled faintly. "And yet, many learn… but few stand out."
He gestured toward her. "Sit closer."
A servant quickly prepared a seat nearer the royal table.
Murmurs spread again.
Divura obeyed, though she felt every eye on her.
As she sat, she glanced up and met Damian's gaze.
There it was again.
Pride.
Later, the tone of the evening shifted.
One of the ministers stood. "With recent events, it is clear Veritida holds the advantage. The matter of war must be addressed."
Another added, "The envoys from Auentia are present. Let them speak."
All eyes turned.
One envoy rose. "We come with humility," he said. "Auentia acknowledges its mistake."
A stir moved through the room.
"The conflict," he continued, "was driven by greed,We seek peace."
Damian's expression darkened slightly, but he remained silent.
The king leaned forward. "And what do you offer in return?"
"Cooperation,Respect,And the closing of this war."
The room held its breath.
Then the king nodded slowly. "We will consider your proposal."
Relief flashed across the envoys' faces.
But not everyone was convinced.
Damian's eyes briefly met Divura's.
Something unspoken passed between them.
As the tension eased, conversations resumed.
Divura found herself surrounded by ministers.
"You're quite young," one said. "How did you develop such skill?"
"Years of study and observation," she replied calmly.
"And discipline," another added. "It shows."
Before she could respond
"I believe I should see this skill myself."
Divura turned.
The king stood beside her.
"Tomorrow morning," he said. "You will conduct a personal check-up on me."
A hush fell.
Divura blinked. "It would be an honor, Your Majesty."
"Good," he said simply, then walked away.
The whispers returned, louder this time.
"You handled that well."
She turned to see Damian.
"You say that like I had a choice," she replied.
He gave a faint smile. "You always do."
She studied him. "Were you watching me?"
"Maybe."
Their eyes locked.
"You're different tonight," he said.
"How?"
"You don't look out of place anymore."
Divura shook her head slightly. "I don't belong here."
Damian stepped closer, his voice quieter. "You might be wrong."
Her breath caught slightly.
Before she could respond
"Prince Damian!"
The moment shattered again.
The next morning was quiet.
Divura stood outside the king's chamber, her medical kit in hand. She knocked.
"Enter."
Inside, the king sat calmly.
"Ah, Divura."
She bowed. "Your Majesty."
"Come. Let us begin."
Divura approached, setting her tools down.
"Any discomfort or symptoms?" she asked.
"None," he replied. "But we shall see what you find."
She began her examination with careful precision.
The king watched her closely.
"You are very composed," he said.
"I have learned to be."
"And your eyes…" he paused.
Divura stiffened slightly.
"My eyes?" she asked carefully.
"They are… uncommon."
She forced a small smile. "Is that a problem?"
"No," he said slowly. "Just… interesting."
After a few moments, she stepped back.
"You are in excellent health, Your Majesty."
The king nodded. "As expected."
Later that day, during a smaller gathering, the king spoke openly.
"This young woman," he said, gesturing to Divura, "possesses remarkable talent. Her precision is unmatched."
The Auentia envoys nodded.
"One can only wish to have such brilliance in Auentia," one said.
But one envoy remained silent.
Watching.
Carefully.
He leaned toward another. "Do you see it?"
"See what?"
"The eyes."
The second envoy frowned. "What about them?"
"They resemble something… familiar."
The second waved it off. "You're imagining things."
"No," he whispered. "That glow… like moonlight…"
The other sighed. "It's nothing special."
But the first envoy wasn't convinced.
Not at all.
Across the room, Divura felt it.
A strange unease.
As though someone had seen through her.
And somewhere nearby
Damian was watching her too.
But his gaze was different.
Not suspicion,not curiosity.
Something deeper.
Something dangerous.
Because whatever was growing between them…
Was no longer something either of them could ignore.