"Is wearing this truly required of me? Seraphina blushed as she pulled at the fabric that clung to her curves while gazing at her mirror. You are the King's guest. The servant rolled up the sleeves with the deference of a queen-maker. "The court expects grace, not shackles. Seraphina took a deep breath. "I am not his monarch." "No. But before Seraphina could ask any more questions, the servant bowed out, "But you are something." She could already hear the music outside the chamber doors. Strings, sorrowful and harsh. Twelve languages, spoken in luxury and stress.
Tonight, the court was lively. The doors were opened. Shocks. Not the courteous kind. The poisonous variety. With armoured guards on either side, Seraphina's footsteps reverberated against marble. The weight of all the eyes on her caused her feet to burn, not the heels. Silver-and-silk-clad wolves with jewelled masks concealing scornful sneers. Cold and proud, the palace gleamed like frost. She's there. Through her glass, a woman said, "The King's charitable endeavour." One of the men next to her muttered, "She should be in chains, not chiffon." Seraphina continued to move. At the far end of the room, Kael waited. His mask was plain, his robes of obsidian sewn with gold thread, but his presence was not. Like fog, power clung to him.
He gazed at her without warmth or a smile, just a glance that made her feel nothing. He remarked, "You're late." She whispered, "I'm not used to dressed for judgement." He extended his arm. After hesitating, she accepted it. There was silence. The music even became softer. "My King, is this a joke? Lord Vinan took a step ahead. His mask had sharp angles and resembled a hawk's beak. "Attaining the Royal Circle with an outlaw? " Kael's voice fell sharply. Is it prohibited? " "She is an Omega," "She is protected by me." A noblewoman, fan shaking, leaned forward. "Is it possession or protection? " Although Seraphina didn't flinch, Kael's hold on her arm grew tighter. She was too preoccupied with avoiding drowning in the sea of animosity surrounding her. "This is my guest," answered Kael, "since you invited me to court." Maybe your pride is the issue if her presence makes you feel inferior. A cold, sarcastic, low laugh.
What about ancestry? From the left tier, someone hissed. Is the King planning to pick a mate out of the mud? " It was that. Seraphina hardly had time to blink before Kael moved. An Alpha prince with more silk than reason, one hand sprang out and grabbed the speaker by the throat. Kael remarked, "You disrespect my blood, you disgrace hers." The room went cold. The prince's heels scraped the stone as he gulped. "Sorry," Kael snarled. "I... I didn't mean to offend. "You meant it." But now you'll swallow it. He was dropped like trash by Kael. Seraphina felt her heart pound. "What did you do? " "Because I am able to." She lightly touched his arm. "Don't squander your anger on every slight." He glanced at her face after glancing down at her fingers. "You're not correct. They must acquire knowledge. "What do you learn? " "To be afraid of something they don't comprehend." Astrid observed from across the room. Clad in old pride and emeralds, she had arrived in silently.
In the candlelight, her rune-etched and bone-carved mask shone dimly. Everyone sensed her presence even though no one saw her arrive. Her lips curled like a cat's when she smiled. "So, Kael, this is your game," she muttered to herself. In your shadow, allow the mongrel to flourish. I'll show you what happens when rot and light collide. She looked over to her escort. "Send the raven."
He blinked. "My lady, to whom? " "To the person who is more knowledgeable about poisons than prayers." The escort was unsure. However... "The King," "I'll be grateful later." if he makes it through the grief. Astrid walked away without making any noise. Unaware of the storm that had just moved beneath them, the court resumed. Kael, in the meantime, guided Seraphina through the crowd like a knife through silk.
Fear, not respect, caused nobles to separate in front of them. It was obvious: she belonged to him. And nobody touched the King's property. "What brought me here? She muttered. "To observe their bleeding," he replied. She scowled. "You mean respond." "No. Bleed, I mean. He walked over to the centre dais, where the royal inner circle was waiting in a circle of raised pillows. Will you take a seat here? " "I refuse to sit. You will. She gasped. Would you like me to take a seat at the King's desk? " "I want them to understand that you're not hiding." She paused. "I... I'm not sure if I can. Kael leaned in and touched her ear with his lips.
"You made it through chains." How does court politics stack up against that? " She took a seat. Through the leaves, whispers swept like the wind. "She is bold." Does she consider herself to be a princess? " "She is cursed." "She poses a threat." Uncompromising, Kael stood behind her. No one dared to speak again as all the noble eyes darted between them. A waiter came over with wine. Seraphina's hand touched Kael's as she extended hers. Like lightning dancing in her veins, she jolted. He remained still. But behind the mask, his eyes darkened.
"Are you okay? Softly, she enquired. "Yes," he said in an unintelligible voice. "Are you? " "I'm gaining knowledge." Another aristocrat came up the other side of the room. It was a young Alpha lord this time, wearing silver rings and grinning like a serpent. He bowed, saying, "My King." Could I say something to your companion? " Kael remained silent. Seraphina gave a nod. "Obviously." The Alpha leaned in too closely. "You know they'll devour you alive." "I'll contaminate their wine after that." He raised his eyebrows. "A clawed rogue." "A lord with foul breath." Startled, he laughed.
"You might make it out alive." Kael's fingers touched her shoulder as he walked away. "Avoid making out with wolves." Instead, should I make out with kings? " He didn't respond. But she could tell by the way his hand lingered. Songs, dances, and performances filled the court. Nothing but a lie. Everything is staged. However, until they were gone, Seraphina never forgot Astrid's eyes, which were staring from the far end of the hall. She leaned in Kael's direction. "Where did she disappear to? " "Who? " "Astrid." He raised his head. Seraphina remarked, "She never leaves without cause." Kael scowled. She is scheming. She always is. So why allow her? " "Because I have a better plot."
Then he turned completely to her. His penetrating eyes were filled with something she couldn't identify. Not anger. Not passion. Something... older. Seraphina, why are you actually here? " "You brought me." "I didn't explain why you came. "Why are you here now?" I asked. Still. She gave a headshake. "I'm not sure." "Lie better," he replied, without being harsh. "I believe I was destined to be." "For what purpose? " "To make a change."
He lowered his voice. "You have already done so." The doors suddenly slammed open. Everyone pivoted. A raven sliced the air with its wings as it flew in. It disappeared through the ceiling after dropping a blood-red ribbon at the dais. Kael snatched it up and reached down. Death was the only rune that burnt over it. Seraphina got up. "Is it for me? " "No," Kael said in a whisper. "It's for us." Like the surf before a storm, the court murmured behind them. And in the shadows, somewhere... Astrid grinned once again.