The evening sun cast an apricot silk veil over the majestic royal palace, like the smoldering embers of desire that refused to extinguish in Lucian's heart.
He sat brooding in his study, having reviewed and approved all of today's reports. He had thought the heavy duties of a Crown Prince would provide some distraction, but they only made him more restless.
Throughout the long day, Seraphine's image never once released its grip on his mind. Her scent now existed only in memory, yet even this phantom fragrance persistently clung to his every sense.
Each time a knock sounded at his door, Lucian's heart would leap, hoping Carl had returned with news of her. But every time, he was only met with dull political discussions and tedious meetings.
Letting out a frustrated sigh, Lucian tossed his quill onto the desk and slumped back into his chair. He needed a distraction—anything to pull him away from the chaos unraveling his thoughts. But what? His mind was too clouded to think straight.
Another knock came, sharper this time. Despite himself, hope flickered in his chest.
"Enter."
Finally, Carl appeared, holding a stack of papers. He bowed respectfully, but before he could speak, Lucian waved impatiently.
"No need for formalities. Have you gathered the information?"
Carl paused mid-bow, momentarily taken aback. But he quickly recovered and approached the desk, laying down the documents with practiced grace.
"Yes, Your Highness. Here is everything I could gather about Lady Ashbourne."
Lucian restrained himself from showing a triumphant smile. He didn't want to be too transparent about his feelings. With a slight nod, his voice remained perfectly neutral, neither high nor low.
"Well done. You may leave."
Carl bowed in acknowledgment, silently exiting the study.
Only when alone did Lucian allow himself a satisfied smirk as he began to flip through the pages, each line bringing him closer to his prey.
Seraphine Ashbourne, twenty-four years old. The sole heir of Duke Richard Ashbourne. An Alpha.
Basic information.
She loved irises. She frequently visited the capital's library to find books. She had a fondness for chocolate and jasmine tea.
He would make note of that.
Twice a year, Seraphina would visit her mother's homeland. Regularly in spring and autumn, always at the same time.
Why was that? Lucian wondered silently, unable to suppress a flicker of suspicion about this detail. However, he would set it aside for now.
Seraphina enjoyed hunting and horseback riding. Quite fitting to her character. A proud Alpha with a free spirit.
Lucian spent the entire afternoon reading and noting down all of Seraphina's likes and dislikes. He even skipped dinner, his entire focus poured into figuring out how to break through her defensive walls.
Perhaps due to his intense concentration, Lucian failed to notice the strange smile that had settled on his lips. It was no longer mere desire, but concealed within it was something… sweet?
By the time Lucian lifted his gaze from the pages covered in his handwritten notes, the moon hung high above the castle towers, and everything had succumbed to deep slumber.
He set down his quill, his mind beginning to dissolve into exhaustion. He called out softly.
"Carl."
The echo of Lucian's voice had barely faded when Carl appeared behind the door. Still subservient and solemn, completely unchanged.
"You summoned me, Your Highness?"
"I want every iris flower in the capital delivered to the Duke's estate by tomorrow morning."
Carl's impassive face finally showed a flicker of emotion. He stole a glance at his master, only to see a satisfied smile curving on Lucian's lips. Like a hunter who had begun to track his prey and was watching them struggle in his spider's web.
Carl had served Lucian since the prince was a boy, obeying even the most peculiar requests. He had witnessed this predatory gleam countless times, and yet… this time, something felt different. The fire blazing in Lucian's eyes made Carl instinctively lower his gaze, unsure if it heralded fortune—or disaster.
Still, he bowed, faithfully playing his role.
"As you command, Your Highness."
As Carl prepared to withdraw, Lucian's voice rang out again, halting his steps.
"And prepare every dessert made with chocolate. Tell the royal chef to have them sent along with the flowers."
Every chocolate pastry by dawn? Carl silently mourned for the royal kitchen staff.
"… Understood, Your Highness."
When the doors closed behind him, Lucian turned his gaze toward the moonlight spilling through the window, soft and silver, not harsh, but impossible to look away from. Just like a pair of emerald eyes he could never seem to forget, no matter how dark the night.
Lucian placed his hand over his chest, feeling each heartbeat calling out to Seraphina, his mate.
Wait for me, Seraphina, I will come to you. And when I do, these trembling beats will become one with yours.
Morning broke with sunlight peeking through the verdant trees, and dew still clinging to petals fresh from slumber, weaving a gentle, dreamlike beauty after the night's heavy dreams.
It should have been a peaceful morning. Seraphina would have breakfast and then ride her horse around the forest surrounding the mansion.
But all plans and tranquility were shattered when Seraphina descended to the main hall. Greeting her were the bewildered faces of the servants and a forest of irises covering the entire grand hall. Their delicate scent now cloying and overwhelming, forcing her to lift a handkerchief to her nose.
Stepping off the last stair, Seraphina approached the gathering servants, their wide, pleading eyes turning toward her.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Before the servants could stammer a reply, a deep, commanding voice echoed through the hall.
***