Serenil escorted both princesses into the guest wing of the palace, each room prepared with the utmost care. The mermaid princess darted around the chamber excitedly, giggling at everything, while the vampire princess inspected her surroundings with elegant calculation.
Later that night, a private audience was held in the royal council chamber.
"You understand the terms," King Sylas said solemnly. "These girls will be your future wives. Their kingdoms demand it."
Serenil looked to Liselotte, who clung to his arm. "I want to be your friend first, Serenil! Then maybe… forever!"
Then to Roanna, who tilted her head with amusement. "I look forward to teaching you all kinds of things, my prince."
Serenil's lips curled in a faint, unreadable smirk. "If marriage is the price for peace, then so be it. But they are now under my protection. Any kingdom that dares harm Faeloria will answer to me."
Both princesses blushed. Liselotte clasped her hands dreamily. Roanna's eyes sparkled with wicked delight.
Outside the council chamber, Serenil quietly gazed up at the moon.
"Another chain of fate. Another step into the abyss," he murmured. "So be it."
And beneath his robes, Voidrender pulsed gently in resonance, as if approving the path ahead.