"Ah, yes, Stephania, welcome to dinner. Please, take your seat." King Everard said.
Stephania's cheeks flushed slightly as she curtsied and made her way to her seat. Prince Kael escorted her, pulling out her chair and helping her sit down. As the meal progressed, Stephania found herself feeling more at ease, But she couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to Prince Kael's intentions than met the eye.
As the king's discussion with Prince Kael continued, Stephania's gaze drifted between the two men. The king's words were laced with ambition and a hint of disdain for Vorga's royal family. "This marriage will be a historic event, marking the beginning of Eldrida's dominance over Vorga," he said, his voice dripping with conviction. "And finally, we'll be free from the shadow of Vorga's incompetent rulers – the late king and queen were weak, and their young successor is nothing but a naive puppet."
Prince Kael nodded in agreement, but his eyes never left Stephania's face. He was captivated by the delicate features, the silver hair that cascaded down her back like a river of moonlight, and her red eyes that sparkled like rubies in the dim light of the hall. Her skin was porcelain-like, with a subtle sheen that seemed almost ethereal. He couldn't help but notice the way her lips curved slightly as she listened to the conversation, or the way her eyelashes fluttered as she blinked. She was a vision of beauty, a fragile yet resilient flower that seemed to bloom in the most unexpected ways.
Just as Prince Kael was lost in his thoughts, the doors to the hall swung open, and Lady Marcella entered, her son Ryker by her side. The atmosphere in the hall shifted, like a subtle change in the weather. Stephania's eyes dropped, and she seemed to shrink into herself, her discomfort palpable.
The king's face lit up with a warm smile, one that Stephania had craved to see directed at her. "Ah, Marcella, Ryker! Welcome to dinner. Please, join us." Lady Marcella curtsied gracefully, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she took in the scene before her. Ryker, on the other hand, seemed oblivious to the tension, his eyes shining with excitement .
As Lady Marcella and Ryker took their seats, the conversation turned to Ryker's achievements in magic, and Stephania felt like she was fading into the background, a mere spectator in her own life.
Queen Lirien's expression remained serene, her elegance unwavering as she gazed at Lady Marcella with a mixture of politeness and disinterest. It was as if the presence of the king's mistress was beneath her notice, a triviality not worth her attention.
Lady Marcella, well aware of the queen's disdain, chose a different target for her venom. She smiled sweetly at Stephania, her eyes glinting with malice. "It's almost... endearing, how Stephania tries so hard despite her... limitations. One can't help but wonder what she'll bring to the marriage, aside from her title."
Stephania's face remained impassive, her smile frozen in place as she laughed silently at herself. She knew better than to speak up in front of the king, especially when Lady Marcella's comment was laced with disrespect. But Prince Kael didn't hesitate.
"Ah, Lady Marcella, your concern for my future wife's abilities is touching. But tell me, how do your own family's accomplishments compare to the storied history of the royal family of Eldrida?" Prince Kael's tone dripping with elegance and subtle mockery
Ryker, caught off guard, stuttered, and Lady Marcella's face flushed with anger. It took her a moment to realize she'd been teased, and by the time she did, Prince Kael was already turning to Stephania, his expression warm and genuine.
"I feel incredibly fortunate to be marrying you, your Highness. Your unique qualities will undoubtedly bring a refreshing perspective to our union." His eyes sparkled with amusement, and his voice was low and intimate, as if sharing a secret with her alone.
The table fell silent, the guests unsure how to react to the prince's words. But Stephania's smile, though small, seemed to grow, and for a moment, she met Prince Kael's gaze.
As Stephania thanked Prince Kael for his kind words, she couldn't help but think that it was all just a polite facade. She felt exhausted from the empty conversations and superficial smiles, the weight of pretending to be someone she wasn't becoming too much to bear. Without drawing attention to herself, she excused herself, citing a need for fresh air, and slipped out into the royal garden.
The rose garden, filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers, was a haven of tranquility amidst the opulence of the palace. Stephania wandered through the paths, her fingers trailing over the petals of the roses, the symbol of Eldrida. She picked one, its delicate beauty a stark contrast to the harsh realities of her life. As she held the rose, the thorn pricked her finger, and a small droplet of blood formed. She didn't flinch, her gaze fixed on the flower as if mesmerized by its perfection.
'"Red sure is your color your Highness. it suits you in ways you cannot imagine " Prince Kael, who had been watching her from afar, approached her quietly. "Roses are a favorite of mine too," he said, his voice low and gentle. "They're resilient, aren't they? Despite the thorns, they bloom with such beauty."
Stephania turned to him, the rose still clutched in her hand. "Yes, they are," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Prince Kael's eyes locked onto Stephania's as he sank to one knee before her, his movements fluid and deliberate. The air seemed to thicken with anticipation as he reached for her hand, his fingers wrapping gently around hers. He brought her hand to his lips, his warm breath caressing her skin, and pressed a tender kiss to her palm. "Hardship is what makes a strong ruler your highness. you will be a wonderfull empress"
As Prince Kael walked away, his words lingered in the air, Stephania watched him go. She looked down at the rose in her hand, and her gaze fell upon the small cut on her finger. To her shock, it was already healed, leaving behind not even a scar.
She stared at her finger in amazement, her mind racing with possibilities. "Perhaps it's just a lie," she whispered to herself, "but maybe, just maybe, it won't hurt me like Father's words did." The thought brought a mix of hope and trepidation.