As the sky began to darken, Julian, Serena, and Kieran laid out the food they had ordered from the restaurant, arranging it on the tables. The atmosphere was filled with merriment, with Lunabelle and Arlo chatting cheerfully with Elios and Seraphina, Julian and Serena engaged in curious conversation with Lana and Rory, and Kieran deeply engrossed in a game of Varidanth chess with Morana."The rules of this chess are quite simple," remarked Kieran as he pushed a plate of steak and a large sundae glass towards Morana. "I play with the green pieces, and you play with the red ones. We'll consider the yellow pieces nonexistent. How does that sound? Or should I invite Elios to join us?""You're hopeless," Morana grumbled. "The original Varidianth chess isn't like that. The yellow pieces should be played by both players. Here's how it goes: first, the green pieces move, then the red ones, followed by the yellow ones played by you, then green again, red, and finally the yellow ones played by

The Guest Chamber prepared by Prince Vikrant felt warm and comfortable, despite lacking any windows. Much like most rooms in the central palace of Valorthorn, which indeed eschewed the presence of windows in its architectural design. Perhaps as a form of defense to prevent intruders from entering through the windows.Kieran lay comfortably on the bed, draped in a kimono-shaped nightshirt that absorbed his sweat and body heat to the maximum. His eyes were fixed on Seraphina, who sat at the vanity table, removing her beautiful makeup with rosewater. The royal princess appeared still upset after the meeting with Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Silverlake ten minutes ago. But every time Seraphina seemed disturbed by Elios, it only reminded Kieran that she still couldn't love him."If you don't want me to be here tonight, I understand, Sera," Kieran said as he sat up. "I'm sure you need some time alone."Seraphina placed her rosewater bottle down, her lips pressed with guilt as she looked at

As Arlo and Toby arrived at Manor Nyxshade, the day was approaching midnight. Their car purred softly like a cat as it entered the garage, before finally coming to a halt.With his body feeling a bit stiff, Arlo stepped out of the car and did some simple stretches in the courtyard. Occasionally, as he stretched his legs, Arlo glanced up at the star-filled sky, with the moon resembling a deflated football to him."It seems the full moon is just around the corner," Toby murmured softly as he passed by Arlo.Arlo nodded in agreement. "Goodnight, Toby," he said promptly. Toby only muttered something and quickly entered the Manor, leaving Arlo still wanting to savor the night air for a while longer.After feeling sufficiently stretched, Arlo closed the garage door and locked it. Then he walked into the Manor, whose front door was never locked. It was a sort of protocol at Nyxshade Manor, according to the rules set by Kieran. That all family members and their friends were free to enter the

The funeral of the Queen of the Varidianth kingdom took place in Frostwyn, at the newly established royal family's private cemetery, not far from the palace grounds.Currently, the temperature is below zero degrees, and all mourners who have come to the cemetery area are dressed in dark clothes that appear almost white due to the snowfall. They consist of nobility and royal families from many countries, each accompanied by their entourages of knights and servants, making the cemetery area almost overcrowded.Meanwhile, right beside the grave of the late King adorned with an imitation statue of him in his prime, the coffin of the Queen had just been lowered and buried. Seraphina, Kieran, and many of the Queen's closest nobles stood crowded around the grave, receiving numerous hugs and condolences from the mourners. Yet not once did Seraphina shed a tear. The new Queen of Varidianth controlled her emotions perfectly behind her stiff smile.Snow began to fall again. Black umbrellas start

"So, you know them." Jace's light voice, spoken in a low tone, immediately caused Serena's hand, which was combing her hair, to stop. She tried not to turn around, only gazing straight ahead at the large mirror on the dressing table. From the reflection in the mirror, she could see Jace sitting casually on the bed, sipping chamomile tea. His hands emitted a reddish aura, seemingly heating the tea with his magic.Serena quickly put down her comb and reached for her own cup on the dressing table, taking a sip rather heavily. "I didn't know them before," Serena denied, lying. She placed her cup down and then joined Jace.The man smiled charmingly. A smile that, if Serena hadn't known him for quite a while, she wouldn't have realized as condescending. No, lately Serena realized all high nobles were like Jace. They were courteous and charming, but beneath it all, they were just arrogant humans adept at hiding their ill thoughts. They were different from Julian, who kept his expression guar