Six years later.The Central Palace of Valorthorn gleamed with the radiance of magical lanterns. Standing tall amidst the towering trees, it appeared grand, majestic, and untouched. Winding along the path that traced the contours of its beautiful gardens in the courtyard, a horse-drawn carriage, pulled by two large and noble steeds, moved slowly and gracefully until it eventually halted in front of the imposing front door. Without waiting for the door to be opened, someone seated inside had already emerged. His handsome face, nearly pallid, gained a touch of color beneath the glow of the magical lanterns.The twenty-three-year-old man promptly alighted from the carriage and extended his hand to assist his fiancée. At that moment, a chief servant emerged to swing open the palace door wide, accompanied by many restless knights of Valorthorn."Princess of Varidianth has arrived!" shouted one of the knights, loud enough for everyone to hear. "Alongside her betrothed, the Duke of Umbravale
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
Rain pelting against the roof and windows of the hotel room once again jolted Arlo from his slumber for the eleventh time that day. The twelve-year-old boy lazily curled up in his blanket, glancing at his watch resting on the bedside table. The short hand on the clock pointed to ten."Toby, are you awake?" Arlo called out to the servant who had become very close to him. As there was no response, Arlo sat up to check on Toby, who was sound asleep in the single bed across from him. The man was still deeply asleep, hardly moving or making a sound.Arlo yawned with an annoyed expression. "This is how everyone is in Rainvale," he grumbled. "Preferring to sleep in all day."He promptly got out of bed and headed to the bathroom.Twenty minutes later, Arlo parked his car in front of an ice cream shop in the middle of town. The ice cream shop was bustling, with many young girls seen from the outside, giggling as they enjoyed their ice creams."Oh dear, just to see his handsome face, I'd happil
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
It has been an eternity since the Queen last beheld the light of the full moon. For so long, she has lain upon her bed, cocooned in layers of drapery to ensure her warmth. Meanwhile, the towering windows of her chamber, perpetually shrouded by thick curtains either inadvertently forgotten or perhaps intentionally left ajar by her attendants. The hearthwood never left bare, always adorned with a stack of reserve logs beside it. All these efforts made by her attendants to ensure the Queen's comfort, a final endeavor, for no remedy as sophisticated as it may be could cure her ailment. Yet today, the Queen can sense a surge of energy, a breath that shall soon be her last. Thus, for the first time in what felt like an age, she parts her covers and strides towards the window.Faint, due to her dulled sense of smell, the Queen catches a mournful scent emanating from her body: the tang of ammonia, bile, antibiotics, and other odours unfamiliar to her. Nevertheless, she merely sheds her cumbe
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
Twelve years ago.There were unlucky times when Kieran caught the summer fever. A sickness he loathed the most because it prevented him from vacationing anywhere.Yet, Kieran longed for their summer house near Remirer, where he could enjoy the summer with other noble children. Especially, this summer, Jace promised to bring along his unacknowledged girlfriend, a beautiful and mature girl who reportedly lived in Zyronox.Restlessly, Kieran turned his body under the blanket. He lay on his side, facing away, staring wearily at the dark curtains of his room with numerous small phosphorus spots. Those spots glowed in the darkness like stars in the sky.Suddenly, Kieran heard the sound of a door opening. He immediately sat up. Manor Nyxshade rarely received visitors at such odd hours.With unsteady steps, Kieran quickly walked out of his room, feeling the soft, pristine carpets beneath his bare feet. Then, he saw his father and mother standing in front of his father's workplace.His father
"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