Varidianth revealed a cold heart in the face of Queen Varidianth's demise. In a short span, the late Queen's chamber and workspace were cleansed and sprayed with antibacterial and antiviral agents, while all her belongings were incinerated and buried deep. Additionally, Kieran had heard that the archives and all political assets had been sent back to the old palace of the principality, Seraphina's childhood home in Remirer.That's why tonight, the two of them found themselves in the late Queen's chamber, upon a new, grand canopy bed, facing the window that stretched up to the ceiling, offering a view of distant auroras. Seraphina lay sleeping on her side, and Kieran wasn't sure if his fiancée had already drifted off. He only knew that he struggled to sleep tonight because of the peculiar ancient feelings of his revenant, still churning inside his chest."Sera, are you still awake?" whispered Kieran.Seraphina didn't reply. Nevertheless, the uncrowned Queen Varidianth promptly turned a
The clock on the wall struck two in the morning. Nearly twelve hours had passed since his biological mother's funeral. While everyone else surely slept, Dravon couldn't find rest. Lying on his side in bed, he glanced across the room to where Will lay peacefully in another bed. Will's slumber wasn't by choice; he had been struck with the flu and was reluctantly swallowing pills forced upon him by Anne.Dravon twirled the black ball in his hand. He knew he shouldn't have taken it from the billiard table, but he felt a need for it to remind himself of who he was and what his purpose was. He had come to this city to disrupt everything, not to attend his mother's funeral. After all, why should Dravon bother for a woman who didn't acknowledge him at all? A woman who allowed her daughter's envy to cast Dravon away to Umbravale. A woman who knew no sense of responsibility, neither in family nor in leading a kingdom."It's your fault, Mum," Dravon murmured. Never had he imagined that finally,
Although nestled in the highest mountain of Frostwyn, the Central Palace of Varidianth was far from chilly. Warmth emanated from the richly chosen carpets and crimson walls, rows of lantern-shaped wall lamps, and the comforting heat undoubtedly wafting from the room heaters.They strolled slowly and serenely through the winding corridors that twisted and ascended like labyrinths, purposefully keeping their distance. Oliver had long walked ahead of them, resembling a tall and lean palace knight. Meanwhile, Anne walked behind them, clad in the palace servant uniform to avoid suspicion as she wandered at such untimely hours. Dravon and Will walked in the middle, appearing calm and relaxed as if they knew precisely where their destination lay.After a journey that felt unbearably long, they reached the topmost part of the palace, facing a tightly locked door, slightly damp from the cold air outside.Will tapped Dravon's shoulder. Though his face remained as calm as a serene lake, Dravon c
The palace dining hall buzzed with laughter as Kieran entered it alongside Lunabelle and Arlo. Thick curtains covering every window were neatly tied back, revealing a breathtaking view of snow-capped mountains in the distance and town settlements at the mountain's base. Frostwyn wasn't a sprawling city, but it was still far more advanced than Rainvale. Advanced, yet somehow more conservative and rigid. Furthermore, since the central palace relocated to this city, many high nobles had also moved here."My neck is really hurt," Arlo groaned, tilting his head upwards to the ceiling, then lowering it again to massage his neck. The young man grabbed two trays and asked Lunabelle, "Bella, would you prefer a ham sandwich or tuna pizza?""No tuna for Lunabelle, Arlo, she might itch if she eats that!" Kieran interjected, taking a tray for himself and pretending not to notice Lunabelle's pouting face. "She's allergic, remember? By the way, why is your neck hurting?""Well, but Lunabelle loves t
The sky in Remirer was always clear, with rainfall being a rare occurrence. Stepping off the plane, Dravon realized he had forgotten the sensation of being in the city: the heat emanating from the earth, seeping through his shoes; the dry wind gently caressing his face and hair, almost imperceptible; and the gleaming exteriors of skyscrapers piercing the daylight.Suddenly, Dravon's eyes darkened slightly, as if a twilight filter obstructed his vision. Will donned sunglasses. Dravon glanced over to see him already wearing them, fitting his pale, gaunt face perfectly."I must concede, you're more 'Remirer' than I am," Dravon said, then smiled as they walked away from the plane towards one of the many cars parked on the airport runway. "That's slang for cool or wild in Varidianth.""Oh, don't worry," Will replied. "Anne taught me a lot. Now I am indeed more 'Remirer' than you, 'the White Knight Prince'."Dravon smiled widely, not expecting Will to still be able to joke around. They quic
As their plane touched down in Remirer, their arrival was met by a throng of reporters and cameramen at the airport. Pushing, shouting, greeting them with irritating blitz lights. Arlo tried to maneuver comfortably among the knights protecting his family, but it was difficult."We've heard from the nobles that Duke Nyxshade has called off the engagement with Queen Seraphina. Is it true that it's because Queen Seraphina never loved you from the start, Your Grace?"It was truly strange to hear such questions being uttered in front of Seraphina herself, yet she seemed oblivious. Kieran too. Both of them remained silent, striding on towards their car, which felt miles away. They could have called the car directly to the runway where the plane landed, but the Queen's advisors insisted on this — being surrounded like this, to ensure the people of Varidianth knew every development in the coronation process.Infuriating."Arlo Nyxshade!" Someone called out his name, and unfortunately, Arlo ref
With still an hour to go before lunchtime, Kieran and Serena were already seated in the dining room, facing easily digestible meals while working, surrounded by stacks of documents. Alongside the high nobles of Varidianth, they all began their tasks.Grand Duke Elios, Princess Fathma, and Prince Vikrant Nightcrown were present merely to oversee and hear the outcomes of the large meeting before the coronation ceremony.The Chief Justice, a ninety-year-old man with sharp and astute eyes, quickly scanned his notes. "Have you finished reading the data you have?" he asked, his voice firm and devoid of any tremor. There was boredom and a sense of urgency in his tone. Elios silently admired someone whose intelligence and spirit he secretly admired.Seraphina tossed her pencil onto the document she was reading, then massaged her temples. "All this data is rubbish and useless," she commented. Some of the older nobles were surprised by her remark, but the Chief Justice simply responded, "Indeed
It took a while for Lunabelle to hear the rhythmic breathing of Arlo, her older brother, signaling that he had fallen asleep in the bed across from hers. She promptly got out of bed, feeling Cloud, her guide dog, calmly walking around her.Upon reaching outside the room and softly closing the door behind her, Lunabelle whispered to her dog, "Take me to Franz, Cloud." The dog acknowledged with a small whine before starting to lead her through the bustling and crowded corridors."Good day, Young Lady," greeted a cheerful servant as Lunabelle passed by. She quickly stood and faced the servant, trying to recall the woman's height from her limited view. "Do you need any assistance?""No, thank you," Lunabelle replied. "I'm fine.""In that case, we'll take our leave. May your day be good, Young Lady."Lunabelle nodded and continued walking. Cloud guided her, veering in a direction towards a fragrant garden filled with various types of flowers. Then, Lunabelle heard som