Ella was practically shaking as she stepped outside toward the family carriage. Was it too late to decline the prince's invitation? She could claim she'd fallen ill… or stubbed her toe… or developed a sudden, tragic fear of feasts.
Just as she was about to climb into the carriage, her father stopped her and pointed toward another one parked behind theirs.
"The prince requested that you use his carriage today, Ella. He wishes to enter the feast with you."
"But father…" Ella glanced at her mother and William, who were already seated inside, smiling at her like this was all some grand entertainment. Couldn't they hear the silent screams of their introverted daughter?
Lord Morrell stepped into the carriage and shut the door. "We'll see you inside, my princess. Today is a good day for you."
The family carriage rolled away, leaving behind a small white carriage. The coachman opened the door and bowed.
"We should be going, my lady. The prince is already waiting for you."
Ella gazed out the window as the grand palace came into view. Music and cheerful chatter spilled from within, signaling that the feast was already well underway. Lively… too lively for her liking.
She spotted her family's carriage at the entrance and heard the distant announcement of their arrival. Yet her own carriage veered away.
She leaned toward the small front window. "Where are we going?"
"The prince awaits you in the garden, my lady," the coachman replied.
Prince Nathan spotted the white carriage approaching and smiled. He adjusted his attire and strode toward it as it came to a halt.
He opened the door and extended his hand.
Ella took it and stepped out.
And in that moment… Nathan forgot how to breathe.
She wore a scarlet ball gown that echoed the fiery tones of her hair. Silver shoes, gloves, and delicate jewelry shimmered with every movement. Her blue eyes seemed brighter than ever, almost unreal.
"Ella…" His gaze wandered helplessly, unsure where to settle.
"You look beautiful."
"Thank you, your grace," she replied, avoiding his eyes, her cheeks betraying her.
"Why aren't we going inside?" she asked. "Why bring me here?"
Nathan blinked, snapping out of his daze.
"Before we join the others… there's something I want to show you."
He took her hand and led her deeper into the garden. Flowers and vines surrounded them, vibrant and fragrant, the air almost enchanted.
"You'll have to close your eyes."
Ella blinked. "What?"
"Trust me."
Hesitantly, she obeyed.
He guided her forward. "Just a little more…"
Then he stopped.
Nathan moved behind her, placing his hands gently on her shoulders. His breath brushed her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.
"You can open them."
Ella opened her eyes.
Before her lay a patch of freshly planted flowers.
Her breath caught.
Something about them… felt familiar.
"Wild Mirines," Nathan said softly.
"Mirine…?" Her voice trembled.
"After our talk, I realized how much that place meant to you," he continued. "So I brought a piece of it here… for you."
She turned to him, eyes glistening.
"But Mirine is so far south… how did you—"
"I'm a prince," he said simply, brushing a tear from her cheek. "Things like this are nothing… if they make you feel at home. If they make you feel closer to me."
Ella swallowed, wiping her eyes carefully. "Thank you."
"Anything for you…"
Nathan's hand lingered in her hair before cupping her cheek. His gaze drifted to her lips, painted red, dangerously inviting.
For a moment… the world narrowed.
Just him. Just her.
Should he?
Could he?
"Your grace."
The spell shattered.
Nathan turned sharply. A butler stood nearby, bowing.
"The king requests your presence at the feast."
Nathan cleared his throat. "Yes. Thank you, Jeffrey. We'll be right there."
*
"The Crown Prince, His Royal Highness, Prince Nathaniel Aldos… and his guest of honor, Lady Ella Morrell!"
The walk to the high table felt endless.
Eyes followed them. Especially the women's.
Sharp. Measuring. Hungry.
Ella could feel them against her back like needles.
Her chest tightened. The room spun.
"Relax, Ella. I'm here."
She looked up at Nathan. Calm. Steady. Unshaken.
She gripped his arm and focused on moving forward.
One step.
Then another.
Finally, they reached the high table.
They bowed and curtsied.
"Welcome, Lady Ella," King Bradley Aldos said warmly. "A pleasure to see you again."
"The pleasure is mine, your grace."
Ella then turned to the dark-haired king seated beside him and curtsied once more.
"Welcome to our land, King Burchard."
"You're a lucky man, my boy!" King Burchard laughed, clapping Nathan on the shoulder. "A beauty like this is rare. Keep her safe."
"I will, your grace."
"I only wish my son would settle down as well," the king added with a chuckle. "Before I leave this world without grandchildren."
Laughter rippled between the kings as the young pair took their seats.
Ella sat beside Nathan, her thoughts racing.
Why hadn't he corrected them?
Why let them assume?
From her seat, the queen watched, and trembled.
The aura surrounding the two… it had grown stronger. Heavier. Wrong.
She had felt it before… in her son. But now, with the girl beside him… it had intensified into something chilling.
Not human. Never human.
If not for her gift, she would have remained blissfully ignorant… like Lady Morrell. But she knew. And what she knew terrified her. If she had been able to, she would have ended Nathan the moment he was born. Now… it was too late.
He was growing stronger.
Because of her.
Her gaze shifted to Ella. If she could not destroy her son… Perhaps she could remove the source.
Would she have to kill the girl?
"My wife?"
The queen jolted.
"Yes, my king," she replied, forcing steadiness into her voice.
"Are you alright?"
"I'm fine… just a little lightheaded."
"Isn't she beautiful?" he said proudly, nodding toward Ella. "Our boy has excellent taste."
The queen looked again at the pair.
Smiling.
Laughing.
Communicating… without words.
"Yes, my king," she whispered. "He does."