Immediately after Celeste was taken to the palace, Iris paced around the living room nonstop, her worry growing by the second.
Alder walked over and placed a gentle hand on her shoulder.
"Iris, calm down," he said softly.
"I'm scared, Alder. These days Celeste keeps having those nightmares… I don't want her going to the vampire kingdom. What if they find out, Alder?" Iris turned toward him, her voice trembling. Tears gathered in her eyes.
"No one will find out, Iris. She's just going there for today," Alder reassured her, though even his voice wasn't fully steady.
"Alder, if anyone discovers the truth, everything we've worked for will crumble. Oh, poor Celeste…" Iris whispered, and her tears finally fell.
Meanwhile, in his room, Puck stood with his back against the door, listening to every word. His small hands curled into fists, and his expression darkened.
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In the end, Celeste chose to redecorate the gown made by the Fae Couturiers. There was no time to sew a new one from scratch. She used Lumen Blossom Petals, soft white petals that glowed like moonlight, and transformed the plain dress into something enchanting.
The Queen finally agreed that Celeste would accompany Princess Ophelia after all.
During the journey, Celeste sat inside the carriage with the princess, unable to stop admiring the beauty of the vampire kingdom. The other carriage ahead carried the King and Queen.
Only now did Celeste truly understand why the vampire realm was the capital of the underworld. Everywhere she looked spoke of wealth, elegance, and overwhelming power.
When they arrived at the royal palace, other royal and noble families were already stepping out of their carriages, accompanied by their daughters and the maids who would represent them.
Celeste froze for a moment.
The palace was enormous… elegant… breathtaking. Nothing like the rumors that claimed it was dark, terrifying, or ugly.
A vampire maid approached them with a respectful bow.
"The princess and her maid are to wait in one of the chambers until the bride selection begins," she announced before guiding them to a beautifully prepared room assigned to the candidates.
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High above the palace, Malum stood beside a wide window in his chamber. From there he watched the arriving carriages one after another. His eyes didn't care for any of the royal and noble daughters.
His heart waited for only one person.
But from this height, the figures below were too small to distinguish.
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The palace grew livelier as the banquet neared.
Royal families, powerful officials, and high-ranking nobles from every corner of the underworld were streaming into the banquet hall, ready for the grand banquet and unexpected wife selection.