The next morning, the royal court of Aurernhart was already buzzing like a hive of startled bees. Word of what had happened yesterday had spread in record time—so much for the king's "keep it quiet " decree.
When I entered the grand hall again, every whisper stopped. Every pair of eyes followed me, and I could almost hear their thoughts.
That's her. The girl who replaced a prince with another.
[You're famous now, host. Should I start signing autographs for you?]
Not helping, Nero. And it's not fame—it's gossip.
[Same thing, different hat.]
At the far end of the hall, the royal family was already gathered. The king looked tired. The queen looked like she wanted to throw someone off a balcony. The second prince looked like he'd volunteer to do it himself. And the Crown Prince—Elias—looked annoyingly composed.
The court fell silent as the king spoke. "Lady Seraphina, I trust you understand the weight of what occurred yesterday."
"Yes, Your Majesty," I said, bowing slightly.
Before he could continue, Elias stepped forward. "And I trust we all understand that my intentions have not changed."
The king closed his eyes briefly, as though praying for patience. "Elias…"
"I meant every word," Elias said firmly. "I wish to take Lady Seraphina Valemont as my Crown Princess."
If the hall had been loud before, now it was pandemonium. Gasps. Murmurs. One noblewoman even dropped her fan.
The second prince shot to his feet. "You can't be serious! You're making a fool of yourself and the throne!"
Elias turned his head just slightly. "You made that far easier than I ever could, brother."
[Ouch, royal burn!] Nero cackled in my mind. [Ten out of ten delivery, minimal effort. The man's a professional.]
"Stop enjoying this," I hissed internally.
[Too late. I've already bought front-row seats.]
The king raised a hand for silence, though his voice carried an edge. "Elias, this is no small matter. You would bind yourself to Lady Seraphina after knowing her so little?"
"And Lady Seraphina you can't get married to another person if your engagement with the crown prince is nullified."
I didn't know about that.
[It's understandable because this is your second engagement, if it's over people will think you have a problem.]
Elias's answer was calm, unwavering. "I know enough. I know her reputation, her achievements, her strength, and her loyalty. And I know that no other alliance would serve Aurernhart better."
I blinked, heat rising to my cheeks. Why does he say these things like he's reading them off an oath?
[Because he probably rehearsed,] Nero teased. [Imagine him in front of the mirror: 'Yes, that's the smolder. Perfect.']
I bit the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling. This was not the time.
The second prince growled. "You're making her out to be some saint—she's a menace!"
Elias turned, expression utterly calm. "Then perhaps a menace is what the throne needs."
The crowd went completely still.
[Oh, I like him,] Nero said gleefully. [Keep him, host. He's chaos wrapped in royalty.]
I wanted to sink through the marble floor. "I didn't ask for this," I whispered under my breath.
[No, but the universe ships you two hard.]
The queen stood, her tone sharp as glass. "Elias, this is unorthodox and impulsive—"
"With respect, Mother," he said smoothly, "the throne deserves strength, and Lady Seraphina embodies it. Her name already commands respect. Her power in magic surpasses half the court. Her father's influence secures our armies. And"—his gaze flicked briefly toward me—"her beauty, as I said, is unmatched."
I stared at him, at a loss for words.
[You know, if you keep blushing this much, people will think you actually like him.]
I don't.
[Sure. And I'm a fairy godmother.]
The king sighed deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Elias… you leave me little choice. If you are resolved in this, I will not stand in your way. But we will proceed cautiously. Do you understand?"
Elias bowed slightly. "Entirely, Father."
Then his eyes met mine again—steady, confident, impossible to look away from. "Lady Seraphina?"
My mouth went dry. "Y-yes, Your Highness?"
His smile was faint, but it reached his eyes. "Welcome to the future of Aurernhart."
[Oh, he's smooth. He's dangerous smooth.]
"Shut up, Nero," I muttered under my breath.
[You're blushing, host.]
I'm plotting my escape.
[Same thing, really.]
The court erupted again, a storm of whispers and shock. The second prince stormed out in fury, the queen followed the king in weary silence, and my parents…
Dad looked like he needed a drink. Mum looked like she'd just won a political war.
And me?
I stood in the middle of the throne room, my mind spinning, my heart doing treasonous things, and Nero humming what sounded suspiciously like a wedding march in the background.
[Congratulations, host. You're officially the kingdom's most talked-about disaster.]
"Perfect," I said dryly. "Just how I always imagined my day would go."