The ride back to Valemont Hall was quiet. The carriage rolled over the cobblestones, sunlight catching the gold embroidery on my gown. I kept my gaze on the passing trees, letting the world blur at the edges.
[Quiet time, host. Reflect on your new… situation.] Nero's voice broke the silence.
"Situation?" I asked, twisting my fingers in my lap. "It's an engagement, not a death sentence."
[Semantics. Some people would disagree.]
And you're the reason I'm in this 'situation'
[You're the one who wanted to be a villainess.]
My parents rode beside me. Dad's jaw was tight, his knuckles white against the armrest. Mum's posture was elegant, but her eyes kept flicking to me—curiosity and pride both there.
When we reached the estate, the gates swung open, and the familiar scent of pine and tilled earth greeted me. I stepped down, velvet whispering over stone, and let myself breathe.
Inside the drawing room, the fire popped and the space felt private. I sank into a high-backed chair, Mum and Dad taking seats opposite me.
Dad leaned forward. "Seraphina, we need to talk about this engagement."
I exhaled softly. "Do we?"
Mum gave him a look that was half amusement, half warning. "Do we not, Alaric? This is beyond anything we expected."
Dad nodded. "You surprised us all. An engagement to the Crown Prince… bold, even for you. And we worry—what if he treats you as that other prince did? We will not allow our daughter to be humiliated."
I met his eyes. "I know you're worried, Father. But Elias is not Lucien. He spoke for me in the hall. He defended me in front of everyone. He is not the sort to ignore a wrong."
"And he was the only one who talked to me at the academy."
Mum reached out and placed her hand over mine. "I felt the same," she said softly. "The way he looked at you—respectful, not entitled. I do not believe he would wrong you."
[Mother's intuition: 1. Court gossip: 0.] Nero muttered.
"Still," Dad said, rubbing his forehead, "we cannot be naive. Courts change people. Alliances shift." He looked at me, concerned. "If he ever crosses the line—" He let it hang, the threat clear.
"If he ever crosses the line," I said, my voice steady, "I'll make sure he regrets it. A lesson in magic he won't forget."
Mum's hand tightened around mine, pride in her eyes. Dad's posture shifted; the tension in his jaw eased into approval.
[Spell him? Host, that sounds fun. May I suggest runes?] Nero purred.
Keep your runes to yourself, But yes. If Elias behaves poorly, he will learn exactly why no one crosses a Valemont.
Dad chuckled dryly. "Good. I like that."
Mum smiled, a mix of pride and amusement. "You've always had fire—and words to match it."
[Parental pride unlocked. Achievement complete.] Nero added.
I leaned back. "I didn't expect any of this. But I asked for it. On my terms."
Dad's gaze softened. "Then keep it on your terms, Seraphina. Keep allies close, spells closer, and never let them see you falter."
"I won't," I said. "And anyone who underestimates me will learn why House Valemont is not to be trifled with."
Mum squeezed my hand. "If he ever wrongs you, we'll stand with you. Proud, furious, and ready."
Dad smirked slightly. "We'll be the worst kind of in-laws."
I let out a short, genuine laugh. "Noted."
The fire popped again, casting warm light across our faces. Outside, Valemont Hall sat quiet under a sky turning rose-gold. The calm felt temporary, but here, with my parents and Nero's commentary, I felt ready.
[Villainess energy: maintained. Parental support: solid. Future chaos: incoming.] Nero said.
"Perfect," I muttered. "Just how I imagined my day would go."
Tomorrow we are going to the court again and see what happens next.