The king finally raised his hand, his patience clearly running out. "That will be all for today. Court is dismissed."
The throne room erupted in murmurs as nobles rushed to whisper behind gloved hands. They moved like restless birds, their silks and jewels glittering under the chandeliers.
"Two engagements," someone muttered.
"And both to princes," another gasped.
"This has never happened before."
I kept my face neutral, even as the corners of my mouth threatened to twitch. If I reacted, they'd feast on it.
My parents went to speak with the king and queen. Father looked like he was trying very hard not to start a war. Mother, on the other hand, had the faintest smirk tugging at her lips—the kind that said she saw this coming.
I slipped out quietly, leaving the heat of the throne room behind.
The palace gardens were a welcome change—soft wind, sunlight spilling through marble arches, and the sound of fountains instead of gossip. I took a slow breath, the scent of roses and wet stone wrapping around me.
For all its politics and madness, this world was still beautiful. The way the light hit the leaves, the way everything seemed alive—it reminded me why I'd fallen in love with reading stories of faraway kingdoms. And now, somehow, I was living in one.
And this wasn't even the town center yet.
[Peaceful, isn't it?] Nero's voice hummed in my mind. [Almost makes you forget you're part of a royal soap opera.]
"Almost," I muttered.
I was halfway through admiring the rose garden when I heard it—a hiss behind me.
A low, venomous hiss that sliced through the quiet. "So this is where you hide."
I turned.
The second prince stood among the roses, anger darkening his sharp features. His royal outfit was perfectly pressed, but the fury in his eyes stripped away any trace of dignity.
"Your Highness," I said coolly, straightening my posture. "I wasn't aware I needed to hide."
He stalked closer, fists clenched. "You think you're clever, don't you? Throwing yourself at my brother just to humiliate me."
I blinked slowly. "Excuse me?"
"Don't play innocent!" His voice rose. "I should have known this was your plan all along. You never cared for me—you only wanted the crown!"
I almost laughed. "How stupid can you be?" I muttered under my breath.
[Apparently, very,] Nero drawled.
I met Lucien's glare calmly. "Your Highness, our engagement was arranged for political convenience, not affection. I never pretended otherwise. You're mistaking courtesy for devotion."
His nostrils flared. "So that's it? You'll just move on to my brother as if I never mattered?"
[He's better, so why not?] Nero chimed.
I tilted my head slightly, a polite smile forming. "If you wished to matter, perhaps you should have treated me as if I did."
The words hit him like a slap. He took another step closer, fury radiating from him. "You insolent—"
I didn't flinch. I didn't even move. Inside, I was actually thrilled by his jealousy. Oh, it felt good—so this is what the heroines in those novels must've felt after leaving their walking-red-flag exes.
[This is real life, not a novel, but yeah, it feels good,] Nero said.
How delightful, watching him unravel while I stayed perfectly composed. If he wanted me, he shouldn't have tried to break me first.
Lucien's hand twitched as if he meant to grab me, but before he could take another step, a voice rang through the garden—smooth, cold, and commanding.
"Is there a problem, brother?"
Lucien froze.
The Crown Prince stood at the edge of the path, sunlight glinting off the silver clasp of his cloak. His dark hair fell perfectly into place, his expression unreadable but undeniably regal.
Elias's gaze shifted from Lucien to me, and for a moment, the garden fell silent.
Then, with quiet authority, he said, "If you mean to insult your future Crown Princess, I suggest you rethink your words."
The air itself seemed to still at his tone—steady, sharp, and impossibly calm.
Lucien's face twisted in frustration, but he didn't reply. He turned away, muttering something under his breath before storming off down the marble path.
Elias's eyes lingered on him for a heartbeat before softening as he looked back at me. "Are you all right, Lady Seraphina?"
I smoothed my skirt, pretending calm. "Perfectly fine, Your Highness. I'm already used to royal dramatics."
A faint smile curved his lips. "Good. You'll need that composure."
[Oh, he's smooth again,] Nero purred.
"Don't start," I warned under my breath.
Elias extended his hand slightly, a gesture half invitation, half protection. "Come, Lady Seraphina. The roses are best appreciated without venom nearby."
And as I placed my hand lightly on his arm and looked up, one thought flashed through my mind.
Gods, he was tall.
And that just made him look even more unfairly handsome.