The Royal Palace of Asteruya , the Star-inspired city of light, was a masterwork of pale marble and polished, silent halls. To an outsider, it was the definition of splendor, but to Lady Seraphine Mizuhana (19), the beauty had begun to feel like a perfectly crafted cage.
Seraphine herself looked the part of a princess—her hair long and flowing , framing a soft face with delicate expressions. Yet, she was inherently warm and approachable, a contrast to the cold formality of the court. Today, she was where she felt most comfortable: the palace kitchens. She was carefully stirring a bowl of pudding, her skill in cooking on full display.
"Just a touch of cinnamon," she murmured, carefully adding a small pinch of spice. "It needs comfort." She enjoyed making meals for others , viewing it as a gentle act of kindness. When she looked up, her unique eyes—a rare color containing mysterious star-like pupils —sparkled with quiet contentment.
That contentment was shattered hours later when she stood before the throne. Her father, the King, delivered the news with strained ceremony.
"Seraphine, you have a duty to the kingdom. I have arranged your marriage."
Her expression shifted from soft kindness to adorable, bewildered confusion. "An arranged marriage, Father? But... duty to whom?"
"To Yuzael Valestrian (23). His alliance is crucial for stability."
Yuzael Valestrian. The very thought conjured an image of cold perfection. He was handsome, but in a "too perfect" way , possessing an elegant, cold aura. He was known for acting nonchalant and rarely showing emotion. Seraphine felt a cold dread settle in her stomach.
"I... I have no feelings for him. I don't want to be the future bride-to-be if it is only a duty," she whispered, her voice reflecting her desire to run.
Later, she sought solace by the quiet fountain. Kael Arisugawa (20), her childhood friend, found her there. He was handsome, with warm eyes and a playful, flirty nature , but tonight he was silent, sensing her unhappiness.
"I can't do it, Kael," she confessed. "I feel trapped. I want to be free."
Kael, the boy whose love for her was pure and longstanding, listened without judgment. He didn't speak the words of encouragement she needed, but the loyalty and deep protection she felt from him were a silent promise.
That night, Seraphine became the runaway heroine. She gathered her simple, comfortable travel clothes , along with the herbal pouches and natural remedies she had learned to make. She placed a final, fleeting kiss on the cold stone of the windowsill.
She would choose her own destiny.