CHAPTER 73: THE LADY OUTSIDE

The palace of Drakonia was alive with music, voices, and the rich scent of burning sandalwood as guests from every realm took their seats in the great ceremonial hall.

The banners of each visiting kingdom hung from the carved dragon pillars, and the air shimmered faintly with enchantments to keep the hall warm despite the early winter chill.

Beyond the tall gates, the princes waited in their separate chambers, each attended by their own aides, ready to be called into the ceremony.

In one of the rooms, Prince Adam sat by the wide window, staring out at the courtyard where nobles gathered.

His thoughts were not on the celebration, he just wanted it to be over with.

Then the heavy wooden door creaked open, and his aide Ceryes stepped inside, bowing.

"My lord,"

"How is it going?" Adam asked without turning his head. "Have you found the one who poisoned the queen?"

Ceryes straightened, his voice low. "My lord... no one can be traced. All evidence that could be found points toward the culprit Prince Ashen already revealed."

Adam’s eyes darkened, and in sudden anger, he slammed his fist into the wall beside him, making the carved wood groan under the blow.

"Ashen... you are becoming clever. You are no longer the boy who would obey me and try to please me." he gritted out.

Ceryes stepped closer, lowering his tone. "My lord, perhaps you should let this go. He can never be the crown prince. Let them be married, and then we can end them slowly."

Adam turned his head, a cold smile tugging at his lips. "You are smart, Ceryes. Yes... Let us finish this and deal with them after."

Ceryes nodded but hesitated, his eyes shifting. Adam noticed at once. "What is it?"

"The daughter...." Ceryes began, but Adam moved in a flash, gripping him by the collar and silencing him.

"Do not dare ruin this day for me," Adam said in a low, cold voice.

"My marriage to the princess of the Celestial Realm must happen... it seals the collaboration of our two realms."

"My lord..." Ceryes tried again, but Adam’s sharp tone cut through the air.

"Enough!" he barked, releasing him.

"Only when she becomes my crown princess can I move freely with her. Send her a message not to disturb me today."

Ceryes bowed and turned to leave, but Adam’s voice stopped him once more.

"The ceremonial dress you had prepared for Princess Rhynera..."

"Yes, my lord?"

"Do not give it to her anymore. Her parents have brought their own ceremonial outfit for her. Send it instead to Lady Serena."

Ceryes paused, frowning. "My lord... that outfit will outshine the crown princess."

Adam’s gaze hardened. "Outshine her? And what if Serena decides to ruin the ceremony out of jealousy? At least this outfit will keep her calm." Ceryes nodded in understanding.

"Again.. Along with the dress give her five dragon-minted silvers and two bars of pure gold."

Ceryes sighed quietly. "As you command, my lord."

"And make sure she does not come to the ceremony," Adam added. "Those gifts should keep her content in her room."

Ceryes allowed himself a small smile. "I think that will work, my lord."

"Tell her I will visit her chambers tonight," Adam said flatly.

Ceryes’ eyes widened. "But my lord... it will be your nuptial night..." He stopped when Adam’s cold glare fell upon him. Bowing quickly, he left the room without another word.

Adam leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk on his face. He had never truly wanted the princess of the Celestial Realm, but he could not betray his father or risk disappointing him.

She had been betrothed to him since birth, all he needed was to endure a few more hours, and it would be over. Then, he could be with the woman he truly desired.

The thought pleased him so much that he barely noticed the black crow perched in the shadows near the window.

The bird’s glassy eyes glittered as it tilted its head, then with a sudden beat of wings, it flew from the chamber and into the cold air, making its way toward Prince Ashen’s rooms.

Ashen, seated at a small lacquered table, glanced back when he felt the familiar pulse of its presence. Ero, his aide, was already looking toward the window.

"You have your guest again," Ero muttered, turning as if to leave.

Ashen caught his wrist before he could go. "You can stay, you don’t have to be jealous," he murmured. After all, Ero had been with him for a long time.

Ero scoffed. "Jealous? Never... No one could be better than me." he let out proudly.

Ashen gave him a knowing smile before raising a hand. The crow swooped into the room, landed on the ground.

Ero shifted back shocked wondering how a crow could just gain entrance into his prince’s chambers.

Then it transformed into a swirl of dark feathers into a young woman.

"Aria," Ashen said with a slight frown.

"This must be urgent for you to come without my call."

"Congratulations on your ceremony, my lord," Aria said, bowing.

Ero’s eyes widened as he stared deep into her face.

"You... you are one of the prince’s maids... wait, you are a crow!"

"Ero!" Ashen barked, but too late.

Aria’s eyes flashed, and in one movement she flicked her wrist, sending a puff of force that knocked Ero backward into the wall.

His head hit the wall and slowly he slid down to the floor, groaning.

"Ho... How... are you so powerful?" he asked as he continued groaning in pain.

Ashen sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. This was exactly why he never wanted the two of them in the same room.

Aria’s temper was short, and she hated being called a crow while Ero wouldn’t mind speaking his mind and that would put him in more trouble.

"Hey, careful," Ashen muttered and glared at Aria.

"I have warned you to always control your temper." Aria turned back to Ashen, resuming her bow. "Forgive me, my lord."

"Why were you here in the first place, Aria?" Ashen asked wearily.

"I just found out Prince Adam does not truly care for the princess of the Celestial Realm," she said.

"He has a woman outside whom he truly loves. She is Lord Drex’s daughter."

Ashen raised an eyebrow. "The king’s Chief Royal Physician? What is her name?"

"Lady Serena," Aria replied. "She left the place when the High King took the crown prince’s betrothal seriously."

Ashen’s lips curved into a slow smile. "Well... that is interesting."

"What would you have me do, my lord?"

"With my brother’s temper," Ashen said, "He would not dare invite her to the ceremony himself. So, you will send her my invitation instead."