The sun had barely crested the horizon when the royal dining hall of Vayrana stirred to life. Light filtered through latticed windows, gilding the polished mahogany floors and casting patterned shadows on the sandstone walls. A soft breeze stirred the sheer curtains, bringing with it the scent of rosewater and early jasmine, but the atmosphere at the long dining table was far from tranquil.
King Rajan Vaelith, regal in a tunic of indigo silk with gold thread embroidery, sat at the head of the table. His face, usually calm and composed, was creased with lines of worry. At his immediate right sat Queen Ishara, robed in ivory muslin with a veil of pearl-threaded lace. To the king's left sat Crown Prince Aresh, stoic and sharp-eyed as ever. One by one, the rest of the family entered — until finally, the last to arrive stepped in with barely concealed exhaustion.
Serenya dipped her head in respect. "Good morning," she said softly, her voice carrying like dew in the breeze.
Her lady-in-waiting, Zelda, pulled back the ornate ebony chair for her, and Serenya sank into it delicately. Her eyes were faintly rimmed with sleeplessness, her lips soft but pressed together. The chain around her ankle beneath her dress felt colder this morning, a reminder of Kael, of everything that had shifted in her world the day before.
"You look like you forgot what 'sunrise' means," Princess Elarynth remarked dryly, not even looking up as she stirred her almond porridge.
Queen Ishara chuckled softly, placing a silver spoon gently onto her plate. "I suspect our little Serenya spent the night dreaming of Prince Kael."
Serenya flushed instantly beneath her light veil. "Mother!" she protested.
But before the laughter could deepen, the king's voice sliced through the warm morning hum.
"There is news."
The air shifted. All heads turned toward him.
"There will be a grand imperial ceremony in Nytheris," King Rajan said gravely. "At the Virellion Hall."
A silence fell.
He continued, "Three days from now, the Emperor has summoned all royal houses. He is choosing a bride."
Queen Ishara gasped. Her hand gripped the edge of the table. "The Emperor?" she whispered. "That old monster still walks among men?"
"Whispers say he is a vampire — centuries old," the king said with a dark nod. "And now, he's decided he needs a queen."
"I won't allow my daughters to be taken," Queen Ishara snapped, protective fire in her eyes.
The king held her gaze. "We will take precautions. Every daughter will wear their betrothal anklet — and black veils only. No face is to be revealed. Elarynth, you must dye your hair black before we depart."
Elarynth frowned but nodded. Even she — proud and vain as she often was — understood the seriousness of what lay ahead. The imperial court was not a place of choice. It was a place where wills were bent.
After breakfast, the palace stirred like a hive. Servants packed trunks of embroidered shawls, veils, incense, and jewels. Horses were groomed, guards inspected their lances, and couriers were sent to ensure the routes were clear.
Zelda entered Serenya's chambers with a bundle of newly arrived black veils. "His Majesty had these ordered from the spinners of Tharvia," she said reverently.
Serenya ran her fingers across the gauzy black silk. "Do you think it will be enough to keep us hidden?" she asked quietly.
Zelda shrugged. "If the Emperor wants something, I don't think black silk will stop him."
That answer didn't help.
Moments later, Serenya slipped into the bathing chamber. Hot water filled with floating lotus petals soothed her tired limbs. Zelda washed her hair with rosewater soap and honey milk.
"I'm sure Prince Kael will be there, Your Highness," Zelda said with a hopeful smile.
Serenya blinked, half-lost in thought. "I wonder why the Emperor wants a bride now."
"Father says it's to get a bride," she replied softly.
"Vampires," Zelda whispered with a shiver. "My father's friend once visited their kingdom . He said their skin is white as bone, their eyes crimson, and they have fangs protruding out of their mouth."
Serenya felt a twinge of unease twist her stomach. But she merely nodded.
When she emerged from the bath, she was dressed in a deep blue gown embroidered with silver river lilies. A thick black veil fell over her face, concealing all but her eyes. Bangles clinked softly on her wrists as Zelda braided her long dark hair.
Outside, carriages with golden crests and storm-colored horses lined the cobbled road leading out of the palace gates. The royal entourage gathered beneath the stone archway as the king gave his final instruction.
"Black veils. Anklets visible. No perfumes that linger. No silks too bright."
The sisters nodded solemnly.
Serenya stepped into the wide royal carriage with Naerya and Thirena. The cushions were plush velvet, but her nerves were anything but soothed. The curtains were drawn, but she parted them just enough to glimpse the city.
The gates of Vayrana opened slowly as horns blew in farewell. The king's carriage led the way, flanked by royal guards with spears pointed upright, their armor gleaming faintly. Crown Prince Aresh rode at the head of the procession on a white steed, banner of Vayrana streaming behind him like a river of fire.
Outside, commoners lined the streets, bowing low and tossing marigold petals into the air. The scent of incense, smoke, and dust mingled with the warm breeze.
"Three kingdoms to cross before we reach Nytheris," Naerya murmured.
Serenya nodded, her hand unconsciously clutching the edge of the carriage window. A feeling she couldn't quite name had begun curling in her gut — apprehension, like a cold breath down the spine.
"What if he chooses one of us?" Thirena said softly.
"No," Serenya whispered. "We're already promised. The anklets are proof."
"But vampires don't care for human customs."
The carriage rumbled forward, wheels crunching gravel, and with each passing mile, Serenya felt as though the shadows outside grew thicker.
A storm was coming.
And the chain on her ankle, once a symbol of Kael's promise, now felt like a shield.
One she prayed would be enough.