The morning light spilled gently through the curtains, soft and gold, wrapping the room in warmth that didn't belong in a vampire king's palace.
Seraphine sat at the edge of her bed, robe loosely draped around her shoulders, fingers tracing the crown resting delicately in her lap.
It was unlike any royal symbols she'd ever worn.
This one was crafted -like her. Like he saw her. Fierce. Elegant.
And for some reason, it made her smile.
A small, stupid, involuntary smile that tugged at her lips before she even realized.
God, what am I doing?
She shook her head, as if that would wipe the expression off her face. She was a warrior. A commander. A foresaken princess whose kingdom had offered her like a pawn.
But right now, she didn't feel like any of those things.
Right now, she was just a girl.
A girl holding a crown from a man who looked at her like she was something holy in a world he'd long given up on.
Her fingers traced the sharp edges of the black metal. He made this for me. Only for me.
A soft knock broke the stillness.
"Come in, " She said quietly, voice clearing as she straightened her posture.
The door creaked open, revealing a young maid, with wide brown eyes and a nervous shuffle in her step. Her name was Rin, if Seraphine remembered correctly. Quiet. Gentle. Always bowing too low.
"M-My lady, "Rin said, her eyes dipping to the floor. " I came to change the linens. "
Seraphine nodded absently, setting the crown aside on a silk cushion." It's fine. Come in. "
Rin moved quickly and quietly, but she stole one glance, at the crown. Then , she hesitated, glancing up at Seraphine.
"Forgive me if I overstep, my lady.... But that crown.... It's beautiful. "
Seraphine paused. Then , surprising herself, she laughed under her breath. "Yes it is. "
Rin blinked, " Did his majesty...? "
Seraphine nodded.
There was a beat of silence. Then Rin whispered, "He looks at you differently than anyone else. "
Seraphine's gaze drifted to the window, her voice dropped, barely audible. "He makes me feel like.... I'm the only thing in this world. "
"Because you are. He's never... given anything to anyone before. Not like this. "
"And that's what terrifies me. " Seraphine murmured.
Rin tilted her head.
"I'm not used to being wanted. "Seraphine said softly, her eyes on the window. "Only used. Feared. Betrayed. But Valen... He doesn't just want me. He need me. And that's harder to run from. "
She looked down at her hands - calloused from war, yet trembling now from something far more dangerous.
"What if I give in? " She asked quietly. "What if I fall,Rin? What happens then? "
Rin paused, her fingers still curled around the linens. Then , softly, she stepped closer - not as a maid, but as a girl who understood the quiet ache of longing.
"Then maybe, "Rin whispered, "you'll finally have someone who chooses you, not for your crown, not for your sword... but for your heart. "
Seraphine blinked , startled by the depth in those gentle words.
Rin smiled timidly, " Maybe falling isn't weakness, my lady. Maybe it's the only way to know you're still human beneath all the armor. "
The silence that followed wrapped around Seraphine like a warm hug. Her lips parted slightly, the words sinking deeper than expected.
For the first time in a long time, her heart didn't ache with battle weariness or betrayal.
It beat with something warm.
Something dangerous.
Something like hope.