The grand hall buzzed with murmurs as Seraphina Vale stepped through the gilded doorway, her arm brushing against the Duke of Everain's. Their entrance, unannounced yet striking, drew a few startled glances and curious whispers. She didn't notice—her eyes were fixed ahead, focused on standing tall beside one of the kingdom's most elusive nobles.
Duke Alric, tall and composed with a quiet intensity, offered her a fleeting glance filled with intrigue. "Quite the entrance," he murmured, lips barely moving. Seraphina gave a polite smile, unsure if it was praise or provocation.
Just then, the double doors swung wide. The Crown Prince entered, his cloak trailing like a shadow of authority. His sharp gaze instantly landed on the pair. His eyes darkened, but his smile didn't falter.
He strode forward, graceful yet unmistakably commanding. "I see you've already met my aide," he said, placing a gentle but possessive hand on Seraphina's shoulder, guiding her a step away from the Duke.
"Aide?" someone asked from the gathered nobility.
"Yes," the prince replied, "Lady Seraphina Vale will serve as my official poison tester and personal aide from this day forward." Then, as if making a point, he took her hand from the Duke's loose hold and brought it to rest near his chest. "She will remain by my side."
Gasps and murmurs rippled across the crowd, but before anyone could speak further, a familiar voice rose from among the prince's friends.
"Wait—Seraphina Vale? The Lady Vale?" One of the nobles stepped forward, eyes gleaming with recognition. "You're the daughter of the famous poison master. They say your skills with both poison and sword surpass even your father's."
A challenge shimmered in his smile. "Why don't we test one of those skills today? A friendly duel, perhaps? Between Lady Vale and Duke Everain. Just a harmless demonstration."
The room quieted.
The Duke's gaze shifted to Seraphina, interested but unreadable.
And Seraphina, caught between duty, pride, and curiosity, nodded slowly. "If it's just a friendly demonstration…"
The prince said nothing—but his grip on her hand tightened ever so slightly.