The castle of Aurernhart looked like something out of a dream. Sunlight spilled across marble courtyards, gilded balconies shimmered, and every window sparkled like captured stars. It was beautiful—undeniably so.
I looked as the carriage passed beneath towering gates. "It's beautiful," I said softly, half to myself.
[Finally, some appreciation,] Nero drawled. [I thought you'd sneer at it just to seem mysterious.]
"I can recognize beauty when I see it," I murmured. "Doesn't mean I trust it."
[Spoken like someone born for a throne.]
"Let's not get ahead of ourselves."
Just because I've become a villainess doesn't mean I act all gaudy and proud.
[Being proud isn't a bad thing host.]
The carriage slowed before the grand staircase of white stone. Knights lined the entrance, their polished armor reflecting morning light.
The footman opened the carriage door, bowing low. Dad stepped out first, the image of calm authority, then offered me his hand. His expression softened the way it only did for me.
"Remember, Seraphina," he said quietly, "you did nothing wrong. But if they try to shame you for it, make them wish they hadn't."
"I intend to," I said, taking his hand.
Mum followed, poised and graceful in silver-blue silk. "You look radiant, darling," she said, tucking a loose curl behind my ear. "Whatever happens inside, remember—we're with you."
I smiled faintly. "Always, Mum."
As we approached the gates, the herald's voice thundered across the courtyard.
"Announcing His Grace, Duke Alaric Valemont! Her Grace, Duchess Eveline Valemont! And Lady Seraphina Valemont!"
The grand doors opened, revealing a hall fit for the gods—crystal chandeliers, frescoed ceilings, marble polished to mirror shine. Dozens of nobles turned as we entered, their eyes glinting with curiosity and gossip.
[Host, your grand debut. Try not to trip or glare anyone to death before you sit.]
"I make no promises," I murmured, chin lifted.
At the far end of the hall, upon the dais (raised platform), sat the royal family. The king looked every inch the ruler—strong, weary, but wise. The queen sat beside him, regal and composed, her beauty only sharpened by her severity.
The first prince sat straight-backed, dark hair catching the light. Handsome—too handsome, really. The kind of man who'd have entire novels written about his smile.
And then there was the second prince—him.
Scowling, arms crossed, as if the world existed solely to inconvenience him.
[Ah, your adoring fiance. Charming as ever.]
"Don't tempt me to commit treason before breakfast."
[Who said anything about before?]
I reached the center of the hall, curtsying low. "Your Majesties."
The king inclined his head. "Lady Seraphina. We thank you for answering our summons."
"Of course, Your Majesty," I said smoothly.
The second prince took a step forward, his voice sharp. "Then let us begin. Lady Seraphina, you are here to apologize for your behavior at the Winter Ball."
The murmur in the court rose. I could feel Nero grinning in the back of my mind.
[I'd get popcorn for this if I could.]
I rose from my curtsy, folding my hands neatly. "Your Highness, before I apologize, I would like to clarify which behavior offended you—the slap, or your conduct that earned it?"
The silence that followed was delicious.
The prince's scowl deepened. "You struck a member of the royal family in public. There can be no justification for such insolence."
I smiled faintly. "On the contrary, there can be. You see, Your Highness tried to touch me without consent. In front of a ballroom full of witnesses."
Gasps rippled through the court. The queen's posture stiffened, eyes flashing.
"You dare accuse the prince of such a thing?" one of the ministers sputtered.
I didn't flinch. "I do not accuse—I recount. He placed his hand upon me inappropriately, despite my refusals. So I corrected him."
The king's brows furrowed, and his gaze turned toward his younger son. "Is this true?"
The second prince hesitated—too long.
Mum's voice cut through the tension, calm but icy. "I was present, Your Majesty. My daughter's words are not an accusation. They are fact."
She wasn't there but who was I to stop a mother from backing her daughter.
[Not you host.]
Dad stepped forward, voice steady but laced with steel. "It is unacceptable that my daughter was harassed under your roof, Your Majesty. The Valemont name will not be shamed for her defending herself."
The silence that followed was heavy enough to crush the air itself.
The queen rose, her expression thunderous. "You disgraced yourself, and this family," she hissed at the second prince. "You will not humiliate this kingdom further with your arrogance."
The prince's face went pale. "Mother—"
"Silence," the king ordered, his tone final. He exhaled slowly, then turned to me. "Lady Seraphina, you have suffered an indignity that should never have been allowed to happen. I hereby nullify your engagement to Prince Lucien, effective immediately."
The court erupted in murmurs and gasps.
For once, even I was speechless.
"…Just like that?" I asked before I could stop myself.
The king's lips twitched in something close to amusement. "Would you prefer a ceremony? No, Lady Seraphina. You are free of this engagement, and you have my personal apology. If there is anything—anything—within my power that might atone for my son's actions, speak it, and it shall be done."
I blinked. Anything?
[Oh, he shouldn't have said that.]
I resisted the urge to sigh. "Your Majesty, I don't—"
[Host, wait.] Nero's tone shifted—calm but electric. [Your next quest has arrived.]
I froze internally. "…What?"
[Quest Two: Become the Crown Princess of Aurernhart.]
"What," I muttered aloud before catching myself.
The king tilted his head. "Lady Seraphina?"
"Nothing," I said quickly, smiling too sweetly. "Just… thinking."
[You're welcome.]
"Don't you dare."
[Oh, I absolutely dare. The throne awaits, host.]
I swallowed a sigh and curtsied again, the picture of poise.
"Then, Your Majesty," I said smoothly, "perhaps I do have a request after all."
The court leaned forward, whispering.
The king gestured. "Speak it."
I smiled, dangerous and calm. "I wish to continue serving the crown—closer to it, if possible."
Mum and Dad exchanged a look that could only mean, What is she planning now?
And I? I was still trying to figure that out myself.