Niana Valeris yawned, stretching her arms lazily over the desk piled with ledgers, reports, and half-eaten pastries. Today felt… ordinary. Calm. Peaceful. Maybe, just maybe, she could get through a day without nearly dying, being scolded, or being watched by a slightly terrifying butler.
Then Lucien's voice broke the silence, perfectly calm as always.
"Lady Niana, there is a visitor waiting. You should be in the reception room."
Niana nearly choked on her tea. Visitor? Now? Calm day… gone.
"Lucien… it's fine… I can—"
"You should go," he interrupted smoothly, unreadable as ever. "The visitor is polite, but punctual. And I would not recommend keeping him waiting."
Niana groaned, tugging at her hair. "Fine, fine. I'll go. But this is… normal, right? Totally… normal?"
Lucien didn't answer, only inclined his head and gestured toward the door.
---
The guest room—well, the place they usually meet visitors—was already prepared. Soft light spilled through the tall windows, curtains fluttering slightly in the breeze. Elegant chairs, polished floors, and a few subtle floral arrangements. Nothing alarming. Nothing… deadly.
Then she saw him.
Kael.
Black hair perfectly framing his face, dark eyes bright with amusement. He stood near the far wall, hands clasped loosely behind him, a faint smile that suggested he knew entirely too much.
"Lady Niana," he said, voice smooth, pleasant, teasing just a little. "What a fine morning to see you."
Niana froze. Fine morning? He's… calm. Too calm. My life is going to explode in five… four… three…
She forced a small, awkward smile. "Good… good day, Your Highness. I… I apologize for… the… reception. If I had known… you were coming…"
Kael's lips quirked. "I see. But there is no need for apologies, Lady Niana. I find… your 'preparations' rather… entertaining."
Niana's brain short-circuited. Entertaining? Is that… good? Bad? Somewhere in between?
Lucien, standing silently near the door, observed both of them with impeccable composure. Hands folded behind his back, eyes sharp as ever, lips pressed into a line that screamed do not mess up, mistress. Niana swallowed nervously.
"Uh… thank you… I… I hope you… enjoy?" she managed, voice trembling slightly.
Kael stepped closer, tilting his head, examining her like she was a puzzle piece he hadn't expected to see yet. "I am certain I will, Lady Niana."
Niana took a deep breath, gripping the edge of a nearby table for support. Calm. Calm. This is normal. Totally normal. It's fine. It's fine…
Lucien's voice finally broke the tension. Calm, measured. "Lady Niana, he has been waiting. Shall we begin the discussion?"
Niana nodded quickly. "Yes… yes, of course… discussion… right."
Kael smiled, amused. "Discussion… yes. But let us first… settle in."
Niana sat, horse-straight posture, trying not to make a sound that screamed I am terrified and also very awkward.
Kael moved to sit across from her, maintaining enough distance to not crowd, but close enough that Niana felt heat rise to her cheeks. He tilted his head slightly, studying her like a painting, like she was both dangerous and fascinating.
Lucien remained at the edge of the room, a silent sentinel, as if daring anyone to disrupt his mistress.
Niana muttered under her breath, "Why is a calm, ordinary visit suddenly so… terrifying?"
Kael caught it. He smiled, faintly. "Because, Lady Niana, some things are never ordinary."
Niana perched on the edge of a plush chair, hands clasped tightly in her lap. She tried to look casual, relaxed even, but her brain was screaming every possible panic scenario.
Kael, leaning slightly against the table, tilted his head with a small, amused smile.
"Lady Niana," he began smoothly, "how is your morning? Have the maids been… particularly enthusiastic?"
Niana blinked. "Uh… yes… very. Enthusiastic… and… early. Like… absurdly early. I did not know a human being could function at six in the morning… or survive it… or…" She waved her hands vaguely. "You know, the usual."
Kael's lips twitched as if suppressing a laugh. "I see. Surviving maids is a feat few accomplish. I trust you did not sustain… injuries?"
Niana flushed. "Injuries? No! I… I mean… I may have tripped once… over… um… literally nothing… totally safe."
Lucien, standing near the door, gave her the tiniest narrowing of the eyes. Niana froze. He knows. He always knows.
Kael's gaze softened, teasing but not cruel. "I am relieved to hear that. Your resilience is… remarkable, Lady Niana."
Niana blinked. Remarkable? Why is he complimenting me? I'm not supposed to be important yet!
"Uh… yes… well… I try," she muttered. "Mostly, I just… follow instructions… and… try not to embarrass myself in front of… everyone. And apparently… royalty."
Kael chuckled softly, the sound smooth and easy. "Ah. Humility and… charm. An unusual combination. Do you practice this, or… is it innate?"
Niana swallowed hard. "Uh… innate… I think? Maybe… practice? Definitely practice… mostly panicking and hoping it works."
Kael's smile widened slightly. "Panicking… working? Interesting. Perhaps it is… effective. I find it… oddly refreshing."
Niana groaned quietly. Refreshing? I am terrifying royalty? This is not good.
She tried to shift topics, desperate to appear competent. "So… Your Highness… are… you enjoying your tea? It is… um… freshly prepared."
Kael reached for the cup with a casual grace, eyes still on her. "Indeed. Delicious. But I am more interested in… the company."
Niana choked slightly on her own breath. The company? The tea? He's… talking about me? Calm down, Niana, it's just… Kael. Calm. Black hair. Dangerous smile. Totally normal.
She nodded rapidly. "Ah… yes. Of course. The company… very… pleasant… I mean… thank you, Your Highness."
Lucien's posture remained flawless, but a faint glimmer in his eyes told Niana he was silently calculating all her possible missteps. She shivered slightly. Thank you, Lucien, for existing and making me feel safe while simultaneously judging me.
Kael leaned back in his chair, arms crossed loosely. "Lady Niana, you navigate this court… with more grace than I expected. Even amidst… chaos."
Niana raised a brow. "Chaos… yes… that's… uh… basically my brand. Signature style, you know?"
Kael's lips twitched in the smallest, almost imperceptible smile. "Indeed. It suits you."
Niana internally groaned. Suits me? Do I… smile? Should I… bow? Panic? Run?
---
After several more awkward but polite exchanges, Kael's tone shifted subtly—still calm, still pleasant, but carrying a weight Niana felt in her chest.
"Lady Niana," he said, standing gracefully, "tomorrow, we will assemble a squad. Those chosen will defend the kingdom against threats beyond our walls."
Niana tilted her head. "…Squad?"
"Yes. A small group of individuals selected for their skill, loyalty, and resolve. I intend to… bless them with good graces," Kael added, gesturing faintly with his hand, "and wish them victory. I would… appreciate your presence during this—if you are willing."
Niana's stomach sank. Blessing a squad? Victory? Oh… this is… serious.
She nodded, trying to keep her voice calm. "…Of course, Your Highness. I… I will attend."
Kael inclined his head politely. "Excellent. Your insight, Lady Niana, is… most welcome."
Lucien, standing silently at the door, gave the faintest nod. She's officially caught up in it now, Niana thought, stomach twisting nervously. The first page has turned. And somehow… it's already terrifying.