---
"So if Advisor Henry hadn't spoken, we'd all be expecting a human queen."
"There's no way that would've ever happened."
"I was so shocked, I couldn't even speak!"
The council chamber buzzed with murmurs and whispers. Ministers, dukes, and nobles huddled in small groups, their voices hushed but urgent. Each word carried tension—disbelief, indignation, even fear. The air was thick with opinions, judgments, and questions. Among them, one figure sat apart—frozen, calm, detached.
Crown Prince Roderick Derick Xiang Blackwood sat in silence, his expression unreadable. While others chattered like nervous birds, he was a statue of ice—stoic, but boiling within. Rage smoldered beneath his skin. His fingers twitched, his jaw clenched. So now he wants to give me a bride—just like that? No warning, no discussion? After all these years of pretending I had a choice?
He was lost in thought—calculating the consequences, weighing the backlash—when a familiar scent drifted near. A soft touch landed on his shoulder.
"Mother," Derick said without turning.
"Son." Empress Nadine's voice was gentle, but laced with exhaustion. Her once-radiant eyes were now dulled with the weight of centuries. "I know this isn't what you wanted, but your father is tired. We've both served this empire for millennia. He only wishes to rest—to see you take the reins, and to see you happy, finally."
Derick sighed, his shoulders sagging under her hand. "I never asked for the throne, Mother. You know that."
"I know. But fate didn't ask either, did it?" she replied softly. "Sometimes, we must accept the burdens that choose us."
For a long moment, he stared into her aging face. She had stood beside his father through centuries of war and peace. Her crown had grown heavier with time. And now, she only wished to lay it down.
"It's fine," he said finally, his voice low. "I won't run anymore."
A warm, wistful smile touched her lips. She squeezed his shoulder, then nodded and stepped away.
---
Meanwhile, far from Tenebria, in the marble halls of Kyrogha, footsteps echoed with urgency. A woman in crimson and gold stormed down the corridor, her heels striking like thunder against the floor. Her royal crest shimmered on her chest—Third Princess Chang Juan of Elyria.
Without knocking, she slammed open the door to Second Prince Tao Yuan's chambers. The scent of sweat and desire hit her first. The sight made her nostrils flare in disgust.
A maid lay beneath Tao Yuan, moaning shamelessly. The prince turned lazily, his hand still gripping the girl's thigh.
"Oh, Chang Juan," he drawled with a grin. "You're early."
"What the hell are you doing?" Chang Juan shouted, fists clenched.
He raised a brow and said between thrusts, "Join in, if you want. You know you're always welcome."
"You're sick." She turned to the maid. "Get out. Now."
The maid fled, barely grabbing her robe.
Tao Yuan leaned back against the pillows as Chang Juan stripped off her robes in fury and climbed over him. She took control, riding him with the same fire she ruled her court with. When it was over, both of them lay breathless.
"She's getting married," Chang Juan spat.
"Who?" Tao Yuan asked, eyes closed.
"Don't play dumb—Eira, your betrothed. She's been selected to marry Crown Prince Derick of Tenebria."
Tao Yuan's eyes snapped open.
"What do you mean?"
"You heard me. Your precious betrothed is going to become queen of Valtoria."
He shot up, his anger barely masked. "You should have told me sooner."
"Oh please," Chang Juan sneered. "You're not the victim. I can barely visit without suspicion. That bitch stepsister of mine—always adored, always chosen. Father's favorite. The people love her, the nobles worship her, and now she's going to marry the prince of all princes?"
She gripped her hair in frustration. "I'm older! I've trained harder! I'm a real princess, and yet good fortune follows her like a shadow."
Tao Yuan said nothing. His face had darkened. Obsession flickered in his eyes.
"If I can't have her… no one will," he murmured.
Without another word, he stood and pulled on his cloak.
Chang Juan scrambled from the bed. "Where do you think you're going?"
"Elyria," he said flatly.
"What the hell, Tao Yuan? Leaving me like this?"
"You're not the one I want," he said without looking back.
Her voice cracked with fury. "I'm the third princess! She's the eleventh! What does she have that I don't?"
He paused in the doorway, then replied coldly, "Everything you can never have."
The door slammed shut.
---
Elyria Kingdom – Royal Courtroom
The atmosphere in the Elyrian throne room was heavy. King Ramesses Amunhotep sat stiffly on his golden throne as Minister Xin Long bowed low before him.
"Your Majesty, we've received urgent news from Tenebria," the minister began.
The king raised a brow. "Speak."
"King Gorton has paused the wedding between Princess Eira and Crown Prince Derick. Instead, a contest will be held to determine the next crown princess. Princess Eira has been named among the candidates. She is to arrive in Tenebria before the trials begin—within three days."
A shadow crossed the king's face.
"Did he give a reason?" he asked.
"No, Your Majesty. He merely issued a royal decree. The contest is final."
King Ramesses sat back, fingers steepled beneath his chin. So... the vaykolakas change the rules. What game are they playing?
A part of him felt relieved. Eira had never wanted this. Perhaps she would fail, and they could return to normal.
"Very well," the king said after a pause. "I will inform Eira myself."
---
Princess Eira's Chambers – Elyria Palace
Eira stood by her balcony, watching the garden breeze brush the petals of her favorite white peonies. Her thoughts wandered far from Elyria—toward a throne she never wanted, and a crown that seemed both a gift and a burden.
A knock sounded. Minister Xin Long entered, bowing deeply. "Your Highness, His Majesty wishes to speak with you immediately."
Eira turned slowly, brows furrowing.
"Very well," she said.
Minutes later, she stood before her father. He regarded her with the same proud yet weary eyes he had worn since the war.
"My daughter," he said quietly, "your wedding has been postponed."
Eira blinked, surprised. "Postponed?"
"Yes" King Baltimore replied". Without further explanation,, leaving Eira confused".