Chapter 39 — Bound by Gold
The dining hall shimmered brighter than I had ever seen. I stepped in slowly, greeted by the rich scent of roasted meats, fresh herbs, and wine that filled the air like a royal perfume. The long, polished dining table stretched across the hall, elegantly arranged with glass candles, golden plates, and silverware that caught the gleam of the enormous crystal chandelier above.
The moment I stepped onto the staircase, all eyes turned to me.
Dozens of unfamiliar faces. Their eyes followed me, their stares sinking into my skin, feeding me discomfort. The aura of the room was heavy with silent expectations, and something else—something darker.
Three unfamiliar men sat beside the king at the high table. By the opulence of their clothing and the way the servants addressed them, I could tell—they were powerful, perhaps even dangerous. Elders, but oddly youthful. Their presence stole the air.
My eyes swept across the room, searching. I spotted Solana seated beside the queen. They weren't speaking. The silence between them looked stiff, and the tension in Solana's posture spoke volumes. She sat like she was trapped between power and dread.
I caught sight of Seraphina seated nearby, her cousins and a few noble adults at her side. The Queen suddenly stood with a wide, polished smile.
"Princess Ravena, you are most welcome. You look... lavish, my dear."
Her words caught me off guard. I forced a small smile, bowing gently. "Thank you, my Queen."
With a too-sweet grin, she gestured to one of the high chairs—right beside the king.
Why am I being seated here? I wondered.
I obeyed nonetheless, perching on the velvet chair as my pulse raced. Her smile didn't reach her eyes. Something in the air had changed. Manipulation. That's what it was. This wasn't kindness—it was a performance.
I glanced at the three men near the king again. One of them, with icy silver eyes, stared at me as if I were prey. A slow, unsettling smile crept across his lips.
I need to leave. Now.
Seraphina waved gently. I returned the gesture, smiling to hide my growing fear. Vaelira leaned in to whisper something to her, and Seraphina's expression fell—sad, maybe even fearful—as she glanced back at me.
I turned to Solana again. Her eyes lingered on Maevor, and the way he stared back at her sent chills down my spine. There was something intense, possessive, almost... dangerous in his gaze.
My heartbeat wouldn't calm down.
People began murmuring softly, their eyes flicking to the gown I wore. It shimmered uniquely, different from everyone else's attire. It felt too special, too significant. That's when I noticed—
Why is Damier not here?
A heavy voice cut through the tension. One of the elders leaned forward, addressing the king.
"Where is the prince?"
The way he spoke—commanding, unapologetic—made my skin prickle.
"He will be here soon, High Elder," the king replied, stiff and almost... uncertain.
High Elder. So that's who they were. But they didn't look old. Their faces were youthful, but their eyes held centuries.
Suddenly, the large doors creaked open.
And there he was.
Prince Damier.
He stepped in like the night sky in motion—his dark hair flowing behind him with every step, his golden robes mirroring mine in design and color. His presence made the room pause. Even the flames from the chandeliers seemed to sway with his entrance.
My breath caught.
He didn't even glance at me.
He walked calmly to the seat beside me, sat down with ease, and poured himself a glass of wine, unmoved by the heavy stares around the room.
My gown... His robes... We matched. On purpose?
The elder who had spoken earlier stood again, raising a glass. "Ah, Prince Damier. Now we may begin."
Damier said nothing.
The king stood next. "Let the dinner begin."
Everyone began eating. Forks and knives scraped gently against fine porcelain, but I could barely hold mine. My hands trembled too much to keep steady. I forced myself to take a bite.
The spices danced bitterly across my tongue. I reached for water—only to find a glass already being pushed toward me.
I looked up.
It was Damier.
I met his eyes for a brief moment—but he looked away immediately, like I didn't exist.
Why do I care if he looks at me? Why does it matter? But it did. And it hurt.
Then, Queen Elira stood again, this time holding a silver spoon. She tapped her glass with it gently. The chime echoed across the room. Everyone turned.
"You all are welcome to this beautiful evening," she announced with a rehearsed smile. "A very special day, indeed."
I narrowed my eyes. There was something behind that smile. She looked at me with too much pleasure, as if savoring my reaction.
"As you all know, this is the season of royal selection. According to the rules of our kingdom, the princes must soon choose their brides."
My heart stopped.
Gasps. Whispers. Eyes on me.
I forced myself to remain still, but my chest rose and fell too fast.
The queen's smile widened. "And Ravena, my dear, you are such a vision tonight. We are so lucky to have you as our bride."
What?!
Time slowed. I stared at her, mouth slightly open, heart pounding in my ears.
She laughed softly. "Oh, darling. You'll make such a lovely wife for my son."
She turned to Damier, her smile growing wider. "Prince Damier."
I snapped my gaze to him. Still calm. Still unbothered. He sipped his wine like none of this was about him.
I turned back to the queen. "My queen... I don't understand. What do you mean by me being the bride?"
"Oh Ravena," she said with fake surprise. "We simply forgot to include you in the decision. But don't worry—won't happen again."
I could feel Solana's eyes burning into me—shocked, confused. Queen Elira looked like she was about to vomit. The room was frozen, but no one dared speak.
"You cannot just arrange a marriage for me," I said, struggling to keep my anger contained. "This is not how things are done."
The king said nothing. His silence confirmed everything.
"Why not, my dear?" the queen said, still smiling. "You would be the perfect wife for Prince Damier."
Wife.
The word made my stomach twist.
I stood abruptly. "You can't just marry me off!"
Seraphina's eyes widened, and she subtly shook her head, signaling me to sit. I obeyed—but barely.
Prince Damier suddenly stood and walked out of the room.
The king called after him, but the silver-eyed elder waved a hand, signaling the king to let him go.
Maybe he doesn't want this either. Maybe he's just as angry. Or maybe... he doesn't care.
The icy man looked at me again. His stare pinned me down. Something about it tugged at the back of my mind. His face... was familiar. But from where?
"I'm sure the princess should've been informed," the icy elder said smoothly, sipping his wine. "Before such arrangements were made."
The king chuckled nervously. "I didn't think there was a need."
The elder's face remained calm. "How thoughtful of you," he said, voice rich with sarcasm.
I glared at the king, my disgust open and clear.
The silver-eyed man smiled at my reaction.
He was enjoying every moment of this