After the ceremony ended, most nobles departed, ignoring the overwhelming magical pressure that still lingered. Only Aurelion Draker remained, seated with Samael, Alina, and his daughter Rose.
"So, what are you going to do about it?" Aurelion asked bluntly.
"Well, if he likes her, what can I do?" Samael replied.
"You're going to let him marry a low noble?" Rose pressed, her tone sharp.
"Yes," Alina cut in firmly. "Since she will marry him, it won't matter whether she is low or high."
Rose's face flushed with anger.
"If you loved him, you should have cared for him better," Samael said coldly.
The words silenced both Aurelion and Rose. They had no defense, for it was Rose's fault that Asher began to despise her. He had fulfilled the condition Aurelion once set, and no one could deny it. After a tense pause, Aurelion dismissed Rose to her chambers, leaving the three adults to speak privately.
"Ahem, so… when do we leave for the capital to begin our plan?" Aurelion asked, changing the subject.
"Tomorrow morning. The prince will be waiting for us—with the queen," Samael said with a smirk.
"You already convinced that stubborn woman?" Aurelion raised a brow.
"She is a mother," Alina replied smoothly. "Which mother doesn't want to see her child succeed?"
"True. But I still doubt this was Asher's idea—to support the second prince."
"It surprised me as well," Samael admitted.
"You're raising a monster. His hunger won't stop at the kingdom," Aurelion said gravely.
"I know. But I can't stop him."
"The Dragon Bloods… sure are different," Aurelion said with a thin smile, raising his glass.
"To our new bond."
Glasses clinked, sealing a partnership strong enough to threaten the imperial family itself.
---
The sun rose on a new morning, its soft glow spilling into the velvet-draped room where Seraphina stirred awake. The pale light kissed her cheeks, making her fair skin gleam like porcelain. She blinked slowly, realizing she was no longer in her modest bed at home but in a chamber belonging to the Valcren—the dragons of the nation.
"Are you awake, young miss?" Nina asked gently, standing at her side with a warm smile.
"Yes, I am," Seraphina murmured, rubbing her eyes, her hair in a messy tangle.
"Shall I help you prepare?"
"…Yes, please," she answered, still adjusting to being addressed so politely.
When Seraphina caught her reflection in the mirror—her smudged makeup, her tangled locks—her lips curved faintly. "It wasn't a dream," she whispered to herself.
"Certainly not," Nina replied softly, brushing her hair smooth with careful strokes.
The maid chose an elegant gown embroidered with silver and gold, its gemstones worth more than a minor noble's annual income. When Seraphina put it on and turned to the mirror, she scarcely recognized herself. She looked like the fairies from her mother's old tales—creatures of beauty so striking they left mortals breathless.
"Shall we head to breakfast?" Nina asked.
"Yes… let's go," Seraphina replied, cheeks flushed.
---
As they walked, Seraphina's parents appeared, dressed in rich attire that made them look like nobles of far higher standing.
"You are radiant, my doe," Jane said warmly.
"Thank you, Mother," Seraphina answered, blushing.
Together, they entered the grand dining hall where the Valcren siblings and Alina were already seated. The moment they stepped inside, the air pressed down on them. The dragons' mere presence exuded an aura so immense that even the guards radiated the power of high masters.
"Welcome, Lord Azakael, Lady Jane, and little doe," Alina greeted with a rare smile.
"Come sit next to me, Sera," Asher called without hesitation.
Before she realized it, Seraphina was already walking to him. She sat at his side as though drawn by an invisible thread, her parents watching in stunned silence.
The table overflowed with food finer than anything the Hales had ever seen. They began eating quietly until Alina broke the silence.
"So, Seraphina, what do you think of our young Dragon?" she asked with a gentle smile.
"Mother, please," Asher said sharply.
The hall froze. It was the first time he had ever called Alina mother. He had always referred to her as "Matriarch" or "Lady Alina." Now, the coldest son had acknowledged her.
Michael stopped with his fork in midair. William's grip drove his own utensil deep into the wood of the table. Lilith choked on her food, gasping for water. And Alina—elegant, unyielding Alina—found her eyes filling with tears.
"Forgive me," she whispered, dabbing at her eyes. "I got carried away."
Her children smiled faintly, their hearts moved.
"You don't need to answer that," Asher said quickly.
"Yes, dear, yo—" Alina began, but Seraphina cut her off, gathering all her courage.
"I like him," she said firmly.
The boldness shocked everyone.
"That's… quite bold," William remarked.
"The doe has chosen," Lilith teased.
"Well, good for Asher," Michael added.
Azakael and Jane exchanged a look of awe. Their timid daughter had spoken before the kingdom's most dangerous family without faltering.
Asher simply smiled at her, his eyes warm and radiant in a way none of his siblings had ever seen.
---
When breakfast ended, it was time for the Hales to depart.
"Father would have greeted you, but he had urgent matters to attend," Michael explained politely.
"It's alright, young lord. The Patriarch must be busy," Azakael replied.
"Nina will accompany you as Seraphina's personal maid," Asher declared, his gaze lingering firmly on her.
"Thank you," Seraphina said softly.
"No need to thank me."
Before she could move, Asher reached for her wrist. His touch was steady, his eyes intent. From within his coat, he drew a golden bracelet crowned with a sapphire that shimmered faintly in the morning light. He fastened it around her slender wrist.
The metal was cool against her skin, yet it seemed to pulse with warmth, as though alive.
"Asher…?" she whispered.
"Never take it off. No matter what," he said, his tone low and absolute.
Seraphina's breath trembled. The bracelet was not just a gift—it was a vow. A bond of protection. A silent claim. She clutched it to her chest, her heart racing.
"…Yes," she whispered, her voice fragile but sure.
To her, it was destiny woven in gold and sapphire. To him, it was his mark upon her, unbreakable.
When she finally turned away, she could still feel the weight of his hand on her wrist.
After farewells, the Hales departed.
---
From the window, the Valcrens watched the carriage disappear.
"Shouldn't we send soldiers to guard them? Nobles will surely target them now," Lilith asked.
"I already have," Asher replied, his voice cold once more.
"And the cold brother returns," Lilith teased.
"Yes… I'll miss the warm one," William smirked.
"Shut up," Asher muttered, clenching his fist as he watched the carriage vanish.
The siblings left one by one, leaving only Alina with her youngest son.
She stood silently for a moment, then stepped closer. "Asher."
He turned, guarded. "What is it?"
Her lips trembled before she spoke. "That girl… she is more than your choice. She is the one who brought you back to me."
He stiffened, but said nothing.
"For the first time in years, you smiled with warmth," Alina continued, her eyes shimmering. "Whatever path you walk, don't let her go. She is your anchor."
"…I know," he admitted quietly.
Alina laid a hand gently on his arm. "You are my son, Asher. I could not protect your heart when you needed me most. Don't repeat my mistakes."
He held her gaze for a long moment before nodding once. No further words passed, but for the first time, something fragile and real bridged the distance between mother and son.