The demon's assault during the royal celebration became the breaking point.To nobles and commoners alike, the conclusion was the same:
"The demon appeared because of Serena."
Though she had fought to protect them, their eyes were filled only with fear.
At last, the royal council declared the matter must be judged with finality.
The Council of Judgment
The Council of Stars swelled with lords of highest power. Voices thundered through the chamber.
"If this betrothal continues, the royal line will be chained to the shadows!""Yes! The people cannot trust a Crown Prince whose fiancée is marked by demons!"
Amid the storm, Irena Valkyria rose. Tall, composed, her elegance veiled a razor's edge of cunning.
"I harbor no ill will toward anyone. But for the realm, for the stability of the throne—I propose the annulment of the betrothal between His Highness and Serena Alveir."
Gasps and murmurs shook the chamber. The air pressed down like an unseen weight.
Cornered Serena
Once again, Serena was summoned before the council.
She stood at the hall's center, whispers hissing around her:
"The demons always appear where she stands.""The throne cannot risk such a woman."
Her hand tightened on the hilt of her sword, hidden beneath her modest dress.Her blue eyes shimmered with tears unshed.
The voice of the court cut through the silence:
"Serena Alveir, what say you—if the council decrees your betrothal broken?"
The hush was suffocating. Her heart felt crushed within her chest.
Lucius Forced to Choose
Crown Prince Lucius rose, eyes bloodshot, fists trembling.
"I will not abandon her! Serena is no traitor!"
But the resounding voice of a senior noble struck back:
"If Your Highness places this woman above the faith of the people—you forfeit the honor of the crown. The royal house itself will be discredited!"
The chamber grew unbearably heavy.Lucius's eyes quivered, torn between duty and love—his heart split asunder.
The Girl Who Sacrifices
Serena stepped forward, tears glistening as she forced a broken smile.
Her voice rang clear, carrying the weight of steel.
"Your Highness… do not let me become your chain.""If the honor of the crown and the safety of the realm demand my sacrifice… then let me bear it alone."
Her voice trembled, yet shone with the dignity of a warrior embracing death.
The Verdict
Many nobles nodded in grim agreement.
At last, the proclamation rang out:
"The council decrees the annulment of the betrothal—for the stability of the kingdom!"
The words cracked like thunder.Serena sank to her knees. The first tear slid down her cheek—yet even in despair, her lips curved in a fragile smile, the last shard of her pride.
Valkyria's Smile
From the shadows of the chamber, Irena's lips curved coldly.
"At last… she has been cast off the stage by her own hand."
Yet her eyes gleamed with wary fire.
"And still… a 'shadow' dares to stand in my way. Unless I erase it completely, all could yet unravel."
The Watching Shadow
That same night, Serena sat alone in the palace garden.
Moonlight kissed the tears upon her cheek. She whispered, voice trembling:
"Though everything is taken from me… I will not yield. I must protect them still, even if no one believes."
Not far away, a tall figure stood cloaked in darkness—Kyren Adelric.
His fists clenched, a vow seared in his voice:
"You will not walk this path of despair alone. This time… I will not allow history to repeat itself."
Closing Scene
In the royal hall, a single decree stripped a girl of her place as the Crown Prince's fiancée.In her heart remained only pain—and the fragment of her dignity.In his heart remained only the tearing conflict between love and duty.And in the shadows… one man swore to overturn fate itself, even if the world stood against him.