They both looked at me. Their eyes were fixed on me, waiting for my response.
But my mind was already somewhere else.
Why? Why was this life different from all the other lives?
My chest felt heavy, like I couldn't breathe right now. My mind screamed at me to stand up, to leave the room, to run straight outside. I needed to see it. The rose. That damn bloody rose.
Did it still exist in this life?
Had the curse already broken?
My father thought I was shocked by the marriage proposal. He stood from the chair and took my hand in his.
"Don't be afraid, Seraphina," he said. His voice was firm, but gentle. "As long as I live, I will never let my only daughter suffer such humiliation. I will not let them force this marriage on you."
My mother lowered her face, turning slightly away. But I saw it. Her hand brushed her cheek, wiping at the tears she tried to hide.
Inside I was happy. My heart felt a small warmth from my father — the man who loved his kingdom so much, who was always the wall of Valtheris. He would even lead it to war with Dravon just because of me.
Yet my face showed nothing. It stayed cold, the same as always. But a part of me wished he didn't have to. He didn't have to go to war just to protect me.
I had seen him fall so many times before by the hand of Prince Kaelen Drakovar, just to protect me. The wall of Valtheris had fallen again and again because of me.
But as I was about to speak to my father, a sudden knock came at the gate.
My father's voice was low. "Enter."
The doors opened and a soldier stepped inside. His boots echoed against the stone floor. He dropped to one knee and bowed his head.
"Your Majesty," he said, his breath heavy like he had rushed. "Prince Mordred of Dravon… he has arrived at the palace gates."
The words spread through the room like ice.
My mother's hand froze where it rested on the table. My father's jaw tightened, the veins showing in his hand as he gripped the chair.
I saw the anger on his face, the way he wanted to throw the chair across the room. But he held himself back and kept calm.
"Let him enter," he ordered the soldier.
I sat still, but inside my head, thoughts spun. Mordred. Here. Now.
The soldier waited for more orders. My father rose from his chair, his hand already reaching for his cloak. He meant to go alone.
"I will face him," he said. His voice was sharp, leaving no room for doubt.
I stood up too. I didn't rush, I didn't tremble. I just stood, my chair sliding back against the stone. My eyes stayed on my father.
"I will go," I said. My tone was flat, cold, but firm.
His brows drew tight. "Seraphina, no. You don't need to see him."
I didn't argue. I only stepped forward, meeting his eyes without looking away.
Then I spoke again, each word steady.
"If it is me he came for, then keeping me away will change nothing. Let me face him."
My father stared at me for a long moment. I could see the battle in his face. But then his hand dropped from his cloak. He exhaled, and the edge of pride softened his anger.
"Very well," he said at last. "You will come with me."
We walked together, out of the Hall of Quiet and into the grand hall.
Long banners of Valtheris hung from the pillars, red and gold, the crest of the phoenix stitched at the center.
The floor was polished stone, wide and flat. A red carpet stretched from the throne to the gate.
Guards were lined on both sides, each holding a spear.
The doors at the end were tall and heavy.
Then gaurds opened the gates slowly.
Prince Mordred of Dravon stepped inside.
He wore a white cloth coat, long and trimmed with gold thread at the edges.
The shoulders were broad, the sleeves wide, and the front crossed with fine buttons that shone under the torchlight.
A red sash was tied at his waist, the fabric smooth like silk.
His cloak was black with fur on the shoulders. It dragged on the floor behind him. He was wearing golden rings on both hands, and a golden chain around his neck.
His hair was blonde, brushed back, and his eyes were yellow.
His steps were slow, but his eyes moved fast. They swept the hall, left to right, as if he was already measuring what he would take.
He entered the hall, and his eyes fixed on me.
I stood beside my father. My father sat on the throne besides my mother.
Mordred bowed, one hand stretched wide in the air like some royal show. But even as he lowered his head, I saw the grin on his face. A cruel smile, hiding behind the bow.
My father's hand slammed against the hilt of the throne. His fist clenched tight, but he stayed calm.
Mordred lifted his head, the grin still on his face.
"Ah… King Aurelius, Queen Elira, and the jewel of Valtheris herself." His voice dragged the words like he was tasting them. "What an honor to finally stand in this hall."
His yellow eyes shifted to me again, slow and shameless. "Princess Seraphina… you are even more beautiful than the rumors say. Truly… worthy of becoming mine."
He chuckled, and I saw his laugh. To me it was ugly, full of disgust. Then he spread his arms as if I already belonged to him.
My father kept his calm and accepted the greeting with a nod. "Prince Mordred… what brings you to Valtheris?"
Mordred placed a hand on his chest and bowed again, his grin never leaving.
"I personally came, Your Majesty. I, the heir of Dravon, came myself…" His yellow eyes slid to me, sharp and shameless. "…for the hand of Princess Seraphina."
He spread his arms wide again, his voice rising like he was declaring victory.
"Does this not show how deeply I value her? How much I admire her? That I, Prince Mordred of Dravon, would step into your palace myself for her sake?"