Coastal City of Konfir, Holland Barony, Ancorna Empire

  As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting an amber glow across the rippling sea, the bustling port of Konfir braced itself for an arrival of great significance.

  Four colossal magic ships, their enchanted hulls shimmering faintly with protective runes, glided into the harbor, their sheer size dwarfing the smaller trade vessels that bobbed nearby. The moment they docked, an army of workers sprang into motion, unloading cargo with practiced efficiency.

  However, all attention soon turned to the fifteen ornate imperial carriages emerging from the ships, their dark lacquered surfaces adorned with golden filigree, each bearing the unmistakable emblem of the Solarius dynasty. They wasted no time on pleasantries, rolling past the assembled nobility without so much as a pause.

  Standing at the docks in full regalia, Baron Holland and his wife exchanged uneasy glances. Their hands, previously clasped in formal readiness to greet their esteemed guests, slowly lowered in silent resignation.

  Inside one of the carriages, a young woman reclined against plush velvet seats, her posture effortlessly regal. Her raven-black hair, cut neatly at her nape, framed sharp, discerning features. She wore an exquisite off-shoulder gown of midnight blue, embroidered with silver threads that shimmered under the dimming light. The fitted bodice accentuated her slender waist, and sheer, gauzy sleeves cascaded down her arms, adding an ethereal touch to her otherwise commanding presence.

  This was Princess Serena Solarius, the fourth child of Emperor Andrew.

  She observed the cityscape outside through half-lidded dark black eyes, her expression laced with mild disinterest. With a soft sigh, she finally spoke, her voice smooth yet edged with a cool detachment.

  "What do they expect me to do? Engage in meaningless small talk?"

  From the seat across from her, a chuckle broke the silence.

  "You could have at least spared a few moments to appease their egos," came the amused reply.

  The speaker was a young man of noble bearing, his chestnut-brown hair styled meticulously to exude effortless charm. His finely tailored coat of deep crimson, embroidered with golden patterns, spoke volumes of his wealth and status. The fabric alone—woven from the famed Qelari silks—was worth a small fortune. Despite being a baron by title, his demeanor and attire betrayed the reality that he was no mere provincial lord.

  This was Baron Gray Josep, a merchant of extraordinary influence and, more importantly, Serena’s fiancé.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Serena tilted her head slightly, a smirk ghosting her lips. "I could have," she admitted, lazily trailing a gloved hand along the carriage’s polished window frame. "But they’re loyal to Landon’s faction. I can’t be certain what schemes they might be plotting."

  Gray let out another chuckle, shaking his head in amusement. "Sometimes, you’re too cautious for your own good," he teased, his voice laced with undeniable affection. "Not everyone is out to stab you in the back, you know."

  Serena’s smirk deepened as she leaned forward slightly, her gaze meeting his with playful sharpness. "And you, dear Gray, are far too trusting for your own good," she countered, her tone equally indulgent.

  A comfortable silence settled between them as the carriages raced down the cobbled roads, their wheels kicking up dust in their urgency. They had a long journey ahead—one that would take them directly to the imperial capital in just a few days' time.

  Just in time for their wedding.

  Audience Room, Ravenna’s Chambers, West Wing, Imperial Palace

  The golden glow of the setting sun filtered through the ornate stained-glass windows, casting shifting patterns of color across the lavishly decorated chamber. The air was rich with the scent of freshly brewed tea, the delicate porcelain cups resting on an intricately carved wooden table between two figures locked in a silent battle of wits.

  Sir Eugene sat with composed elegance, his back straight, his demeanor one of polite deference—yet his mind was racing. He had been summoned unexpectedly, and for what purpose, he still wasn’t certain.

  Still, he maintained his calm as he took the offered cup, the faint clink of porcelain against porcelain breaking the silence. Finally, he spoke, his tone carefully measured.

  "To what do I owe the honor of this summons, Your Highness?"

  Across from him, Ravenna reclined against the plush cushions of her chair, swirling the tea in her cup leisurely before taking a slow sip. The candlelight danced across her sharp, unreadable gaze, a knowing smirk playing on her lips.

  "I merely wished to be of assistance to my dear brother’s trusted knight," she replied smoothly, setting her cup down with a soft clink. "I thought I might offer a useful tip in aiding you with William’s protection."

  Eugene’s fingers tightened ever so slightly around his cup, though his expression remained unshaken.

  "Oh? I had no idea you were so deeply concerned for Prince William’s well-being, Your Highness," he responded, feigning curiosity, his tone laced with the subtlest edge of skepticism.

  Ravenna exhaled a quiet laugh, tilting her head as she regarded him with keen amusement.

  "Oh, I care a great deal, Ser Eugene," she said, drawing out her words deliberately. Her golden eyes gleamed as she leaned forward slightly, resting her elbow on the armrest. "So much so, in fact, that I make it a point to keep a very—very—close eye on him."

  Eugene’s composed fa?ade didn’t falter, but his mind sharpened into full alert. There was an unmistakable implication behind her words, though he wasn’t yet certain what she had uncovered.

  Ravenna observed him closely, her smirk widening at the faint flicker of unease in his eyes. She had his attention now.

  With a slow, deliberate pause, she placed her hands together and finally dropped all pretense.

  "I know what you’re trying to do, Ser Eugene."

  The room fell into a heavy silence, the weight of her words pressing down like an unspoken challenge.

  "So let’s not waste time with unnecessary pleasantries."

  Eugene met her gaze head-on, his mind now working at full speed. It seemed this conversation was about to become far more dangerous for his future plans than he had anticipated.