The grand halls of the Celestian Palace gleamed under the glow of chandeliers, the golden light reflecting off the marble floors like stars scattered across a midnight sky. The scent of fresh roses and burning incense wove through the air, mingling with the hushed whispers of courtiers and the distant melody of a harp.
It was a night of celebration.
Dressed in a gown woven from the finest silk, Seraphina Delyth Valeria stood at the heart of it all, a vision of power and elegance. The embroidered phoenix on her sleeves shimmered with every graceful movement, a symbol of rebirth and immortality—how ironic.
She had everything. The empire, the throne, the love of her people.
And beside her stood Emperor Kaelith Ravencourt, the man who had once looked at her as though she were his world. His emerald-green eyes, sharp and commanding, would soften only for her.
Or so she had thought.
That night, he had danced with Lady Aurelia Ravenshade.
His hand had lingered on Aurelia's waist, his gaze filled with something intimate—something Seraphina had once believed belonged only to her.
The court had noticed.
She had pretended not to see.
A soft laugh, Aurelia's laugh, rang through the ballroom, delicate and sweet. It was the kind of laugh that made men want to protect and adore. The kind Seraphina had never possessed, nor cared to.
Her nails pressed into the silk of her gown.
Kaelith returned to her side, his hand sliding around her waist. "You look stunning tonight," he murmured.
So did Lady Aurelia, she wanted to say.
But instead, she smiled, tilting her chin just enough to let the diamonds at her throat catch the light. "I always do."
His lips twitched, almost amused. Almost mocking.
That was the first night she realized it.
She was no longer his world.
A storm had been brewing in the empire, shifting in the shadows of court whispers, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. She should have seen it coming.
By the time she did, it was too late