Prince of the shadows

My lady, everything will be fine," Lady Helena said softly, her voice barely audible over the gentle rustling of the silk drapes in the palace windows. "Don't let the whispers trouble you. People love to spread tales, but that doesn't mean they are true. Perhaps your husband is not as terrible as they say."

She tried to sound optimistic, but I could hear the hesitation in her voice, the faint tremble that betrayed her own doubts. I wished I could believe her. But the rumors about Prince Kael weren't ordinary.

Some said he had never lost a battle, that he bathed in the blood of his enemies. Others claimed he was cursed, that shadows followed him wherever he went, whispering secrets only he could hear. And the most terrifying rumor of all? That he had no soul.

A knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts. A court maiden entered and bowed. "Princess Seraphina, it is time."

I took a deep breath and rose, my silk gown heavy with embroidered jewels settling around me like a physical reminder of my duty. My father had arranged this marriage to secure an alliance with the Kingdom of Umbra. My feelings didn't matter. My fate had been decided the moment I was born.

The murmurs in the grand hall were impossible to ignore. The guests exchanged whispers, their expressions a mix of curiosity and unease. My father, the king, remained impassive, only giving me a subtle nod to acknowledge my presence.

As I descended the grand staircase, the soft creak of the wooden steps beneath my feet echoed through the palace. The weight of my silk gown, heavy with embroidered jewels, settled around me like a physical reminder of my duty. I focused on not stumbling, but just as I neared the last step, my foot caught on the hem of my gown.

I gasped as I pitched forward, bracing for impact—

But strong hands caught me. A firm grip wrapped around my waist, steadying me before I could fall. My heart pounded as I lifted my gaze, locking eyes with the man who had saved me.

His eyes were unlike anything I had ever seen. Not brown, not golden—no, they were silver, piercing into your very soul, smoldering with an eerie glow. His presence was suffocating, powerful, commanding. Long, jet-black hair cascaded past his shoulders, framing sharp, regal features.

The scent of leather and smoke clung to him, a primal, masculine aroma that made my pulse quicken.

"Are you hurt, Princess?" His voice was deep, smooth, and laced with something unreadable.

I... I am fine, my lord," I managed to say.

He studied me for a moment longer, then inclined his head. "Good."

Without another word, he released me and stepped back. I watched as he turned and walked away, his black cloak billowing behind him like a shadow.

The ceremony would begin with an official introduction between the bride and groom. I hesitated at the entrance before nodding at the guards. They announced my presence, and I stepped forward.

A hush fell over the crowd as I walked down the marble floor. My steps were slow and deliberate, my head held high, but my gaze remained lowered. Only when I reached my father's throne did I risk looking up.

Mother gave me a small, reassuring smile. Father simply gestured toward an empty seat beside me. I obeyed, folding my hands in my lap as I felt the weight of hundreds of eyes upon me.

They pitied me. Some looked at me with sympathy, others with judgment, as if it was my fault I had been promised to a prince whispered to be the son of shadows.

The guards signaled the groom's arrival, and silence blanketed the room. I swallowed hard. What if the rumors were true? What if he had crimson eyes, clawed hands, and shadows clinging to his every step?

I clenched my fists, trying to steady my nerves. Ridiculous, I told myself.

Slowly, I lifted my gaze.

And froze.

He stood at the entrance—Prince Kael. The same man with piercing silver eyes I had seen earlier. There were no horns, no monstrous features. Only a tall, elegant figure radiating confidence as he stepped forward.

Gasps spread through the hall. This was not what they had expected.

He approached my father and, with the slightest bow, murmured, "Your Majesty."

My heart pounded. No one bowed that casually to the king. It was both fearless and disrespectful.

 Third person POV.

The grand hall hummed with hushed conversations, golden candlelight casting soft shadows across the marble floor. Princess Seraphine sat with practiced poise, her hands delicately folded in her lap. Tonight marked the beginning of a new chapter—one she had never asked for.

"Do you not like the music?"

The deep voice pulled her from her thoughts. She turned slightly, meeting the sharp gaze of Prince Kael. His expression was unreadable, his piercing eyes studying her with quiet intensity.

Seraphine lowered her lashes. "The music is lovely, Your Highness."

Kael tilted his head, as if considering her words. "And what have you planned for the tea ceremony?"

Her stomach twisted. The tea ceremony was a tradition meant to display a bride's grace and talent—to impress her husband and his court. Impressing Kael, however, was the last thing on her mind.

"It's a surprise, Your Highness," she replied smoothly, offering him a carefully practiced smile.

A servant stepped forward, motioning for her to begin. Silence settled over the hall as Seraphine took her place at the center. Her fingers brushed over the strings of the wooden lyre, steadying herself before plucking the first note. The melody floated through the air, delicate yet powerful, weaving a story only she understood.

As the final note faded, the room erupted into polite applause. Seraphine stole a glance at Kael. He maintained a calm expression

And an unreadable expression.

Next came the exchange of gifts. Seraphine presented Kael with a finely woven scarf, embroidered with intricate patterns she had painstakingly stitched over weeks of quiet preparation. In return, he handed her a small, wrapped parcel.

When she unwrapped it, her breath caught—a dagger, its silver blade gleaming under the candlelight.

"A weapon?" she asked, startled.

"Every woman should know how to defend herself," Kael said simply.

Seraphine's fingers curled around the hilt. Was this a gesture of consideration? Or a quiet warning of the dangers awaiting her?

Before she could say more, it was time to leave. She turned to her mother, holding her tightly, memorizing every detail of her face. This might be the last time she ever saw her.

Outside, the royal carriage stood waiting. Kael—her husband—led the way. Seraphine hesitated, looking back at the palace balcony where her sisters stood, tears shimmering in their eyes.

"I will miss you too," she whispered before stepping into the carriage.

The ride was quiet. Too quiet. It left her alone with her thoughts, her fears. The reality of what lay ahead.

After a long stretch of silence, she finally spoke. "Your Highness… do you have another wife?"

Kael smirked, glancing at her. "No. But I have many mistresses."

A cold weight settled in her stomach. She forced her face to remain impassive. "That is your right, Your Highness."

Kael's lips quirked in amusement. "You don't seem pleased."

"It is not for me to be pleased or displeased," she replied smoothly.

Kael studied her for a long moment before chuckling. "You are an interesting woman, Seraphine."

She turned her gaze to the window, watching the moon bathe the world in silver light.