Prince of the shadows

When I woke up, Kael wasn't in the room. My heart pounded as I sat up quickly, my eyes scanning the space. He was gone.

I looked down at myself, checking for any signs that something had happened in the night. But everything was the same. I was untouched. A strange feeling of relief washed over me.

But what about tonight? And the night after? Would I keep avoiding him? Would he keep avoiding me?

He was my husband.

The thought made my stomach twist.

I barely had time to process everything when the door suddenly opened, and two maids entered the room.

"It's time to take your bath, my lady," one of them said, snapping me out of my daze.

I nodded and let them lead me to the bath. The water was warm, filled with flower petals that floated on the surface. The scent of lavender filled the air as they gently scrubbed my skin and washed my hair.

As one of them brushed my long, damp hair, she suddenly spoke.

"My lady, you will be having breakfast with the family today. The king's orders."

I froze. The royal family.

I had heard about them. How strict they were. How cruel some of them could be.

"Will Kael… I mean, my husband, be there?" The word "husband" felt strange on my tongue, but I liked the way it sounded.

"Yes, my lady," the maid answered, placing the last pin in my hair.

I took a deep breath. "Lead the way."

The moment we arrived at the dining hall, I saw Kael standing outside. His tall figure leaned slightly against the doorframe, his expression unreadable.

For a second, I hesitated.

"Let's go in," he said, his voice quiet but firm.

I barely had time to react before he reached for my hand, pulling me forward. His grip was surprisingly gentle, yet there was something tense about the way he held me.

Inside, the king sat at the head of the long table. His piercing gaze settled on us as we entered.

"Welcome," he said.

I bowed slightly. "Your Majesty."

Kael, however, didn't say a word. He didn't even acknowledge his father. The air between them felt heavy, but no one seemed surprised.

The other princes were already seated, talking and laughing amongst themselves. Their wives were chatting as well, their voices soft and elegant. But Kael remained silent.

I couldn't stop thinking about the rumors.

Kael, the cursed prince.

Kael, the one with demons inside him.

I sneaked a glance at him. He looked normal enough.

But was it true?

Servants arrived, placing plates of food in front of us. The table was filled with steaming dishes—freshly baked bread, golden-roasted meat, and fruit so ripe it glistened under the chandelier's glow.

Each prince sat beside his wife. The crown prince, seated near the king, was deep in conversation. But his wife, Kayla, kept glancing at me.

She was the most beautiful of all the princesses. Her long blonde hair framed her delicate face, and her golden eyes—almost the same color as her hair—were impossible to ignore.

Did I do something to offend her?

Meanwhile, Kael and I ate in silence.

The clinking of silverware and soft murmurs of conversation filled the hall, but I felt disconnected from it all. I focused on my plate, occasionally glancing at Kael.

Then, a guard entered and whispered something to the king.

The king stood.

"I will leave you all to enjoy your meal," he announced. Then, his gaze fell on me.

"And Princess Seraphine…"

I straightened. "Yes, my king?"

"Welcome to the family."

With that, he left.

The moment he was gone, the crown prince stood up, a smirk tugging at his lips.

"Quiet down, everyone," he announced, tapping his glass lightly with his ring. "Now it's time to properly welcome our dear little brother's bride."

The table grew quieter as everyone turned their attention to him.

"And of course," he continued, "we should take this chance to tell embarrassing stories about our beloved little brother."

Laughter echoed through the hall.

I turned to Kael. His grip on his silverware was tight. His jaw was clenched.

"Raise your glasses, everyone," the crown prince said.

The others lifted their drinks. Only Kael and I remained still.

"A toast to the new bride of the family," the crown prince said mockingly before taking a sip of his drink. The others followed.

Then, his sharp eyes landed on me.

"So, Princess Seraphine, I'm sure you've heard the beautiful rumors about our dear brother?"

I kept my face neutral.

"Yes, I have," I answered. "What about them?"

He tilted his head, studying me. "You believe them, don't you?"

I met his gaze. "Am I supposed to, your Highness?"

He clearly wasn't expecting that response. The smirk on his face faltered slightly.

Another prince spoke up. "You know he killed his mother before he was even born, right?"

I froze.

How could they say something like that? About their own brother?

I turned to Kael. His body had gone rigid, his hands clenched into fists under the table. His breathing was steady, but I could feel the tension rolling off him.

His brothers were enjoying this. They wanted to provoke him.

I didn't know what came over me, but I reached under the table and placed my hand over his.

His entire body stiffened at the contact. His skin was cold to the touch, and for a moment, he didn't move. Then, slowly, he turned his head toward me.

I smiled at him. A small, reassuring smile.

His eyes softened, if only slightly. Then, to my surprise, he intertwined his fingers with mine.

Without a word, he stood, pulling me up with him.

"Thank you for the meal," he said firmly. "We will take our leave now."

And just like that, he led me out of the dining hall.

The crown prince's voice followed us.

"I hope he treats you well," he said with a smirk.

I didn't even think before I responded.

"He treats me better than you can ever imagine."

The room fell silent.

Kael stopped walking.

For a moment, I worried I had said too much. Maybe I embarrassed him. But then, he looked at me.

And he smiled.

It was small, barely there, but it was real.