the bloom of light and shadow

They left the Duke's study in silence.

The air in the corridor was heavy, though no words passed between them. The heels of Seraphina's shoes clicked softly on the marble floor, echoing off the tall walls of House Rubienne's east wing.

They were heading toward the chamber originally meant for the meeting.

Just before they reached the door, Seraphina realized Kael was no longer at her side.

She turned subtly—he had fallen behind.

Kael stood in the corridor just a few steps away, pen in hand, scribbling something quickly onto a folded parchment atop a small side table usually reserved for decorative vases. His posture was calm, but there was an urgency in the movement of his wrist.

She tilted her head slightly, but again… nothing. Her mind remained blank where he stood. No trace of thought. No whisper. No truth.

Why can't I hear him? she wondered.

Before she could linger on it, Kael finished the note and folded it swiftly. A knight who had silently followed them stepped forward as if summoned by instinct.

"Deliver this immediately," Kael said without turning. "And return with a response as soon as possible."

The knight bowed without a word and disappeared down the corridor.

Seraphina said nothing as he rejoined her. She didn't ask what he wrote, or to whom. But the silence between them was charged now — no longer cold, but cautious. Curious.

As they approached the chamber doors, a young maid rushed past them in the opposite direction, holding the hem of her apron as though running for her life. Another followed a moment later, red-faced and teary-eyed.

Seraphina's gaze narrowed.

And then… she heard it.

"This is our punishment… the Duke said no pay until replacements arrive. If we want letters of recommendation, we work. Or we leave with nothing."

"I've worked here for years with dignity — now I'm scrubbing floors like a punished child…"

So… the Duke had acted.

He had scolded the butler, demanded accountability, and ordered every maid who had served in her wing to be replaced. Until then, they were expected to work without pay — their future employment hanging by a thread.

It should've pleased her. For once, someone had done something on her behalf.

But the ache in her chest lingered.

Because it wasn't justice she wanted.

It was something far rarer.

It was… understanding.

Kael opened the doors for her without a word, his expression unreadable as always. She stepped inside first — tall, poised, and silent.

It was just the two of them now. No maids. No titles. Just Seraphina and the boy even she couldn't understand.

Kael closed the door softly behind them, the click echoing through the quiet chamber.

He turned to Seraphina, his gaze steady but unreadable.

"For years, I've heard whispers about your eyes," he said quietly. "But seeing them… it's different."

Seraphina held his look, her crimson eyes reflecting a mix of defiance and caution.

"They say I was cursed," she replied. "That my eyes bring nothing but fear."

Kael shook his head slightly, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips."Fear is often born from ignorance. But your eyes… they don't frighten me. They confuse me."

Her brow furrowed. "Confuse you?"

"Yes, confuse me," Kael said softly, "they're beautiful. No one has ever made me feel like this before. You may be serious, calm, but your eyes... they're honest. Magnificent."

Before Seraphina could respond, a sudden knock came at the door.

"Excuse me, sir… your letter," came the quiet voice of the knight Kael had sent earlier.

Seraphina froze, her heart skipping. How could a letter be delivered—and a response returned—this fast?

Seraphina's eyes flickered toward the knight as he handed Kael the letter.

It wasn't an ordinary letter — the imperial seal caught the light, shimmering with authority.

Kael took the letter without a word, breaking the seal with calm precision.

Seraphina's heart beat faster, but she stayed silent, unsure what to say or ask.

Kael read the letter quietly, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips.Then, he looked up and met Seraphina's eyes, returning her a calm, reassuring smile.

Kael stepped closer, his voice low but steady.

"Lady Seraphina," he said, the formality laced with something gentler, "I want to speak with you about something. But you have to promise me you'll listen until the end."

She tilted her head slightly, surprised by the sudden shift in his tone. "Alright," she said carefully. "I'm listening."

He hesitated for only a breath, then continued.

"From the moment I saw you… not just in the city, but when you fainted — I knew something had changed in me. And maybe in you too. I didn't come here expecting any of this."

His hand moved unconsciously toward his chest, where the folded imperial letter still rested inside his coat.

"I thought this visit would be… diplomatic. Safe. But you're nothing like I imagined. And I don't think I can keep pretending."

Seraphina's eyes searched his, her voice quiet. "Pretending what?"

Kael smiled faintly.

"That I'm not already choosing you."

Seraphina blinked, stunned. "Wait… what? What are you talking about?"

Kael raised his hands gently, his voice warm but sincere."Please, my lady, forgive me. I know this is a terribly informal way to say it — and I promise, when the time is right, I'll do it properly. But now isn't that time."

He took a breath, eyes never leaving hers."There are things I need to tell you. Truths I've kept until now. But before I do… I want you to know where I stand."

He stepped closer, not imposing — simply present.

"My lady," he said quietly, "with all my honor, and my name in your hands… I want you to become my fiancée."He lowered his head slightly in reverence."Please, will you do me the honor?"

Seraphina stood frozen, his words echoing louder in her chest than in her ears.

She didn't have to think long.

Everywhere else — anyone else — would be better than this house where every glance was sharpened, every whisper edged with disdain. Even if Kael's thoughts were hidden from her, even if she couldn't see his truth…He had seen her. And asked.

That, alone, was more than anyone had ever offered her.

Seraphina lowered her gaze, her fingers curling gently around the fabric of her sleeve.

"…You're serious," she whispered, more to herself than to him.

Kael didn't move. He only waited.

She looked up at him again — crimson eyes searching for something behind his calm exterior, even though she knew her gift couldn't read him.

"I don't know all your reasons… or what lies ahead."

"But I do know this: in a world where so many have turned away, you chose to come to me."

"That choice… it already means more than words can say."

She paused, a faint smile touching her lips.

"If you still wish for this, once all is revealed—then you will have my answer."

Kael's eyes softened as he listened, a genuine warmth spreading across his face.A small, grateful smile curled his lips.

"Lady Seraphina," he said gently, reaching out just enough to brush a stray lock of hair behind her ear, "your words… they are more than I ever hoped for."

He took a steadying breath, his voice sincere and low."To know you feel even a fraction of what I feel… it gives me strength I never knew I needed."

He paused, searching her eyes as if trying to memorize every detail."No matter what comes next, I promise to honor that trust — with all that I am."

Kael's gaze deepened, steady and sincere.

"Lady Seraphina, there is something important I must tell you—something I've kept hidden until now, but can no longer withhold."

He took a slow breath, as if gathering strength.

"I am Kael Asterion, the Imperial Crown Prince."

The words hung between them like a delicate promise and a heavy weight all at once.

"I understand this may come as a shock. I did not choose this secret lightly, nor did I intend to reveal it so soon."

His eyes searched hers, seeking understanding, not just acceptance.

"But I trust you. And more than that, I want you to know the truth before anything else."

Kael's voice softened.

"This title carries immense responsibility—and danger. But with you by my side, I believe I can face it all."

Seraphina's eyes widened slightly, her voice steady but respectful."Your Highness…"

Kael smiled softly, a warmth in his eyes that made the formal title feel less distant.

"Please, Lady Seraphina," he said gently, "you don't need to call me that here. Not with me."

He took a small step closer, lowering his voice to a quiet, sincere tone.

"Let's drop the formalities—for now, at least. Call me Kael."

Seraphina hesitated for only a moment before nodding, a shy smile touching her lips.

"Kael," she repeated softly, as if tasting the name for the first time.

Kael's smile deepened, the tension between them easing just a little.

"I'm glad you'll call me that," he said softly. "It makes this… easier."

Seraphina met his gaze and smiled gently."You can call me Seraphina," she said quietly, "if you wish. No need for formalities between us."

He glanced around the quiet room, then back to her.

"There's much I want to share with you—about who I am, the weight I carry, and the dangers that come with it."

His voice dropped to a whisper, filled with quiet resolve.

"But first, I want to know more about you, Seraphina. About the girl behind those eyes."

Her heart fluttered at his words, and for the first time, she felt seen—not just for her power, but for herself.

She met his gaze steadily.

"I'll tell you everything you want to know… when you tell me everything I need to hear."

A soft silence fell between them, heavy with unspoken promises and possibilities.

Before either of them could say more, the heavy oak door creaked open.

A shadow slipped inside—silent, deliberate.

Both Seraphina and Kael turned toward the sudden presence, hearts tightening.

The room held its breath.

And with a voice cold and low, the newcomer spoke:

"Your Highness, there's been a development you must see immediately."

Kael's face tightened, his hand tightening around Seraphina's just slightly.

The future they had just begun to imagine now hung on a knife's edge.