The Crown Of Ash And Blood

The late afternoon air carried the scent of lavender mixed with the metallic tang of shields and armor worn by the palace guards. Sunlight pierced the stained glass windows, casting intricate shadows on the white marble corridors of the palace. But that serenity was only an illusion — like the glint in an executioner's eye before the blade falls.

Aurelia Vaelthorn stood atop the grand staircase of the Main Hall, clad in a gown of black and gold that trailed like a veil of midnight. Flanking her were two of her newest allies — Lady Caliste of minor House Trevain, and Sir Alaric, once a royal guard to her mother, now returned to pledge his loyalty. Behind her, Caelum Thorne stood silently, ever the shadow that protected and watched.

Today, the palace welcomed the return of three noble figures long absent from the heart of power: Lady Verena Althaea, Lady Cyrene Vortalis, and Lord Thalien Corven. Each brought with them a smile, a hidden purpose, and fangs.

"The Crown Prince invited them all?" Aurelia asked, eyes fixed on the eastern gate.

"He wishes to reunite the high nobles," Caelum replied. "Or divide and conquer them."

Aurelia smirked. "As always, Serion coats poison with honey."

Footsteps approached. A servant bowed deeply. "Lady Verena has arrived, Your Grace."

Aurelia lifted her chin. "Let us see who plays the better mask."

Lady Verena Althaea entered like a delicate melody with a painful undertone. She wore a satin gown in soft blue, her golden-brown hair pinned intricately with a sapphire diadem. Her beauty was porcelain-perfect, hiding cracks beneath the shimmer.

"Your Grace," Verena greeted softly, bowing with grace so deep her knees nearly touched the ground. "It is an honor to return to the palace... even under changed circumstances."

"Verena. You appear... composed, despite the sudden end to your engagement," Aurelia replied, a smile playing on her lips.

Verena's gray eyes lifted, glinting not with sorrow, but calculation. "Because I know, Your Grace, that my fate is not yet sealed within these walls. Quiet ones often hold more than they reveal."

Caelum stepped closer to Aurelia, his expression neutral but vigilant.

"I hope you haven't come merely to mourn the past," Aurelia continued. "My time is too valuable for outdated grief."

Verena smiled sweetly. "I came for the future, Lady Vaelthorn. I will stand where power stands."

Before the air could tighten further, the grand doors opened once more.

Lady Cyrene Vortalis entered alone, adorned not by guards but by the clink of ruby-studded jewels on her neck and wrists. Her velvet gown was blood-red, heavy and commanding, as though she came to conquer, not to dine.

"Lady Aurelia," Cyrene greeted without a smile. "Seems the raven has returned to its nest, not just rumor after all."

Aurelia returned her gaze, cold as steel. "And the tale of the jeweled snake wasn't fiction, it seems."

Cyrene let out a quiet laugh. "You haven't changed. But this time, you won't sway the council so easily. Many of us still remember what you were."

Caelum's hand moved toward his blade, but Aurelia raised her hand subtly.

"Let the snake hiss into the wind, Caelum," she murmured.

Once all had arrived, the royal banquet commenced. The great dining hall glittered with candlelight, wine, and the sharp glint of cunning eyes.

To the left of the long table sat Serion — Crown Prince with devil's eyes and a prince's smile. He wore a dark cloak embroidered with silver, and his gaze flitted from Aurelia to Caelum.

"Truthfully," Serion said aloud, raising his glass, "I don't believe in division. We are all children of the same crown. Whatever our pasts, we can choose unity for a stronger future."

Lady Cyrene gave a soft laugh. "Sweet words, from one who broke off an engagement for political gain?"

All eyes turned to Verena. She merely smiled, swirling her wine.

"The Crown Prince's decision," she said, "only proves he won't bind himself to weakness."

Aurelia remained silent, watching. She knew Serion never acted without purpose. If he ended things with Verena, it was because he'd found a stronger piece to play.

Later, as night fell and guests were escorted to their chambers, Aurelia returned to the east wing. But her steps paused at the sound of another.

"Still awake at this hour?" Serion's voice came soft.

He stood at the corridor's edge, bathed in moonlight, like a hero from a fable — tall, handsome, and unreadable.

Aurelia faced him. "Are you here to explain, or to toy with me again?"

Serion walked closer. "I came to offer something new. Something you might desire."

"An alliance?"

"More than that. I know you don't believe in love... but shared power, Aurelia, can be more intimate than love."

He reached for her hand. "With me, you could control the council. No one would dare oppose us. Not Cyrene. Not Verena. No one."

Aurelia slowly pulled her hand back. "And Verena?"

Serion met her gaze. "She was unnecessary. I want you, not a shadow."

He bowed, kissing her hand — not with passion, but with a reverence laced with deception. For a brief moment, her heart skipped.

But the night did not end in palace corridors. After Serion departed, Aurelia returned to her chamber. Caelum waited there, sitting by the window, still in his battle attire, eyes watching from the dark.

"The Crown Prince approached you again," Caelum said flatly.

Aurelia removed her necklace. "He always strikes when the wound is healing."

Caelum stood and approached. "If he harms you—"

She cut in sharply. "Then you'll kill him?"

Silence. Caelum lowered his eyes. "If you command it."

Aurelia let out a soft laugh. "Your loyalty is dangerous, Caelum."

"I wasn't made to be safe," he whispered.

They stood close now, breaths mingling. The air shifted, tension becoming flame.

Aurelia touched his cheek. "Do you need... comfort, Caelum?"

He met her eyes — golden irises full of pain, longing, and loyalty.

And whispered, "It's not me who needs it."

Their kiss was not gentle, nor lustful — it was the clash of two souls long bound yet unspoken. Night cloaked them... and for a moment, the world ceased to exist.