The Emperor's obsession

The grand opening ceremony had finally drawn to its glittering close, the golden chandeliers dimming one by one like stars retreating before dawn. Velvet curtains were pulled shut across the ballroom windows, the scent of roses and wine lingering in the air as guests dispersed. Within the quiet corridors of the Vayrana quarters, tension brewed beneath silk and stone.

Elarynth swept into her chambers with a graceful rustle of her skirts, her eyes still aglow from the adoration she had received. But her moment was shattered when the heavy doors slammed behind her, followed by her father's looming presence.

"You seem to have a hard time following simple instructions," King Rajna growled, his voice a slow-burning fury.

She stiffened but turned with practiced poise. "I don't understand what Father is implying. I merely wore a golden veil by mistake."

His glare was thunder. "Don't try to outwit me, Elarynth. Do as you're told or I'll make you."

Beneath her calm mask, her fists clenched. But she lowered her eyes and bowed. "Yes, Father."

When he left, she walked slowly to the mirror, her reflection smirking back at her.

"I'm not going to listen to anything Father says," she whispered to herself. "Not when the Emperor could be mine."

Her fingers brushed the edge of her veil, and for a fleeting moment, she imagined herself beside him—not as a princess, but as the Empress.

King Rajna had intended to scold Serenya too. But when he entered her room, the youngest princess lay peacefully asleep, her breath even beneath the soft flutter of her golden lashes. He sighed, covering her with a duvet before slipping out quietly. Serenya waited until the door clicked shut, then smiled to herself, the ghost of amusement curling at her lips.

---

The next morning, a towering banquet hall echoed with murmurs and clinks of goblets as nobles, royals, and dignitaries from across the twenty-four kingdoms took their seats at the elongated marble table. The air was thick with scented oils and whispers.

Serenya sat quietly between her sisters, her hands folded delicately in her lap. Her black veil shimmered in the light, but her wide eyes carefully avoided contact with several red-eyed nobles across the table. She remembered the one she had seen in the hallway, the predator cloaked in darkness. She tried not to shiver.

Then, the great doors parted.

Cassian strode in, his presence commanding immediate silence. And then—he appeared.

Zareth.

The Emperor of the Empire of Thorns.

He walked in like a god descending from myth, his tall form clothed in a robe of deep obsidian, threads of crimson embroidery winding around his collar like veins of fire. His midnight-black hair fell over his shoulders, and his piercing red irises burned into the room like twin flames.

The entire hall stood at once.

Gasps rippled across the table as the women stared in hushed awe , this wasn't what they were expecting. The tales had not prepared them. No sketch or rumor had captured the living force that was Zareth Ravaryn.

He was cruelly beautiful not ugly like how the tales say .

Dangerously seductive.

His gaze cut across the room with calculated ease—then paused.

On her.

Serenya.

The corners of his lips lifted, slow and venomous, as if amused by her attempt to hide behind Elarynth. She flinched under his gaze her gaze widening in shock , he's the same man she had met in the dark hallway.

Zareth sat first. Only then did the others dare to follow suit.

Serenya tried her best mold into her sister's shadow, praying the emperor would not recognize her .

The silence was broken by a voice from across the table. "We are honored by your presence, Your Imperial Majesty," said one of the kings, his tone almost groveling.

Zareth swirled the dark wine in his goblet. "Of course you are."

He raised the glass and drank slowly. His tongue swept across his lower lip, and several women visibly swooned. Serenya turned her head, cheeks burning.

"Welcome to the Heart of the Empire," he added, his voice smooth and iron-laced. "Try not to embarrass yourselves."

The women who had dared speak fell silent, their flirtations shattered under the weight of his sarcasm.

Serenya remained still, practically shrinking into her chair. She could feel the weight of his stare, every inch of her skin prickling beneath her gown. Her fingers trembled as she reached for her goblet, only to place it back down.

One of the lords cleared his throat. "If I may, Your Majesty. It is said this ceremony marks the search for your Empress."

Zareth's eyes gleamed.

"It does," he said, then took another drink, the dark red liquid catching the light like blood. "And I may have already been smitten by one maiden."

A collective breath was drawn.

Women leaned forward, hoping. Dreaming.

Serenya froze.

Her heart pounded so loudly she was sure someone could hear it. Her hands curled tightly beneath the table, knuckles white.

Zareth's fingers dipped into his robe and drew forth a necklace.

It dangled from his hand like a snare. Delicate. Familiar.

Serenya's eyes widened.

It was hers.

Her birth necklace.

Queen Ishara gasped, a hand going to her mouth. King Rajna straightened in his seat. Elarynth's face paled and so did Naerya, Thirena and Aresh.

"This," Zareth said, letting the pendant spin slowly between his fingers, "was left in my care by a very intriguing little dove. A Vayrana birth necklace, no doubt."

Whispers flooded the room.

Elarynth clenched her fist. This could be the heavens giving her this opportunity even though the necklace wasn't hers . With her face tense, she rose. "It is mine, Your Majesty."

Serenya turned sharply, shocked.

Was her sister trying to protect her? Elarynth turned to give a look that told her to shut up .

Zareth raised an amused brow. "Is it? And what is your name, Princess?"

Thinking the emperor was already deceived by her lie , "Elarynth," she answered, her voice firm.

He leaned forward, smile twisting into something colder. "A bold claim . Are you sure this is yours?"

Her lips trembled, but she nodded.

Zareth smirked, " Tell me how you misplaced it ".

Serenya closed her eyes clenching her hands and Elarynth started, "I-It happened to might've slipped off from my neck w-when I was dancing at the ceremony yesterday ".

Zareth stood. The left corner of his lips lifting up in a smile that unsettled everyone.

"Seize her."

Before Elarynth could process the command, two guards swept forward from the corners of the hall, gripping her arms and dragging her from her seat. Her veil slipped, revealing her horrified expression as she fell to her knees.

"My Lord, please! I—"

"Silence," Zareth snapped, voice sharp enough to draw blood. "Next time you decide to lie in my face, bring a better face to match."

Elarynth began to cry.

Serenya's breath caught in her throat. She looked at Zareth, who hadn't taken his eyes off her.

He raised the necklace once more . "You dropped something, little dove."

And then, with slow, deliberate steps, he walked across the table, every eye on him. The Emperor, untouchable, unstoppable—now towering beside Serenya.

He leaned down, his mouth close to her ear. His hot breath falling on her cheeks and her hands tightened.

"Next time you run," he whispered, voice silk and steel, "do it better."

Her entire body tensed, her breath shaky beneath the fabric of her veil.

He opened the necklace moving it on her neck before fixing it at where he had stolen it .

Then turned, his black cloak swirling behind him.

The court remained frozen.

And Serenya's heart thumping as if she was on a marathon.