CHAPTER TWENTY - EIGHT

**AUTHOR’S POV**

Seraphina sat by the window in her chambers. Though her heart was still brimming with the warmth of Kael's proposal, a storm of uncertainty brewed inside her. Was this truly the right thing to do?

She stared back at her reflection in the windowpane, the question echoing in her mind. Though Kael's love was undeniable, his determination to protect her was unwavering. Yet, marrying him was just more than the union of heart. It meant stepping into a world that had already started to cast judgment on her. 

The weight of her dark magic loomed largely on her. She had always known it would make her a pariah, but now, with Kael’s proposal, the scrutiny was sharper than ever. She closed her eyes, leaning her head against the cool glass as fragmented Whispers reached her ears from outside.

"She's a witch. How can the king marry her?"

"She's no noblewoman. What will the other kingdoms think of us?"

"Dark magic. What if she's using him to gain power?"

Each word was a dagger, cutting through her resolve.

The court was abuzz with the news of the king's impending marriage. Kael's announcement has sent shockwaves through the palace, shaking the foundations of a system that thrives on traditions and raking system.

The elders converge at a secret chamber, their faces etched with concern and anger. "This marriage can't happen," Elder Scrolls declared, his voice firm. "It's an insult to our lineage, laws, and balance of power."

Others murmured in agreement. "To marry a commoner is bad enough, but a witch who wields dark magic is unacceptable."

Another elder chimed in. "The king has always been rash, but this? A commoner bride with blood tainted by dark magic? It’s a disgrace.”

Elder Mike's gaze was sharp. “To think he broke up the engagement with my daughter ......to choose her!" He said, his voice rising like the mere thought of it was an abomination. "We must present our case to the king. If he refuses to listen, we will act.”

"We can't act rashly," Elder Talon cautioned, his deep voice cutting through the murmurs. "To oppose the king directly is treason."

"And allowing this marriage is treachery to the entire kingdom," Elder Mark retorted, slamming his fists on the table. "We must act decisively," he said, his voice final."

Inside the mansion, Lunara grabbed the edge of the table, her nails digging into the wood. "She walks around here like she's already queen. It's sickening." She picked up a porcelain vase and threw it against the wall. "But that crown will never touch her head. Not while I breathe."

Lyra shrieked with fear as she stared at the mess. "Luna," she called softly. "Calm down. Will you?"

But Lunara couldn't.

"She's a lowborn witch," Lunara hissed, her nails tapping against the wooden table. "How dare she think she can take the place meant me, for a while. I waited for two years and Kael never proposed to me. He avoided the topic every time I brought it up," she said, her voice rising. "But she seduced and manipulated and he proposed to her within three months. He didn't even know her family for crying out loud."

Lyra nodded, her lips curling into a smirk. "We should move things forward and stop her. The court and the whole kingdom are already on edge. If we stoke the flames, they’ll burn her out before she ever wears a crown.”

Lunara's eyes glistened with malevolence. "And if it doesn't work, we'll ensure that she's exposed for the witch she is. A well-timed accident, a revelation of her magic... Kael won’t have a choice but to cast her aside.”

Just then, Lila, Seraphina's handmaiden entered the room and bowed to Lunara. "My lady," she greeted smoothly.

"I learned that you work for Seraphina?" She asked. The lady nodded. "Make sure you report everything she does to me without leaving out a single detail," she commanded, her voice sharp. "Is that understood?"

"Yes, my lady," Lila nodded again before stepping out of the room.

Lunara's eyes blazed with untamed anger. "I'm going to destroy them, both," she added, her voice sharp and determined.

Their laughter echoed through the chamber, a chilling promise of the chaos they intended to unleash.

Back in her chambers, Seraphina stared at the ring Kael had given her—a simple yet elegant band that glimmered with hope. But hope was a fragile thing. She was no fool; she knew what marrying Kael would mean for both of them.

Now, everything, even the universe seemed to be against them. The noble's disdain, the elder's disapproval, the threat and ridicule from other kingdoms, if she rose to be the queen—all of it would fall squarely on their shoulders. 

A knock on the door jolted her out of her thoughts as Lila stepped inside. "My lady, the king demands your presence."

*Alright," she nodded, gathering her composure. "I'll be there shortly."

As Seraphina crossed the courtyard, her gaze snagged on a familiar figure approaching from the far end—Lunara, her face an inscrutable mask. A wave of irritation rolled through her, her steps faltering for a brief moment as her legs felt leaden. Of course. Just when I thought today couldn’t get any worse. She clenched her jaw, quickly brushing aside the unease and straightening her posture. With a practiced indifference, 

As she walked past, Lunara's voice stopped Seraphina on her track. “Congratulations, Seraphina,” she said sweetly, though her tone was laced with venom. “Who would have thought a commoner like you would ensnare the king’s heart?”

Seraphina's jaw tightened, but she would never let Lunara rattle her composure. "I'll take that as a compliment Lunara. Now, if you would excuse me, I have no time for your gaze." 

Lunara's smile faltered, but she leaned in closer. "Enjoy your moment, witch. It won't last anyway, because the palace has a way of swallowing people like you."

Without a response, she resumed her path toward Kael’s chambers, though Lunara's words lingered in her heart as she wondered what she meant.

In Kael's chambers, the first thing Keal noticed was her crumpled face. "My lady," he called hugging her from the back. "What's on your mind?"

She turned to him, her eyes searching his. "Do you know what they are saying about us?"

"I don't care," her replied firmly, taking her hand in his. "Let them talk. Let them scheme. None of that matters. What matters is us— just you and me."

"But Kael," she whispered, her voice breaking. "This isn't just about us. It's about the kingdom, the people. They'll never accept me."

Kael cupped her face, his gaze intense. "Then I'll make them, Sera. You are my choice, not theirs. And if they can't see your worth, they don't deserve to stand by our side or be our people."

"Kael," he called softly, her eyes filled with unshed tears.

"I won't lie to you, Sera," Kael said, his voice soft and steady. "This path won't be easy. There will be challenges, opposition—but none of that scares me as much as losing you."

His words were like a balm to her wounds, soothing, but the uncertainty lingered. She rested her head against his, drawing strength from his unwavering resolve. "We'll face it together," she whispered, just like his earlier promise.

"Together," he agreed, his lips curling into a satisfied smile. "Together, my lady."