The Emperor's obsession

The grand opening ceremony continued in all its glittering splendor beneath the star-laced ceiling of Virellion's great ballroom. Golden chandeliers flickered like constellations above, illuminating the ocean of noble vampires, kings, and princesses draped in shimmering finery. Elarynth, the boldest of the Vayrana sisters, waltzed with one dignitary after another, her laughter like silver bells. Many couldn't resist the magnetism of her beauty and the sway of her hips. The haunting melody of the orchestra wrapped around her like smoke, drawing attention and envy.

Naerya and Thirena weren't left behind either. Their feet glided across the polished obsidian floors, dancing with foreign lords and heirs. But amidst the laughter, King Rajna sat stiffly on his throne among the other kings , his eyes like flint. Fury simmered beneath his skin. Elarynth had already defied his rules with her rebellious gold veil. But when he turned and spotted Serenya—his youngest daughter—wearing the same defiant hue of gold, his jaw clenched.

She stood near Queen Ishara, head slightly bowed beneath her delicate veil. Her golden sleeves caught the candlelight, her aura serene yet glowing. King Rajna longed to reprimand her, but the presence of the other monarchs held him in check.

Before he could gather himself, Prince Kael approached. Clad in royal blue and silver, his sharp features softened as his gaze landed on Serenya.

"May I have the honor of being the first to dance with you?" Kael asked, his voice gentle, threaded with hope.

Serenya hesitated. Her wide eyes peeked at her mother, who gave a small nod. With grace, Serenya placed her hand in his. Kael's fingers curled protectively around hers, and he led her to the center of the floor.

The moment her shoe touched the marble tiles, a hush fell over the nearby guests.

Kael's hand settled lightly on her waist, his other hand guiding hers. Her cheeks flushed beneath the veil as the music swelled. They moved slowly at first, Serenya stumbling slightly.

"Relax, Serenya," Kael murmured with a kind smile. "There's no need to get all the steps right. I wouldn't mind even if you stepped on my foot."

Her lips curved faintly, heart fluttering like a caged dove.

High above, from the shadowed balcony, crimson eyes narrowed.

Zareth Ravaryn, stood in black regalia, a storm within human skin. The marble rail groaned beneath his gloved grip as he leaned forward, watching the scene below.

"Who's that?" he asked, voice like velvet laced with venom.

Cassian stepped beside him, eyes following Zareth's line of sight.

"Prince Kael of Thamur. The crown prince," he reported.

Zareth's gaze darkened like thunderclouds brewing. "So, the little dove already has someone fluttering around her?" A crooked smile lifted his lips—sharp, dangerous, amused. " Interesting ."

Cassian chuckled but said nothing.

"Announce that I will be making my grand appearance tomorrow morning," Zareth said coolly. "Breakfast with the emperor. Everyone must be there."

"As you wish." Cassian bowed.

Still gripping the necklace in his hand, Zareth's gaze dropped once more to the dance floor.

"Serenya," he muttered, her name tasting sweet and bitter on his tongue. A name he planned to brand with his own power.

Down below, Serenya shivered, the fine hairs on her neck rising. She glanced toward the shadows of the upper gallery, heart racing, but saw nothing—only darkness beyond the balcony.

Startled, her shoe landed awkwardly on Kael's boot.

"Oh! Forgive me, Kael," she gasped.

He only chuckled, enamored. "I told you I wouldn't mind."

When the song ended, Kael guided her gently off the dance floor. Before returning to her mother's side, he bent in a small bow.

"You danced beautifully."

Serenya blushed behind the veil, lips parting to speak, but Thirena was already beside her.

"I saw the way Kael looked at you," she whispered playfully. "He's completely smitten."

"He should be," Naerya added with a grin. "You're his betrothed after all."

Serenya looked down, flustered, barely hearing her sisters' teasing.

Just then, the orchestra fell silent. Cassian stepped forward onto the center platform.

"In honor of the emperor's wishes, His Majesty Zareth Ravaryn shall make his presence tomorrow morning. All dignitaries and nobles are summoned to breakfast with the Emperor," he declared.

Murmurs rippled through the crowd like a stirred tide.

Thirena leaned closer to Serenya, voice low. "Why do you think the emperor didn't show his face tonight?"

Serenya shrugged lightly, her tone teasing. "Maybe he's too ugly or hideous to appear in public."

Naerya laughed, stifling the sound behind her gloved fingers. "Let's hope this event ends soon so we can return to Vayrana. I already miss our palace gardens."

Serenya nodded, though her mind remained elsewhere. That gaze she'd felt earlier—it hadn't been imagined.

Elarynth returned to the group, cheeks flushed, eyes gleaming with mischief. Queen Ishara shot her a look sharp enough to pierce armor. But Elarynth only smiled.

Inside her mind, the wheels were already turning.

Let the others play their roles.

Tomorrow, she would charm the Emperor.

What she didn't know was that the Emperor already had his sights set.

And it wasn't on her.