The Emperor's obsession

Serenya didn't wait a second.

Her fingers clenched the hem of her flowing gown as she dashed down the marble corridor, the sound of her hurried steps echoing across the imperial stone like frantic heartbeats. The scent of spiced candles and fresh garden blooms still lingered in the air, but all Serenya could smell was fear—raw, sharp, and laced with something else. Something forbidden. Her breath came in ragged gasps as she finally reached a secluded wing of the palace, pressing her palm against the velvet wall to catch herself.

Her heart was a wild bird in her chest. Her skin prickled from where his gaze had touched her, as if Zareth's molten red eyes had branded her.

She pressed a trembling hand to her chest—and froze.

"My necklace..." she whispered.

The delicate silver pendant that had hung around her neck since infancy—a gift from her father, King Rajna himself—was gone. She looked down, frantically brushing her bodice, the fabric of her gown, the folds of her sash. Nothing.

Her wide eyes lifted toward the dim hallway she'd escaped from, now cloaked in flickering shadows. She swallowed hard. The last place she wanted to return to was where she'd met him. Yet that necklace… it meant everything.

Torn between dread and duty, she took one faltering step forward—

"Princess Serenya?"

She turned with a startled gasp.

Prince Kael.

He stood there in full ceremonial attire, an ornate cloak trailing behind him, his silver clasps glittering under the chandelier light. His expression shifted from confusion to concern as he took in her flushed cheeks and disheveled appearance.

Embarrassment swept over her like fire.

She quickly tugged her golden veil tighter and tried to smooth her hair with trembling fingers.

Kael chuckled gently. "If I may?"

Serenya nodded without really understanding until he stepped closer—so close her breath caught in her throat. His fingers moved with careful precision, adjusting her veil. "It was coming loose," he murmured, his voice soft yet firm. "I could tell from the way it was tied. You did it yourself, didn't you?"

She gave a small, embarrassed nod.

Kael stepped back, his eyes kind. "There. That's better."

She bowed her head in gratitude, her cheeks burning.

"Allow me to walk you to the Virellion Hall," he offered.

She nodded again.

With each step beside him, the weight on her chest began to lighten. Kael spoke of the ceremony, the music, and how dazzling the hall looked. Serenya smiled politely, grateful for the distraction from her racing thoughts.

But the ease didn't last long.

A sharp voice split through the moment.

"Serenya!"

Prince Aresh.

Her older brother stormed toward them, fury twisting his usually composed features. Without a word, his fist collided with Kael's mouth.

"Brother!" Serenya cried, clutching his arm.

Kael reeled back, stunned but calm. "It's not what you think. I would never disrespect or harm your sister."

"Then don't act like a man who thinks she's already yours!" Aresh snapped.

His hand gripped Serenya's wrist a little too tightly as he turned to drag her away.

"It's not what you think! I got lost and—"

"Why are you in a gold veil?" he cut in, stopping abruptly.

Serenya flinched.

"I... I didn't check. I just picked the one that was near. I was in a hurry," she explained quietly.

Aresh didn't respond. He merely exhaled heavily, shaking his head, and led her the rest of the way.

The Vayrana royal family stood gathered near the edge of the dance floor. Elarynth twirled effortlessly in the arms of a tall, dark-haired vampire noble, her gown of blush pink shimmering beneath the palace lights.

Queen Ishara's sharp eyes landed on Serenya instantly.

"Where were you?" Thirena whispered.

Serenya opened her mouth to answer, but her mother spoke before she could.

"Why are you not in a black veil?!" Queen Ishara's voice was a whip of reprimand.

"I was in a hurry. I didn't notice," Serenya replied meekly.

Ishara's lips pressed into a line of disapproval. Her daughters, disobeying her one by one. How much more could she control?

Up above the Virellion Hall, on a shadowed balcony, Zareth leaned lazily against the railing, a glass of dark wine in his hand and a wicked smile on his lips.

He watched the glittering crowd below like a predator surveying a buffet. The lights danced over gowns and masks, jeweled eyes and painted smiles—but he only sought one.

"Majesty," Cassian greeted from behind him.

"You're late," Zareth drawled, not bothering to turn.

Cassian followed his line of sight.

Zareth pulled a silver chain from his pocket, letting it dangle in the air between them. The pendant glinted under the moonlight.

"Which kingdom's symbol is this?"

Cassian took a step closer, inspecting the design.

"Vayrana. That's their royal crest."

A pause.

"Did anyone from Vayrana catch your eye, Majesty?"

Zareth's smirk deepened. "Find out who Serenya is. Princess, maid, it doesn't matter. I want to know everything about her ."

Cassian nodded, bowing low.

Zareth sipped his wine slowly, savoring the metallic taste, his eyes once more scanning the crowd.

"She ran like a rabbit," he murmured to himself. "But even rabbits can't escape the hawk forever."

Down below, Serenya felt a chill skitter down her spine.

She rubbed her arms, unsettled.

And somewhere above her, unseen, Zareth Ravaryn watched his prey with dangerous amusement—for the game had just begun.

And he never played to lose.