CHAPTER 75: THE CEREMONY SAGA

"Wow! She is pretty."

"Who is she?"

"Even her outfit is prettier than that of the Crown princess."

Eyes were on her as she moved with grace, her dark hair tumbling in loose waves over her shoulders, and the gown she wore shimmered faintly under the warm glow of the chandeliers.

"Wow... why does she look familiar?" Queen Sephora murmured and this also made King Aden stare at her.

Adam glanced over to Ceryes, "Why is she here?" he murmured under his breath.

Ceryes shook his head, also confused because he had conveyed his master’s instruction to her.

Ashen on the other hand had a very proud smile on his face and then Lumina who felt the way the atmosphere looked tensed leaned closer to Ashen.

"Is there something I am missing?" Ashen leaned over... "If inviting my brother’s lover to his nuptial ceremony is interesting then definitely you are missing," Lumina smirked at this.

One thing she had never thought about was the crown prince being in love with someone else.

Serena’s eyes darted to Prince Adam, catching the faint flicker of his gaze

She smiled and turned away before anyone could see those eyes and she then bowed before the king.

"Your Highness, I am Serena, daughter of Lord Drex. Your servant humbly offers you her greetings and respect."

Then King Aden leaned forward, surprised, then smiled.

"Serena... it has been a long time since I saw you in this palace. You have grown into a fine lady. You look very beautiful." Queen Sephora praised.

Lord Drex bowed quickly. "Your Highness is too kind. We thank you."

Serena then turned toward the Crown Prince and Princess Rhynera. She lowered her head politely.

"Congratulations on your marriage. May your union be strong and blessed."

The Crown Prince’s eyes locked on her, and for a heartbeat too long, he forgot the crowd around them.

His hand twitched at his side, as if he wanted to reach for hers, but he stopped himself just in time. Serena lowered her gaze, hiding the storm in her eyes.

Rhynera noticed these little actions and weakened, and her fingers gripped the prince’s sleeve tightly. She had seen the look in his eyes, and the small movement of his hand that betrayed him.

Adam cleared his throat, forcing a smile.

"Your words honor us, Lady Serena."

She quickly stepped back and did the same to Ashen, "We love to have you here Lady Serena." Ashen let out a small smile on Serena’s eyes disappeared as they met with those of Ashen.

Without another word, she went to stand near her father.

"You look radiant," he said warmly, taking her hand and kissing her knuckles with fatherly affection.

She dipped her head in acknowledgment, her lips curving in a polite smile, before stepping into her place beside him.

"Thanks, Father."

The High Priestess raised her staff, her voice carrying over the hall. "Let the ritual commence."

Just as the ritual commenced, from where he stood, Adam’s gaze kept straying toward Serena, though his face remained unreadable.

She, in turn, seemed calm, her eyes lowered respectfully, but there was a faint light in her smile, one that only made Rhynera’s fingers curl tighter against her skirts.

Ashen leaned toward Lumina, his hand finding hers and drawing her subtly closer. "Do you want to enjoy today’s show?" he murmured.

She tilted her head toward him, a faint smile touching her lips. "Yes," she whispered.

He nodded once, the corner of his mouth twitching in a small, secret smile, and together they turned their attention back to the dais.

The ritual concluded with a final chime of the sacred bell, the High Priestess declaring it complete. "May the bonds between realms hold strong."

The herald’s voice rang out. "Let the celebrations begin! Princes and princesses, nobles and guests, prepare for the evening’s entertainment!"

It was Serena who stepped forward first, "Your highnesses... I had come up with a gift for the crown princes and princesses for their nuptial ceremony."

Everyone turned to her and murmurs began.

"Go on..." King Aden gave permission and Rhynera felt like she would run mad at any minute.

Serena began and her gown caught the light as she moved to the center of the hall. Music swelled, and she began to dance.

Her movements were slow at first, the curve of her arms graceful as water, the sway of her hips subtle but entrancing.

She danced like someone who belonged to the music, her expression soft and untouchable.

Several other noble ladies joined her, their steps weaving together in elegant harmony, but Serena seemed to draw every gaze without effort.

From his place, Adam watched her with keen seriousness, he was so lost in Serena that he saw more than beauty and it made the muscles in Rhynera’s jaw ache.

When the dance ended, applause filled the hall, and servants poured wine into silver goblets.

The two kings spoke quietly together, the queens offering polite smiles, while the murmur of conversation filled the air.

Rhynera, her smile strained, leaned closer to Adam whose eyes still wouldn’t leave Serena.

She didn’t miss how he was even raising his goblet in the air as Serena did the same in a sneaky way from where she sat.

Not able to take it anymore, she turned to her maid. "Mia. Come."

They slipped away into a quieter corridor, but the moment they were alone, Rhynera’s composure cracked.

"Who was that woman?" she demanded.

Mia hesitated, but another maid, one who had been with Rhynera when Mia was being punished by Adam stepped forward with a small, eager smile.

"That is Lady Serena. She is known for her humility, my lady, and for her beauty. People say they have never seen her with any man, that she is waiting for her fate."

Rhynera’s eyes narrowed. "Is that so?"

The maid continued, her tone almost dreamy. "If Prince Adam were not betrothed from birth, many believe they would have married. They were very close as children. Lady Serena even lived here in the palace for a time, almost like a princess herself. But when His Highness came of age, she left to focus on her duties. No one recognized her at first tonight... she has grown even more beautiful."

She was so caught in her explanation that she did not notice Rhynera’s expression darkening further until Mia slapped her arm sharply.

"Enough," Mia hissed.

Rhynera’s lips curled in a bitter smile. "So, I couldn’t have my moment without another woman walking in to steal it."

Her voice dropped instantly. "Since she wants him then why don’t I make it easier for her, I will make sure she stays in our guest chambers tonight."

"Why? It’s your nuptial night.." Mia argued and Rhynera smirked.

Yeah, that is why you will find a way to slip an aphrodisiac into her drink tonight."

The other gasped hearing this, "What?" Mia asked the maid and she shook her head.

"A word to anyone and I will make sure your life ends slowly." The girl nodded her head instantly and Rhynera rolled her eyes walking away.