The sun dipped just behind the horizon as the palace gates opened, the faint clatter of hooves echoing in the distance.
A small escort of elite guards accompanied a regal figure cloaked in silver and royal blue. Princess Seraphina, sister to Princes Jesse and Julius, had finally returned to the capital after months spent negotiating trade and alliance terms with the Northern Clans.
As she dismounted, a wave of polished maids and servants bowed deeply. Her stride was graceful, commanding attention with every step. Though soft-spoken and always elegantly composed, those who knew her understood that Seraphina was no harmless royal.
She possessed the sharp mind of a tactician and the temper of her father, the king, hidden beneath layers of courtly charm.
Once inside her lavish chambers, her attendants helped her remove the travel-stained cloak and boots. Before she could sit, a maid approached quietly and bowed.
"Your Highness. Miss Wren requests an audience."
A glimmer of amusement touched Seraphina's lips. "Let her in."
Moments later, Wren stepped in with a deep bow, her features respectful but strained.
"Wren," Seraphina said smoothly, settling into her cushioned seat, "How have things been in my absence?"
Wren lifted her head, a subtle sigh escaping her. "Tiring. The guard has grown complacent. We were forced to restart ability training due to the recent poisoning incident."
Seraphina's eyes sharpened. "I heard about that. It reached even the Northern Clans."
"Yes. It caused quite the chaos here." Wren hesitated, then lowered her gaze in mock modesty. "I was assigned to lead the training."
"Hmm," Seraphina hummed. "That's fitting. You're one of the best. But you look… troubled."
Wren's voice fell, her words filled with carefully measured resentment. "I was humiliated, Seraphina. I was humiliated publicly by your brother, Prince Julius."
Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "Julius? That doesn't sound like him. What happened?"
Wren's face tensed slightly. "There's a new girl in the guard. Bella. She doesn't even have a werewolf ability. She's just… there. Thrash. I tried to dismiss her from training rightfully so and your brother appeared."
"And?" Seraphina prompted, already beginning to lose her patience.
"He sided with her," Wren said, her voice tight. "He mocked me in front of everyone. Called me an incapable teacher. Said if I couldn't teach someone like her, then I was worthless."
Seraphina's fingers tapped lightly on the armrest. "That doesn't sound like right. There's something more to this…."
"I thought so too," Wren said bitterly. "There's something going on between them. Prince Julius isn't one to be randomly defensive of others."
Seraphina's expression turned thoughtful, then unreadable. She stood and walked toward the open balcony, her voice calm but extremely cold.
"Bella… I've never heard of her… she just came not too long ago and already she's managed to cause this much friction." Her gaze fixed on the far end of the palace. "Seems things have gotten… interesting while I was away."
Just then, a maid entered with a deep bow. "Your Highness. The King has requested your presence in the throne room."
Seraphina turned, her gentle expression slipping back into place. "Very well. I suppose my return is timely."
She nodded to Wren. "We'll speak more about this later."
With a swish of her gown, the princess went out of the room.
Bella's pov
After Luke pulled me away, he silently walked me back to my quarters.
"Thanks… for earlier," I said softly as we arrived at my door.
He rubbed the back of his neck, glancing aside. "No, it's nothing really. I'm sure you would've handled it on your own."
"Still… thank you," I replied, my voice a little quieter. I offered a small smile, then stepped inside and gently closed the door behind me.
The silence in my room felt heavier than usual.
The training was supposed to last three days.
Was I really going to endure two more days of that?
I sat on my bed, my hands clenched lightly in my lap. Wren had ignored me completely today, but tomorrow… who knew?
My thoughts drifted to my father. Since I sent the last letter to him. There had been no reply. Not even a single acknowledgment.
After the third day, I thought, I'll take permission to go home.
I need to find out what's going on..