Soren had sent his maids to inform Seraphina that he wanted to see her in his chambers.
Seraphina received the message, but… could she really meet him?
What exactly had happened last night?
What if… what if they…?
No, no. That's impossible. Right?
He wouldn't take advantage of a drunk woman… right?
But then again… he didn't exactly strike her as someone who cared too deeply about boundaries.
Frustrated, Seraphina threw herself onto the bed with a groan, pressing her hands to her forehead.
She made up her mind—she would avoid Soren completely until they left. Yes, that was the best thing to do. She couldn't afford to face him again, not after everything that happened last night… or whatever might have happened. She wasn't even sure anymore.
⸻
The hours slipped by, and just like that, the next day arrived.
Seraphina sat before her mirror as the maids combed through her long hair. She wore only her inner dress, her mind clearly elsewhere.
"We've prepared your dress, my lady," a young maid announced, standing by the changing curtain with the garment in hand.
Seraphina gave a tight smile, then walked in, drawing the curtain shut behind her.
⸻
Suddenly, Soren entered the room.
The maids all froze in shock at the prince's unexpected presence.
"Shhhh," he hushed softly, raising a single hand to dismiss them.
Without question, the maids bowed and quickly exited.
"I need help with the str—" Seraphina's voice cut off mid-sentence as she emerged from the curtain… only to find Soren standing right in front of her.
She blinked several times, eyes wide.
"Hello, runaway," Soren said with a lazy smirk.
Seraphina gasped, stumbling back into the curtain like she'd seen a ghost.
Soren raised a brow, amused, and walked straight in. In a flash, he pinned her softly to the wall, caging her in.
Seraphina's eyes shut tightly, her head turned away, trying to escape the tension. But he hovered dangerously close, the scent of him overwhelming.
"You dare keep your prince waiting, Sera?" he asked, his voice low and teasing.
The way he said her name sent a chill down her spine.
He lifted her chin with his index finger. "Open your eyes."
She shook her head quickly, lips trembling.
"Open," he repeated, firmer.
Slowly… hesitantly… Seraphina opened her eyes.
She looked straight into his. Her breath caught. The way he stared at her—it was maddening.
Soren smirked darkly. "Why are you avoiding me?" he asked, tilting his head.
"I'm not!" she replied too quickly.
He tugged her by the waist, pulling her close. "You sure about that? Then why didn't you come when I called?"
"I… I was simply tired and resting!" she stammered.
Soren grinned at the ridiculous excuse.
"So… you'll be leaving today, hmm?"
Seraphina said nothing. Her eyes met his, her heart racing, lips parted in disbelief.
"…L-let go," she finally whispered.
And to her surprise, he did.
But in a flash, before she could even process it, his lips pressed onto hers—just for a second—before he pulled away.
Her heart stopped.
Soren gave her a crooked half-smile, then turned around and walked right out.
Seraphina stood there, frozen in place, eyes wide.
Did he… did he just kiss me?
She slowly raised a hand to her lips, dazed, completely lost in thought.
⸻
Outside, the carriage had been prepared, stationed at the castle's gate. All their belongings were packed in fine boxes, ready for departure.
Seraphina had just placed her final box—a small one filled with hairpins—onto the carriage when she turned to see Vivienne.
Lucian stood directly before Vivienne, one hand gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
"Don't go letting other men sway you, darlin'," he said, his tone low and dangerously sweet. "You may be leaving now… but I've still got my eyes on you."
Vivienne stared up at him, utterly captivated. "I haven't said yes," she murmured softly.
Lucian smirked, full of smugness. "You will… eventually," he said before leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead.
Just then, Seraphina caught sight of Soren approaching from the castle's entrance.
Panic rose in her chest.
She instantly climbed into the carriage and sat by the window, intentionally turning away to avoid seeing him.
But Soren didn't come her way.
He passed the entrance and then turned left, taking an entirely different route.
Seraphina hesitated, then peeked through the window again—searching.
He wasn't there.
Her heart sank.
"Of course… he wouldn't come to say goodbye to me," she whispered under her breath.
And just like that, their goodbyes were said.
After Lucian's lingering stare and soft-spoken farewell to Vivienne, the carriage set off. The two sisters began their journey to Cranebrook—escorted, of course, by several of Lucian's royal guards to ensure their safety.
But as the castle faded into the distance… so did the things left unsaid.
And Seraphina was left wondering what that kiss really meant.
———