Seraphina's mind, a hotbed of jealousy and fury, concocted a plan. She wouldn't attack Evangeline directly; that was for amateurs. Instead, she would use Evangeline's own "wild" nature against her. She would expose the princess's supposed monstrous side in the most public way possible, a way that would turn the entire court, even Arion's family, against her.
The next day, a grand banquet was announced in honor of the princess's official welcome to the Dragon Kingdom. It was to be a celebration of the alliance and a sign of goodwill between the two kingdoms. Seraphina saw her chance.
She approached Evangeline with a sickly sweet smile, her eyes glittering with a predatory light. "Princess, you must be tired of staying in your rooms all day. I have a surprise for you. A little taste of home."
Evangeline was wary, but her curiosity was piqued. Seraphina led her to a hidden courtyard behind the kitchens. The moment they entered, a low growl resonated from a massive, iron cage in the center of the yard. Inside, a giant timber wolf, its eyes a feral, green fire, gnashed its teeth against the bars.
Seraphina's smile widened. "I thought you'd appreciate a friend from the wild. He was causing trouble in the woods, so my brother captured him. He's very… restless."
The wolf looked at Evangeline, and she felt a wave of agony and fear radiating from it. The beast wasn't just restless; it was in pain, its body bruised and its spirit broken. The magic that held it captive was an ancient, powerful spell designed to torture and subdue any creature of the wild. It was a familiar feeling to Evangeline—one of powerlessness and torment.
As the banquet began, Seraphina excused herself, a triumphant glint in her eyes. The wolf's howls were beginning to draw attention. The court would soon discover the "savage" nature of the princess, and Seraphina would be there to guide their fear and disgust.
But Seraphina had a backup plan. In the moments before the banquet, she had visited the royal stables. She spoke a low command, her voice laced with a subtle spell, to the prized white griffin of the kingdom—a creature known for its ferocious spirit and its loyalty to Arion alone. Seraphina's spell was not meant to harm the griffin, but to make it restless, agitated, and easily provoked by a certain someone.
Back at the banquet, she sat near Arion, her hand on his arm, a picture of perfect loyalty and grace. She was ready. The wolf's howls would start a commotion, and Evangeline, in her foolish attempt to tame it, would release its fury. And just when the chaos was at its peak, the griffin would be unleashed, targeting Evangeline, the only one it could sense as a threat to its master.
Seraphina knew Arion would be in a difficult position. The court would be in chaos. His family would demand he act. He would be forced to choose between the wild creature and his betrothed. And when Evangeline used her power, a terrifying display for all to see, he would be forced to reveal her true nature to all. He would be forced to reject her.