Dinner at the Hart Mansion
The long mahogany table gleamed beneath the chandelier's soft glow, casting golden reflections over fine china and polished silverware. A vase of deep red roses stood proudly at the center, their scent mingling with the aroma of roasted duck and aged wine.
Raya sat upright, dressed in one of Seraphina's silk gowns, her hands neatly folded in her lap. She had memorized everything she could but still, her pulse drummed beneath her skin.
Across from her, Hector Hart poured her a glass of wine, his face lit with warmth.
"I still can't believe my little girl is getting married," he said, raising his glass. "And to Adrian Blake, no less. You always said you'd either marry a king or a myth."
Raya smiled softly, playing the part. "Well, turns out he's a little bit of both."
Hector laughed, charmed. "That's my girl. Full of fire and bite. Your mother hated it when you said things like that."
