Chapter One.

SERAPHINA'S P.O.V.

The rain fell in heavy droplets, drenching the courtyard. The wind blew past slowly and with it came a chill that whipped through my soaked clothing, causing a shiver to course through my body. I stood at the center of it all, my muscles tensed and my senses alert as I gripped my sword tightly, my knuckles turning white against the familiar weight of the weapon being held by my hands. The rain drops mixed with the beads of sweat that dotted my forehead as I squared my shoulders and readied myself for another round of combat practice. Across from me, Gerald stood with a similar weapon in his hands, and his face wearing an expression of concern.

"Seraphina, ease up on your strength," he called out, his voice firm yet gentle. "Remember, it's not always about overpowering your opponent. Control and finesse are equally important."

I nodded, acknowledging his guidance but we both knew that I was not going to follow his advice as the urge to release my pent-up frustration was strong.

It had been months since Sebastian had betrayed me; months of torment and heartache and combat training had become my one sanctuary. It was not just an activity, but also a place where I could escape the ache of the rejection.

Gerald understood. After all, he had seen the tears that I had shed in secret and he knew that our sparring sessions were not just about improving my physical skills but also about finding peace within each clashing of our swords and each flurry of punches.

"Easy there, Sera," Gerald called out, his voice cutting through the sound of the rain. "You're pushing too hard."

I gritted my teeth as the frustration simmered within me. Gerald was right, of course. I was exerting all my strength in an attempt to forget the painful rejection that I had suffered a long while ago. The pain and heartbreak that I had experienced after Sebastian had turned his back on me still felt fresh; like it had only been the previous day. I knew that I was pushing myself too hard but with every swing of my blade, I felt a brief relief from the agony that weighed heavily on my heart and mind.

Gerald called out again, his voice laced with as much caution as it did compassion.

"I know you are hurting, but pushing yourself too hard won't make the pain go away."

My breath escaped my lips in ragged gasps and I could feel the frustration that I felt, deep within, etching across my face as I lowered my sword.

"I have to, Gerald," I replied, my voice filled with anger and resolve. "I need to forget all of it. I need to forget the rejection and the pain."

Gerald's gaze softened as understanding flickered in his eyes. He knew the pain that I felt. He had watched me suffer the consequences of the painful betrayal, and I knew that his inability to do anything to help me was killing him inside.

"Believe me, Sera, I understand," he said, stepping closer to me. "But exerting your strength won't make it disappear. It will only drain you."

My grip on the sword loosened slightly as I took in Gerald's words. I knew he was speaking from a place of deep worry and sympathy for me as he was my confidante and my protector. He was the one person that I could count on; the one who had always stood by my side.

"He's not worth it, Sera," Gerald continued, his voice tinged with barely suppressed rage. "Sebastian might have been your fated mate but he was not worthy of you. If it weren't for my responsibilities to the throne and the kingdom, I would have done unimaginable things to him to avenge the humiliation and pain that he put you through."

At that statement, his face became clouded with a mask of fury. His anger lasted a good minute before his facial muscles relaxed into a look of pity.

"Remember, little sister," he continued, his voice filled with empathy, "Sebastian's rejection does not define you and he was unworthy of your love. You deserve someone who appreciates and cherishes you for the amazing person that you are."

His words struck a chord within me and I was reminded of the depth of my brother's love for and protectiveness of me. If not for his responsibilities to the throne, Gerald's protective nature would have driven him to take actions in defense of my honor and dignity.

"Thank you, Gerald," I whispered, my voice quivering with gratitude and love. "Thank you for standing by me, and for shielding me from the pain. You have been my rock through it all and you have no idea how much your support means to me. You're not just my brother, Ger; you are my best friend and I love you very much."

Gerald's gaze softened as he spoke.

"You're my little sister, Sera," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "Blood may not fully bind us, but our love does. I will always stick up for you, no matter what."

My heart overflowed with affection and was filled with sincerity. "You've always had my back, even against Olivia, and you have no idea how grateful I am for that."

Gerald's jaw clenched at the mention of our sister and I watched as his grip on his sword tightened.

"Olivia doesn't understand the bond we share," he replied, his voice tinged with sadness. "But it doesn't matter. We have each other, and that is all that truly matters."

His gaze softened, and he stepped closer, reaching out to rest a hand on my shoulder.

"You have been and will always be a part of our family, no matter what anyone says. Olivia's actions are a reflection of her own insecurities but I'll always be here for you; I'll always be standing by your side."

The weight of his words lifted a burden from my heart and I leaned into his touch, finding my peace in the bond that we shared. In that moment, I knew that I wasn't alone in my pain and I had someone who understood; someone who would fight for me no matter what. Healing would take time and the scars would always remain but with Gerald by my side, there was hope and strength.

Hours later, Gerald and I made our way back to the palace, exhausted from our grueling combat practice. The chill of the evening air enveloped me and seeped through my wet clothes causing my muscles to throb. My brother and I exchanged a tired smile, acknowledging the exhaustion that bonded us as we made our way back to our separate chambers in a comfortable silence.

*****

The soft echoes of my footsteps reverberated in the empty hallways as my slippered feet made contact with the marble floors. The pale rays of the early morning sun passed through the open spaces between the vertical pillars which held the palace's structure and casted dim elongated shadows on the polished marble floors.

All of the expectation that I felt had been planted into me the moment that a servant had come looking for me in the early hours of the morning with news of the request to be present by the King of Ravenscroft.

After sending the servant back to the King with an acknowledgement of his request for my presence, with the help of Leana, I had gotten dressed up as quickly as possible and then began the journey to the study.

That morning, the hallways, which were usually bustling with numerous servants going about their businesses and activities in the palace, were strangely empty. The unusual and uncharacteristic emptiness of the hallways only served to intensify my unease as it was an odd and unsettling sight.

After a few more minutes, I finally arrived at my destination. Two warriors flanked each side of the door, their strong and imposing stance was shortly altered as they gave a bow to me. For a few seconds, I stood in front of the heavy oak door of the King's study and bid myself to be calm. When I felt less jittery, with a hesitant exhale, I balled my right hand into a fist, raised it up and rapped it on the wooden door twice. The sound of the knocking echoed in the quiet stillness of the palace.

"Come in," I heard my father's voice say from within the room.

I gently pried the doors open, stepped into the room, and pulled them shut behind me. The sight of the King sitting at his table was no surprise to me, but it came as a surprise to see his wife, the Queen, sited beside him. On my stepping further into the room, the serious expressions on both their faces instantly caught my attention. I could feel the tension in the air as the both of them continued to stare at me with grave eyes, causing my heart to skip a beat.

"Good morning, Your Majesties." I greeted as I lowered myself into a deep curtsy.

"Good morning, my princess." King Leopold greeted back, "You may rise."

As I raised myself up from the bow, I looked up at Queen Edwina who gave me a gentle nod in greeting. The look of concern in her eyes served as a fuel to increase the flames of my curiosity.

"You may take a seat." the King's voice said, snatching my attention back to his presence.

I nodded my head and did as I was told. After taking a seat on the lone chair which stood at the other end of the big study table, my fingers started to fidget in my lap as I waited for them to speak. I was directly in the King and Queen's line of vision and they in mine, so it was very easy for me to see the expressions on both of their faces.

"How was your night, my darling daughter?" the King asked.

"My night was good, Father." I replied.

"That is wonderful to hear." he said.

"You and Mother, too?" I asked.

"Yes, my princess. We slept splendidly." he replied with a smile on his face.

I could not help the pang of suspicion that arose in my mind. They were both acting so unnaturally awkward and it only served to pique my curiosity.

"Seraphina," the Queen began.

"Yes, mother?" I said, turning to look at her face.

Her voice was gentle but at the same time, stern as she said, "There is something that the King and I must discuss with you."

Her words hung in the air and I waited with bated breath to hear what it was we had to talk about.

"Olivia's is engaged." the King said.

"I know that." I said.

"She was to be married to the prince of Shadowmoor Kingdom, but that can no longer be possible." my mother, the Queen, said.

"What do you mean? Does that mean that she is to be married to another?" I asked.

"Yes, my princess. Your older sister is to be married to another man." my father confirmed.

"Okay? Although, I do not quite understand what that has to do with me." I said.

I watched the two of them give one another a quick glance. It seemed like they were communicating with their eyes and I just sat there, my heart pounding and racing in anticipation of what it was that kept them in such an awkward position around me.

After a few seconds of looking at each other, they broke eye contact and planted it on me instead. The King sighed loudly, closing his eyes for a split second before opening them and placing them on me, once more.

"Seraphina, my princess." he started.

At that point, I was nearly at the edge of my seat due to the overwhelming curiosity that surged through my veins. My father stretched out his hand to grasp mine, his eyes softening as he gave my hand a light squeeze. And his next words knocked the breath out of my lungs.

"You are to take Olivia's place as the bride of the Shadowmoor Prince." he said.