Chapter Three: Womb Buyout

A gentle knock sounded against the bedroom door just as the first rays of sunlight crept through the towering windows.

Seraphina stirred beneath the soft blankets, her lashes fluttering open as she adjusted to the unfamiliar surroundings. For a brief moment, she simply lay still, staring at the carved ceiling above her while trying to remember where she was. The room was quiet except for the distant murmur of fountains outside and the cheerful songs of birds hidden somewhere within the palace gardens.

Then yesterday came rushing back. The selection, Alpha King and the Queen Mother.

The contract waiting to be signed.

A slow breath escaped her lips as she pushed herself upright. The enormous bed hardly creased beneath her weight, its mattress softer than anything she had ever slept on. She glanced around the room, still unable to believe that all of it had been prepared for someone like her. The elegant furniture, the polished marble floor, the silver curtains dancing gently in the morning breeze, even the fresh lilies arranged inside crystal vases looked untouched, as though the chamber had been waiting years for its first occupant.

Another knock came.

"My lady?" the familiar maid called from outside. "May we come in?"

"Yes."

The doors opened, and three palace maids entered together. They moved with quiet efficiency, each carrying something different. One pushed a small cart laden with breakfast, another held neatly folded garments across her arms, while the youngest carefully balanced a polished wooden box decorated with delicate silver carvings.

All three bowed respectfully.

"Good morning, Lady Seraphina."

"Good morning." The old maid she had met the previous afternoon smiled warmly.

"I hope you slept comfortably." she asked Seraphina.

"I did."

"I'm relieved to hear that." She uncovered the breakfast tray, revealing warm bread fresh from the palace ovens, slices of ripe fruit, sweet cream, honey, cheese and a steaming pot of fragrant herbal tea. The comforting aroma quickly filled the room.

"Please eat while we prepare everything else. The chamberlain has informed us that you are expected in the Hall of Oaths before the third morning bell."

Seraphina looked at the table, then back at the maid.

"This is... all for me?" The maid laughed softly.

"Of course."

"There is enough here for an entire family." The words slipped out naturally.

She hadn't meant to say them aloud. The smile on the maid's face softened.

"The palace never allows its guests to begin the day hungry.

"Guests. The word felt strange. Seraphina slowly took her seat, breaking off a small piece of bread. She paused before eating, her thoughts drifting far beyond the palace walls.

At home, breakfast had always been simple. Sometimes there was only bread or porridge.

On difficult days, she and Noah would insist they weren't hungry so the other could have a little more.

Without thinking, she placed the larger half of the bread back onto the tray.

The maid noticed immediately.

"My lady... is something wrong?" Seraphina shook her head with a faint smile.

"Nothing." She looked at the untouched food.

"I suppose I'm just not used to having so much."

The maid didn't know what to say. She had grown up inside the palace. Meals like these had always been ordinary to her.

Only now did she realize how extraordinary they must appear to someone raised beyond the palace gates.

While Seraphina finished eating, the other maids quietly prepared the room. One disappeared behind the folding screen where warm bathwater had already been drawn, while another laid today's clothing neatly across the bed.

When Seraphina looked up, her eyes settled on the dress. Unlike the magnificent gowns hanging inside the wardrobe, this one was surprisingly modest. It was fashioned from ivory silk that flowed gracefully to the floor, with delicate silver embroidery tracing the neckline and sleeves. There were no heavy jewels, no glittering gemstones, nothing that demanded attention.

It was elegant without trying to be. She found herself smiling.

"It's beautiful."

"I'm glad you like it," the maid replied. "Her Majesty personally selected today's attire."

"She did?" The maid nodded.

"The royal tailors prepared several ceremonial gowns during the night."

"What happened to them?" Seraphina asked inquisitively.

"They were rejected." Seraphina looked surprised.

"Rejected?"

"They were considered too extravagant." The maid smoothed an invisible crease from the fabric.

"Her Majesty said simplicity would better suit today's ceremony."

Seraphina couldn't explain why those words eased the nervousness in her chest. She had worried about looking out of place from the moment she entered the palace.

At least today, she wouldn't feel as though she were wearing someone else's life.

Her gaze drifted to her wrist. The faded bracelet rested exactly where it always had.She gently touched the uneven braid with her fingertips.

Noah...

A quiet smile appeared on her face. He would have laughed himself breathless if he could see her standing inside a palace while people fussed over what she should wear.

He would probably ask whether the Alpha King really slept in a room bigger than their entire village. The thought made her chuckle under her breath.

The youngest maid looked up curiously.

"Did you say something, my lady?" Seraphina shook her head.

"I was just remembering someone." Her smile lingered.

"My little brother." The maids exchanged quick glances but wisely asked no further questions.

Outside, somewhere beyond the chamber walls, the deep sound of a palace bell rolled across the kingdom.

Its solemn echo lingered in the air, reminding everyone inside the Moon Palace that another important day had begun.