Chapter 2

Lucian was the first to speak. "This is preposterous. Seraphina, how dare you think of marrying another?"

This time, even Henry and Rowena seemed taken aback.

Although Henry was puzzled, he spoke gently but firmly, "Lucian, this is Seraphina's personal choice. She alone must decide her course."

Lucian fell silent, his gaze fixed on me.

Rowena, however, was far less restrained. She stepped forward, eyes blazing with accusation. "Seraphina, Lucian has only just fallen in battle, and yet you speak of taking another?

"Do you wish the world to think that all of the Phoenix Clan are as heartless and faithless as you?"

Yelena fixed me with a venomous glare. "Had Lucian not insisted on marrying you, I would never have allowed a viper like you into this house."

I answered calmly, "If Lucian truly loved me, he'd never want me to spend the rest of my days alone just for him. I will remarry."

Lucian blurted out anxiously, "You—"

Henry cut him off. "Enough. Since Seraphina has made up her mind, we shall abide by her choice.

"However, there is an ancient pact between the Dragon and Phoenix Clans. Seraphina, you may remarry—but your choice must be a man of the Dragon Clan."

I turned toward the sea of faces in the great hall and called out clearly, "Is there anyone willing to take me as his wife?"

No one stepped forward.

Some who seemed tempted were hastily pulled back by their families. Others met my gaze only to recoil, as though they had seen something venomous.

I felt a wave of helplessness. There were only two paths laid before me—a lifetime in mourning or remarriage. Could nothing be done to change the course before me?

Seeing the scene unfold, Lucian sneered from the side, "Seraphina, no one dares to marry a heartless woman like you. You should resign yourself to mourning."

The certainty in his voice made my stomach churn.

Just then, a figure moved forward and stood before the court. "I will."

I looked up—and to my shock, it was Damien Drake, the Dragon Clan's warlord.

Renowned throughout the lands as a warrior unmatched in battle, he bowed, eyes unwavering as he addressed the Dragon King. "Your Majesty, I pledge myself to Seraphina."

Lucian instantly snapped, "Damien, this is no concern of yours. Lucian has barely fallen, and Seraphina is already seeking another. You really want to take in a woman like that? Aren't you afraid she'll be the death of you?"

Damien stepped in front of me, frowning. "Your Highness, Seraphina is your brother's wife. Instead of shielding her, you heap slander upon her name."

Lucian snapped back, "I'm only speaking the truth."

Damien ignored him and turned to me instead. "Seraphina, will you marry me? I will stand by your side through every trial and danger. I will not falter, and I will not leave you."

I was stunned. I couldn't help but nod as I saw nothing but unwavering resolve in his gaze. "Alright."

At this point, Lucian had no reason left to interfere. Damien and I sealed our union there and then.

Henry, looking utterly drained, gestured for me to leave. Then, addressing the court, he added wearily, "I am old, and I have lost a son. I can no longer bear the weight of the crown. In three days, it will be Adrian who sits upon the throne."

Adrian had been replaced by Lucian. I paused, considering. Previously, even as Lucian wove his plots that led to my death, Henry never handed the throne to him. Why, then, was it being done earlier this time?

Before I could ponder further, Lucian brushed past me in the crowd. I caught his words clearly. "Wretch, you'll regret this."