Chapter 10: Seraphina's arrival
As Seraphina's carriage approached the grand gates of Silverthrone Castle, she sat back, a smug smile playing on her lips. She knew that this was just the beginning of her ascent to power, and she relished every moment of it.
She just needs to play her cards right and smart, and everything she have ever wanted and desired will be hers. That desire being Darius himself.
As she stepped out of the carriage, she was greeted by a flurry of activity.
All the palace maids and servants lined up to welcome her, they all bowed to her as she stepped out. She was pleased when she saw this, after all she's to be their queen.
Servants scurried around her, eager to please their new mistress. Seraphina looked down at them with disdain, her nose in the air.
As she climbed the steps leading inside the castle, the king's butler was waiting for her right at the large doors of the palace. seraphina frowned at this, he should be waiting for her at the foot of the steps, beside her carriage.
"Welcome my lady" The butler bowed gracefully to her.
"The king commanded me to make sure that you enjoyed your stay here in the palace "
"What about the king?" seraphina couldn't help but to ask. Deep down she hoped that he waited here for her to welcome her. She knew that he didn't love her, but still , since he's the one that choose her, he should be trying to at least get along with her.
"He's having a meeting with some council members, my lady". The butler answered.
"He should have made himself free today, since he knows that I'll be coming today ". She said with her brows furrowed, she wasn't pleased.
"Show me to my chambers," she commanded, her voice cold and imperious.
"As you wish, my lady".
The servants led her through the castle, but Seraphina paid little attention to her surroundings. She was more interested in asserting her dominance over the staff. And angry that she have not seen Darius.
When they finally reached her chambers, Seraphina swept inside, her eyes taking in every detail. The room was lavish, but it was still not up to her standards.
"This will have to do for now," she said dismissively, waving away the servants who were trying to unpack her belongings.
As she settled in, Seraphina's thoughts turned to the upcoming ball. Seraphina's mind was already buzzing with ideas for the king's birthday party. She wanted it to be a grand affair, a celebration fit for a king. Since it will also be the day that she will be introduced as the future queen, she needs to make it perfect. there's no time to waste.
She summoned the castle staff, her tone condescending.
"Tell me how far the preparations for the king's birthday ball have gone"
"My lady, only the invitations have been sent out ". A maid answered.
"Well it seems I still have much to do, and here I thought the council would have gone far with the preparations by now". She said with her nose in the air, almost bragging.
"Well I need to view the ballroom, to check on how to go about the decorations". She left and her maids followed her.
On her way to check the ballroom, she met Darius and a council member.
"Good day your majesty " She curtsied.
"How are you doing lady seraphina? I hope your journey here was wonderful?". The king asked.
"It was your majesty. I was just on my way to check the ballroom, to see how it can be decorated, and to check on other preparations". She said with a big smile on her face. The king needs to know all the wonderful efforts she's making for his birthday.
"Well that's good to hear, I'll leave everything in your capable hands. Least I forget, lady seraphina, meet councilman Demetrius. He will help you with the preparations and will keep you to date on the decisions of the council". Both seraphina and the councilman bowed to each other, with seraphina scrutinizing him.
"I'll leave you both to your devices". The king hightailed it out of there, he couldn't stand seraphina's Mooney eyes directed at him. Any longer he could have puked.
"My lady, how would you like the preparations to be made?". Demetrius asked her.
" I want the ballroom decorated with silver and gold accents, and I want the finest food and wine for the guests. This party will be talked about for years to come". She said excitedly.
Demetrius nodded his head. "Of course, Your Highness. We will make sure that everything is to your liking".
"Your highness? Seraphina liked the sound of that, and she smirked at that.
"Of cos your highness, you're to be our future queen, you're to be addressed as such". Demetrius said with reverence.
"Well am not disputing that, but am not queen yet, people who heard that might misunderstand, we wouldn't want that now , would we?.
"As you wish My lady" . with his hand to his chest, he bowed to her.
"Good". "Now let's get on with the preparations, there's no time to waste, it must be perfect". They both left to plan the king's birthday ball.
It's been a week since seraphina have been staying in the castle, and during those days, she have tried everything to get closer to Darius, but it's been proven futile. The only time they have spent together for more than 20 minutes is only during breakfast, apart from that , seraphina found it hard to get his attention. If he's not away from the palace, he's in a meeting with people or maybe he's with his beta that never seems to leave his side.
Honestly seraphina was getting frustrated by the turn of events. Even today he seems to be with his beta Marcus. She needs to do something about it and fast.
Despite her efforts, Seraphina couldn't help but notice that King Darius seemed distant. He was polite, but there was a coolness to his demeanor that she couldn't ignore. Determined to win him over, Seraphina began to seek out opportunities to spend time with him, hoping to break through his defenses.
With that thought, she went in search for the king. And as she predicted, she found him with his beta.
Darius was having a meeting with Marcus , on the issue of attacks, both from rogues and wizards . It's becoming frequent and Darius is pissed.
As they are discussing, Marcus caught sight of seraphina walking to where they stood.
"It seems your strategy to avoid her is futile, since she's now looking for you herself" Marcus remarked.
"What are you talking about?" Darius asked him.
"Am talking about your bride-to-be, look over there". And Darius looked to where he was signaling him to, and saw seraphina coming over. And he frowned.
"She's becoming a pest " he thought.
Seraphina approached Darius "Your Majesty, may I have a moment of your time?".
Darius acting like a polite gentleman, which he rarely is affirmed her request "Of course, Lady Seraphina. What can I do for you?
"I was hoping we could discuss the plans for your birthday party. I want it to be perfect, and I value your input". Seraphina said flirtatiously
Darius now guarded " I appreciate your efforts, Lady Seraphina, but I trust that you and the council will handle the arrangements admirably".
"Oh, I see. I'll make make the party will be splendid" she said and was crestfallen about it.
She knew that she had no more reason to stay " I'll be going now". She curtsied and left.