5

A tense wait began in the manor following the King's summons. Although we couldn't guess the reason, we both felt that this invitation did not bode well. Kael was absolutely against me going to the palace alone. For him, my safety came before everything else. In the end, it was decided that he would accompany me, introducing himself as a loyal guard. This was a precaution against potential dangers in the palace, but also, having Kael by my side gave me great confidence.

We set off early in the morning. Kael and a few trusted clan members rode silently around our carriage. I was anxious throughout the journey. The palace was a center of intrigue and self-interest. How would Alaric's death be received there? What were their thoughts about me?

When we entered through the magnificent gates of the palace, all eyes turned to us. A young and widowed duchess like myself arriving at the palace with a foreign-looking, stern-faced guard had aroused curiosity. Whispers reached our ears. Kael scanned the surroundings, trying to sense any potential threat. His protective demeanor warmed my heart.

We were brought directly before the King. King Theron, an old and authoritative figure, sat on his throne. Beside him stood three young princes, observing me with curious eyes.

King Theron began to speak in a stern voice. "Duchess Seraphina. The sudden death of your husband, Count Alaric, has saddened us. We wish to hear from you how the event occurred."

I took a deep breath and recounted my marriage to Alaric, his false affection, my father's sudden death, and how he had left me to die in the forest, in full detail. Although my voice trembled at times, I stood behind every word I spoke. Kael stood tall beside me, offering his support.

Fortunately, the servants in the manor and a few trusted acquaintances had given testimonies confirming Alaric's greed and the sudden changes in his behavior after my father's death. The King and the other nobles in the court were convinced that my account was true. Alaric's betrayal and my innocence were proven.

However, King Theron's next decision surprised me. "Duchess Seraphina," he said. "Considering these unfortunate events, we deem it appropriate for you to be our guest in the palace for a while. We can both help you mourn and give you the opportunity to think about your future."

This decision had actually whetted the appetites of the single men in the court. A young, beautiful duchess with a large inheritance like myself was an attractive marriage prospect for many nobles. Especially the King's three sons began to take a keen interest in me. The King's plan was clear: the son who married me would both gain my inheritance and secure a significant advantage in the path to the throne.

I was hosted in the palace for a week. During this time, I encountered a prince or another nobleman seeking marriage at every turn. Each of them paid me compliments, offered gifts, and tried to win my heart.

Kael was finding this situation difficult to bear. Since he had introduced himself as my guard, he couldn't directly interfere with these courtship attempts. However, he stood by my side every time, and I could clearly see the tension and jealousy on his face as he listened to their sweet words and artificial interest. He would clench his fists, tighten his jaw, and practically try to ward off those suitors with his gaze.

One of the princes, Prince Caius, who was handsome and polite, was particularly persistent. He would read me poetry, invite me to the most beautiful balls, and constantly shower me with compliments. Once, when we were alone in the garden, he had tried to take my hand. At that moment, I had seen the anger in Kael's eyes. If he hadn't been in the role of a guard, I couldn't even imagine what he would have done to Prince Caius.

Another prince, Prince Lucius, was more ostentatious. He would gift me valuable jewels, organize magnificent feasts, and try to show off his power. His artificial behavior repelled me, but I felt safer knowing Kael was by my side.

The youngest prince, Prince Marius, was more shy and reserved. He treated me kindly but carefully chose every word he spoke. His naivety felt more sincere compared to the showy attitudes of the other princes, but my heart now belonged to another.

Every courtship attempt was like torture for Kael. His eyes were constantly on me, and he watched the every move of those suitors carefully. Once, at the moment Prince Caius tried to take my hand, I noticed Kael's hand moving towards the hilt of his sword. I touched his arm with my hand to calm him down. At that moment, I felt how tense the muscles were beneath his fingers.

This week in the palace had been both exhausting for me and frustrating for Kael. I was overwhelmed by these marriage proposals and false interest. Kael, on the other hand, was filled with anger at having to helplessly watch another man court the woman he loved. Finally, we were eagerly awaiting the end of this captivity and our return to our manor. The intrigues and self-interest lurking beneath the glittering surface of the palace had deeply disturbed both of us. Our only wish was to return to our peaceful home and grow even closer to each other.

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