Chapter 4: The Unexpected Guest

The grand dining room of House Ravensworth was awash in the amber glow of late afternoon sun, its light streaming in through the towering stained glass windows. Golden rays danced along polished wood and gleaming silver, illuminating the gathered nobles as they dined with a composed grace that only old blood could master.

Lady Seraphina sat at the far end of the long table, dressed in a modest yet elegant gown of ivory silk, her hair pinned up in a simple twist that belied her noble birth. Though her face was serene, her eyes wandered often to the figure across from her, Lancelot. For today, he was not present as a knight sworn to her protection, but as an esteemed guest, accompanied by his mother, Dame Morwen.

To Seraphina's right sat her mother, Duchess Callidora Everleigh of Ravensworth, who offered calm, measured conversation to Lady Isolde. Amara sat beside Isolde, her usual cheer tempered with a respectful silence. Duke Cassius Everleigh of Ravensworth presided at the head of the table, his dignified presence setting the tone for the meal.

The dinner proceeded with quiet elegance until the heavy doors creaked open.

The butler approached swiftly and bowed. “Your Grace, His Highness Prince Axton Bowen Carolangian has arrived.”

A ripple of surprise passed through the guests. Seraphina stiffened, her fork pausing mid-air. Lancelot’s hand tensed on his goblet.

The Duke rose, his voice deep and composed. “Show him in.”

The tall, striking figure of Prince Axton entered the hall, his travel cloak still draped over his shoulders, his brows knit in a tight line. Though he was not the crown prince, his presence demanded attention. He walked with the ease of a man used to respect and burdened by news.

As he reached the table, he bowed with perfect decorum. “Duke Cassius, Duchess Callidora. I arrived with the intent of visiting Lady Seraphina, only to be informed en route by the High Priest of an annulment I was unaware of. I offer no intrusion, only concern.”

There was a moment of silence.

The Duke inclined his head. “Your Highness, your presence honors us. Please, dine with us this evening.”

The Duchess gave a polite smile, though her eyes were sharp with restrained judgment. “We would not turn away a guest, especially one who comes in good faith.”

Prince Axton nodded. “I thank you.”

The butler guided him to an empty seat at the opposite end of the table from Seraphina. The tension was subtle but thick enough to taste. Conversation resumed, now with more caution, each word weighed with care.

Seraphina kept her gaze steady, her expression unreadable. This man was not her fiancé, but he was the brother of the one she had just publicly rejected. His arrival was no coincidence.

“Your Highness,” the Duke said calmly, “I trust your journey from the capital was smooth?”

“Uneventful, until I encountered the High Priest,” Axton replied, setting down his goblet. “He was in haste. I now understand why.”

Duchess Callidora gently dabbed the corner of her mouth. “Indeed. Our daughter has made her decision. The High Priest bore witness, as did we.”

“I understand,” Axton said, his gaze flickering to Seraphina. “I merely wished to confirm her well-being with my own eyes.”

“She is well enough to host guests,” the Duke replied, “though not without lingering recovery.”

A moment passed before Seraphina spoke, her voice poised and distant. “I appreciate Your Highness’s concern. But the matter has already been decided. I am no longer the crown prince’s betrothed.”

The air in the room cooled several degrees. Lancelot looked down, his grip tightening briefly around his utensils.

Axton gave a faint nod. “So I’ve been told. Still, the visit is not without purpose. I have matters to attend to in the northern province and chose to pass through.”

“We will have a guest room prepared,” the Duke said. “You may rest here tonight. An attendant will see to your needs.”

“Thank you,” Axton replied with quiet dignity.

The butler gave another bow and whispered something to an attendant, who then left the hall to prepare a suitable chamber.

Dinner resumed, but the mood was unmistakably altered. Politeness reigned, yet an undercurrent of caution wound through the room. The shadows seemed a little deeper, the pauses between words a little longer.

And Seraphina, though she wore a calm face, could feel the weight of the past pressing in on the present. The arrival of the prince was no accident.

He had come not only to visit.

But to watch.

To learn what, precisely, had changed.

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