The next morning came not with warmth, but with cold protocol.
Servants rushed into Lucien's chambers at dawn. The air smelled of polished gold, rosewater, and quiet fear. Everything was perfect on the surface — too perfect.
Riven sat on the edge of the bed, shirtless, the cursed collar faintly glowing like it had pulsed through the night. His silver hair fell messily across his face. He didn't care.
"Your Highness must dress for the High Table," one of the maids said, avoiding his gaze.
High Table. Morning ceremony. Nobility politics.
He smirked. "And what if I decide to stay in bed?"
A sharp knock cut her off.
Not a polite one.
Kael.
"Get out," he snapped at the servants. They scattered like birds.
And Riven smiled.
---
Later that morning, in the Grand Hall, all eyes were on Prince Lucien.
He walked in dressed like sin — a deep crimson robe lined with black silk, hair tied back to reveal the cursed collar around his neck. It looked like a piece of jewelry. A symbol. A warning.
He met Elias's gaze across the room. The priest looked away quickly, cheeks flushing.
He met Kael's eyes too.
The Crown Prince looked down at his goblet like it was the only thing he trusted in the room.
Good. Let them both squirm.
If he was going to burn, he would drag them both into the fire.
But then—
"Announcing the arrival of High Seer Caelestis."
Silence fell like a blade.
Riven turned.
A tall figure entered, draped in white and violet robes, face hidden by a gold-veined mask. The High Seer — the emperor's private oracle. A man who never spoke unless fate demanded it.
And he walked straight to Riven.
"You should not exist," the Seer whispered, voice echoing with layered tones.
Gasps echoed.
Riven smiled, unfazed. "And yet here I am."
The Seer placed a single hand on Riven's chest.
The sigil flared.
Magic cracked through the air like thunder.
Then — the Seer smiled.
"Interesting…"
And walked away.
Kael stood up, eyes blazing.
Elias stood, mouth open.
And Riven?
He took his seat at the High Table like a prince reborn in velvet and thorns.