THIRD PERSON
Nyx sat in her home office, a private monument to wealth and precision. Polished floors reflected the muted glow of recessed lighting.
Her desk, carved from onyx, was pristine and clean.
She worked in silence, fingers moving across her laptop. Dark lashes lowered, glossy lips set in a naturally bored line.
Her phone vibrated once on the desk.
Nyx didn't look at it immediately.
She finished the line she was typing, saved the file, then reached for the phone with unhurried ease.
Alexander: 6PM, Dinner at my place. My mother wants you there.
Her expression didn't change. No irritation, no curiosity and certainly no concern. She switched the phone off and set it down .
Nyx arrived at Alexander's estate as the sky turned a deep indigo, streaked with fading sunlight. Her heels clicked against the polished marble steps, each step deliberate. The valet opened the door wordlessly. She dismissed unnecessary courtesy.
The dining hall was breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers scattered light across polished oak and silver platters. At the head of the table stood the Queen Dowager. Her eyes immediately found Nyx, and she smiled , warm and genuine.
"Nyx, my dear," she said, stepping forward. "I've been hoping to see".
"Good evening your majesty" Nyx said, her voice calm and gentle.
"Good evening to you too dear , am glad you honored my invitation , let's skip pleasantries shall we" the queen said with a warm smile.
Nyx moved to her seat, her posture was regal, and her heels perfectly aligned beneath her.
Alexander was standing,his eyes sharp and calculating as always. Beside him, Draven, the second prince, who radiates a mirror of Alexander's cold detachment but less severe. Draven's eyes briefly assessed Nyx but with professional interest.
And then there was Lucien. Copper hair catching the chandelier's glow, a mischievous grin tugging at his lips, he leaned back in his chair like the world was his playground.
He gestured at her with dramatically "Ah! Nyx you finally joined us," he said in a light voice. "I was beginning to think that you have forgotten me."
Nyx's gaze flicked toward him. Her lips remained in a thin line, with an unreadable expression.Lucien's smirk only widened.
The Queen chuckled warmly. "Lucien, enough. Nyx is here, and that is what matters." She glanced at Nyx with admiration. "You see, my dear, you are always welcome".
Alexander cleared his throat. "Dinner will begin shortly." His words were brief, almost dismissive, but his gaze lingered on Nyx longer than politeness demanded, calculating her reactions.
Draven's attention never wavered, silent but observant. He didn't need to say anything.
Dinner began, the crystal glasses catching the soft glow of the chandeliers. Lucien's playful and teasing remarks occasionally cut through the formality, while Draven and Alexander remained silent.
Then, the Queen Dowager set her fork down and leaned forward, her eyes bright with genuine curiosity. "Nyx," she began."tell me… what do you think of Alexander or Draven?".
The question hung in the air like a weight. Nyx's gaze lifted slowly, she allowed a pause long enough for the tension to slide through the room before speaking.
"I think… both are men of power, strong and calculating. Each in his own way and I respect that."Her answer was calm, and neutral,revealing nothing.
Alexander's jaw tightened slightly, but his expression remained controlled. Draven gave her a quick glance while Lucien grinned, clearly entertained by her careful response.
The Queen's smile softened, leaning back slightly. "I see… you have a good understanding, that is precisely why I wish to discuss something important." She gestured subtly at Alexander. "You know, Nyx, I have always admired you. Your strength, your poise… and I believe you are the only one who can stand beside my son as his equal. Don't you think it's time to consider the matter of marriage."
Nyx's eyes flicked to Alexander, then back to the Queen. She did not blush or betray the slightest unease.
"Marriage, that is… a serious matter, I do not take such matters lightly," she said.
The Queen's warm eyes glimmered. "I know, and that is why you are exactly the woman I hoped would get married to Alexander."
Alexander's jaw tightened slightly, but his gaze remained locked on Nyx. He said nothing, though his silence alone was a weight, pressing against the space between them.
Draven observed quietly, eyes darting between Nyx and Alexander as if noting every micro reaction.
Lucien, unable to resist, leaned forward with a grin, resting his chin on his hand. "Look at you two," he said, in a teasing voice. "Alexander's all ice, Nyx all fire… I must admit, this is better than any story I've read." He gave her a wink, only to incline his head to see his mother glaring at him.