CHAPTER 5:THE ROYAL COUNCIL
599 Words
The grand doors of the Crimson Palace opened with a thunderous groan.
Seraphina stepped inside, her heartbeat echoing in her ears.
The throne room was breathtaking.
Crimson crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceiling, casting shimmering light across polished black marble floors. Towering pillars carved with ancient vampire runes lined the hall, while a magnificent crimson throne rested upon a raised platform.
Every noble's gaze followed her.
Curious.
Disgusted.
Jealous.
She felt like prey surrounded by predators.
Lucien never released her hand.
His warm grip was the only thing keeping her from trembling.
"The Royal Council is assembled, Your Majesty," announced an elderly vampire.
At the center of the room sat twelve council members.
Each one possessed an overwhelming aura.
Each one looked at Seraphina as if she didn't belong.
An old vampire with snow-white hair slowly stood.
He wore an elegant crimson robe decorated with silver embroidery.
"I am Lord Cassius, Head of the Royal Council."
His sharp eyes rested on Seraphina.
"So..."
"This fragile human is the King's fated mate."
His voice carried neither warmth nor kindness.
Only doubt.
Lucien's expression remained calm.
"She is."
Lord Cassius sighed.
"Then Your Majesty already knows our position."
"The council cannot recognize a human as our future queen."
Several nobles nodded in agreement.
"Our kingdom has never been ruled by human blood."
"She is too weak."
"She knows nothing of our customs."
"She will only endanger the throne."
Every word pierced Seraphina's heart.
She lowered her eyes.
Maybe...
They were right.
She didn't belong here.
Suddenly—
Lucien rose from his throne.
The room instantly fell silent.
His crimson eyes glowed with quiet authority.
"I did not summon this council to ask for permission."
He descended the marble steps.
Each step echoed through the hall.
"I summoned you..."
"...to inform you."
A terrifying pressure filled the throne room.
Even the council members stiffened.
"My mate is not a subject for debate."
"She is my future queen."
"And my decision is final."
No one dared speak.
Until—
Lady Evelynn stepped forward.
"Your Majesty."
Her voice was gentle.
"If I may..."
Lucien looked at her without expression.
"Speak."
She bowed gracefully.
"No one questions the Blood Bond."
"But perhaps..."
"...the young lady should prove herself worthy of standing beside the Vampire King."
Murmurs spread across the hall.
"She's right."
"Every queen before her passed the Royal Trial."
"If she fails..."
"She cannot wear the crown."
Seraphina looked from one face to another.
"Royal Trial?"
Lord Cassius nodded.
"It is an ancient tradition."
"Every future ruler must prove their courage, wisdom, and strength."
"If you succeed..."
"The kingdom will acknowledge you."
"If you fail..."
He paused.
"You will leave the Crimson Palace forever."
Seraphina's face turned pale.
She had never held a sword.
She knew nothing about vampires.
How could she possibly pass such a trial?
Lucien's eyes darkened.
"There will be no trial."
The council members immediately objected.
"Your Majesty!"
"The laws cannot be broken!"
"The ancestors created this tradition!"
Before the argument could continue—
Seraphina slowly stepped forward.
She looked at Lucien.
Then at the council.
Taking a deep breath, she raised her chin.
"I'll do it."
The room fell silent.
Lucien frowned.
"Seraphina."
She turned toward him.
"If becoming your queen means proving myself..."
"...then I'll face your trial."
A faint smile touched Lucien's lips.
Not because she accepted the challenge—
But because, for the first time...
She had chosen to stand beside him instead of running away.
Hidden among the nobles, Lady Evelynn smiled to herself.
'Good.'
'Because no human has ever survived the Royal Trial.'
- Writer
