Ch 6- Fountain Fall And Royal Shade
968 Words
The morning light filtering through Seraphina's windows felt like a personal attack. After a night of journaling plot points and awkward corset yoga, she'd hoped for a quiet day. Instead, Martha and Lily had descended like fashion warlords.
"I said boring," Seraphina protested, staring at her reflection. The gown they'd chosen was a muted sage green,high neckline, minimal embroidery, long sleeves. Textbook "I am not here to cause drama."
It still looked unfairly stunning on her. The silver-blonde hair cascaded perfectly, violet eyes sparkled with reluctant elegance, and the fabric hugged Seraphina's figure like it had been tailored by magic itself.
"Damn this body," she muttered, tugging at the sleeves. "I'm trying to be background NPC and it's serving main character realness. Rude."
Martha adjusted a simple pearl pin in her hair. "You look lovely as always, my lady. The tea party hosted by Princess Liliana awaits."
Seraphina sighed. "Low profile. I will be a potted plant. A very elegant, silent potted plant."
The palace gardens were a masterpiece of blooming roses, sparkling fountains, and gossiping nobles. Liliana had arranged everything perfectly,pastel tablecloths, string musicians, and an atmosphere of refined elegance that screamed "heroine event."
Seraphina arrived determined to blend in. She chose a seat near the edge, smiling politely at anyone who glanced her way. No eye contact with Prince Ralph. No schemes. Just tea and survival.
Unfortunately, the universe had other plans.
Prince Leon,some minor royal cousin with golden curls and way too much confidence,zeroed in on her like a heat-seeking missile. He slid into the seat beside her, flashing a charming grin.
"Lady Seraphina! You look radiant today. The gardens pale in comparison. Might I have the honor of a stroll? I've heard your wit is as sharp as your beauty."
Seraphina's brain short-circuited. Flirt detected. Evade!
She stood up too quickly, knocking her chair back. "Oh, that's… very kind, Your Highness, but I'm actually super into… plants right now. Yeah. Botany. Fascinating stuff. Excuse me---"
Leon followed, undeterred. "Nonsense! A lady like you deserves better company than flowers."
Seraphina backed away, eyes darting for escape routes. Adrian was standing near a rose hedge across the garden, watching with those sharp silver eyes. Prince Ralph was nearby too, chatting with Liliana. Too many capture targets in one place. Abort.
She turned sharply,and her heel caught on the edge of the stone path.
"s**t—!"
The world tilted. Seraphina flailed, arms windmilling, and plunged straight into the decorative fountain with a massive splash.
Cold water shocked her system. She surfaced sputtering, silver hair plastered to her face, sage gown now dark and clinging. Water lilies stuck to her shoulder like pathetic accessories.
"f*****g hell," she swore under her breath, modern Elena slipping out. "Of course. Because why walk when you can cannonball?"
The garden went dead silent. Nobles stared in open shock. Fans fluttered. Whispers erupted. The infamous villainess, soaked like a drowned cat in front of everyone.
Then, from across the garden, came a low, rare sound.
Duke Adrian Valdermoth chuckled. The deep, rumbling laugh was quiet but unmistakable,rich and slightly dangerous, like distant thunder. Heads turned. The Northern Duke laughing was apparently rarer than a solar eclipse.
Seraphina looked up, cheeks burning, to find him already striding toward her. He shrugged off his heavy black cloak lined with silver wolf fur and draped it over her shoulders without hesitation. The fabric was warm from his body heat and smelled faintly of pine and steel.
"Careful, Lady Valtoria," he said, voice low enough for only her to hear, silver eyes gleaming with amusement. "The fountains here bite back."
His fingers brushed her shoulder as he adjusted the cloak. The touch lingered a second too long. Seraphina's traitor heart did a stupid flip.
"T-thank you, Your Grace," she managed, pulling the cloak tighter. It swallowed her small frame, making her look even more ridiculous and somehow endearing.
Prince Leon hovered awkwardly. "Lady Seraphina, are you--"
"Fine!" she yelped. "Totally fine. Just testing the water temperature. Quality control. Very important for… royal fountains."
Adrian's lips twitched again, fighting another smile.
The tea party continued with forced politeness as servants rushed to bring towels. Seraphina sat wrapped in Adrian's cloak, dripping quietly while trying to disappear into the furniture.
Liliana, ever the perfect hostess in her sunny yellow gown, approached with a sweet smile that didn't quite reach her eyes.
"Oh dear, Lady Seraphina," Liliana said gently, loud enough for nearby nobles to hear. "You really must be more careful. It would be such a shame if your… enthusiasm caused another incident. Remember last season's little mishap at the ball?" She laughed lightly, as if sharing a fond memory. "Though I suppose we all have our clumsy days. Even someone as… accomplished as you."
The words were sugar-coated poison. A few ladies tittered. Prince Ralph watched with mild concern but didn't intervene.
Seraphina forced a smile, water still dripping from her hair. "You're right, Princess. I'll work on my coordination. Maybe take lessons from the royal swans,they seem more graceful."
Adrian, seated nearby now, observed everything with narrowed eyes. His earlier amusement had cooled into something protective. He didn't speak, but his presence beside her felt like a silent shield.
Liliana's gaze flicked to Adrian, a flash of confusion crossing her perfect features before the sweet mask returned. "How kind of Duke Valdermoth to offer his cloak. You two seem… closer than expected."
Seraphina wanted to scream. This is not helping my low-profile agenda!
She clutched the warm cloak tighter, hyper-aware of Adrian's steady presence. The man who was supposed to hate her kept surprising her at every turn.
And as Liliana moved on to charm other guests, Seraphina couldn't shake the feeling that the "pure" heroine's subtle barbs were sharper than the novel had let on.
- Writer
