Chapter 2: The Shadow Prince
357 Words
The silence stretched between them like an abyss.
Seraphina stood motionless before the towering iron gates, her pulse thrumming in her ears. The man before her—her future husband—did not move, nor did he speak. His presence was a weight upon the air itself, pressing against her skin like an unseen force.
Kael.
The Shadow Prince.
Even in the dim light, she could see him clearly. He was tall, his frame lean but powerful, clad in a dark tunic and an obsidian cloak that billowed faintly in the cold wind. His black hair was tousled, unruly, and a single silver strand fell across his forehead. But it was his eyes that held her captive—piercing, storm-gray, and utterly unreadable.
He did not blink.
Did not breathe.
It was as though he wasn’t human at all.
A guard stepped forward, clearing his throat. "Your Highness, Princess Seraphina of Eldoria has arrived as per the treaty."
Kael did not react.
Seraphina swallowed hard. She had prepared herself for cruelty, for disdain, even for indifference. But she had not prepared for this—this eerie, unsettling quiet.
Still, she would not be cowed.
Lifting her chin, she took a slow step forward. "Prince Kael," she said, her voice steady despite the fear curling in her stomach. "It is an honor to meet you."
A beat of silence.
Then—
"Are you afraid of me?"
His voice was deep, smooth as velvet yet laced with something colder.
Seraphina hesitated. Lying would be foolish, but the truth would be a weakness.
So she said nothing.
Kael’s lips curved—not in a smile, but something resembling amusement.
"Wise," he murmured. Then, without another word, he turned on his heel and strode toward the castle doors.
The guards took that as their cue, moving to escort Seraphina inside.
Evelyne hesitated. "Shall I accompany you, Your Highness?"
Seraphina glanced at her maid, seeing the barely concealed fear in her eyes. If Kael truly was as dangerous as the rumors claimed, she wouldn’t risk Evelyne’s safety.
"No," Seraphina said softly. "Wait here."
Then she followed the Shadow Prince into his domain.
- Writer
