Seraphine's POV
"Kael? Do you know her?" I asked as he stepped out of the bathroom, his expression unreadable.
"I don't," he responded shortly, his voice clipped.
I frowned but didn't press further. His mood had done a complete 360 since that woman showed up. The atmosphere between us had suddenly shifted, and I didn't understand why. He didn't even touch the food that had been prepared for him.
"Won't you eat?" I asked hesitantly.
"No," he answered coldly, his tone final.
I sighed, feeling frustrated. It wasn't like I was the one who had upset him, yet he was taking it out on me. I didn't know if it was the pregnancy or just the sheer exhaustion from dealing with his moods, but irritation bubbled up inside me. Instead of arguing, I turned away, climbed into bed, and pulled the covers over me. If he wanted to sulk, he could do it alone.
When I woke up the next morning, the other side of the bed was empty. Kael was already gone. My anger spiked. He hadn't even apologized for his rude behavior last night, and now he had left without a word while I was asleep.
"Asshole," I muttered, huffing as I sat up and stretched.
I took a moment to calm myself before calling for Dera, my maid. She appeared promptly, as efficient as ever.
"Dera, when is the banquet starting?" I asked as I studied my reflection in the mirror.
My gaze lowered to my stomach, where a small but noticeable bulge had begun to show. A soft smile crept onto my face. It was real—this life growing inside me.
"In about an hour, my lady. Shall I help you get prepared?" she asked formally.
"You can drop the formal act, Dera. It's just us here," I said, laughing softly.
She giggled in response. "As you wish, my lady."
"Set a bath for me and prepare a dress," I instructed as I stood from my seat.
Dera nodded and hurried away to carry out my orders. I sank back into the chair, my fingers tracing my stomach absentmindedly. Despite everything, this baby was mine—a part of me. A small sense of peace settled over me as I walked into the bath Dera had drawn.
After a long soak, I emerged, feeling refreshed. Dera helped me into the dress she had picked out. It was absolutely stunning—thin, form-fitting fabric that accentuated my figure perfectly. A little bit of cleavage showed, but it wasn't too revealing. The color was black, deep and rich, making my pale skin stand out in contrast.
Since marrying Kael, I had found myself drawn to black more and more. Maybe because it reminded me of him—his dark, mysterious aura, the way his black hair cascaded down his shoulders. A part of me felt like I was becoming entangled in his Idarkness, but strangely, I didn't mind.
Just as I finished getting ready, a knock echoed on the door.
"Come in," I called.
The door opened, and Kael stepped inside. My breath hitched at the sight of him.
He was wearing a tailored black tuxedo that fit him perfectly, the crisp lines accentuating his tall, commanding presence. His long black hair fell effortlessly to his shoulders, framing his sharp jawline. His icy blue eyes met mine, and for a moment, I forgot my anger.
"Are you ready?" he asked, his voice softer than it had been last night.
I hesitated, then nodded. "Yes."
Without another word, he extended his hand. After a brief moment of hesitation, I placed my fingers in his, and together, we left for the banquet.
The scent of roasted meat and freshly baked bread filled the air as the banquet hall came to life with laughter and chatter. Long wooden tables stretched across the room, candles flickering in the dim light. The people gathered here were not nobles, nor were they dressed in silk and jewels. They were survivors—men, women, and children who had once belonged to different kingdoms, only to be cast out. And now, they had found a home in Kael's settlement, a place where they no longer had to live in fear.
Fredric stood at the front of the hall, his voice strong as he called out, "Presenting Lord Kael Rogenough and Lady Seraphine Rogenough!"
The room quieted, and all eyes turned to us as we stepped inside. I felt a brief moment of hesitation at the attention, but Kael's grip on my hand was firm and steady.
As we walked forward, the silence broke into cheers.
"Long live Lord Kael!"
"Bless Lady Seraphine!"
They weren't empty words. These people truly admired Kael, not as a ruler, but as a man who had given them a second chance. The warmth in their eyes, the way they smiled at us—it was different from the cold formalities of court life.
I leaned toward Kael slightly. "They adore you," I murmured.
He smirked, his deep voice laced with amusement. "And yet, you're the one they're looking at."
I glanced around, realizing he was right. The women smiled at me, and even some of the children whispered among themselves, pointing shyly in my direction.
"They've been waiting to see their Lady," Fredric said as he approached, his usual playful grin in place. "You've been locked up in that manor too long, Seraphine. They've been dying to meet you properly."
I smiled, feeling a warmth spread through me. "Then I suppose I should start making proper introductions."
Kael led me to the head of the table, but before we could sit, a little girl ran up, clutching a small bouquet of wildflowers. She hesitated, looking up at me with big, hopeful eyes.
"For you, my Lady," she said softly, holding out the flowers.
My heart melted. I knelt down, taking the bouquet with both hands. "Thank you, sweetheart. These are beautiful."
The girl giggled and ran back to her mother, who smiled at me with gratitude.
Fredric clapped his hands together. "Well, what are we waiting for? Let's eat!"
Laughter and cheers erupted as people reached for food, passing plates and filling their cups with ale. Kael finally pulled out my chair, and I sat beside him as the feast began.
Throughout the night, people approached us, sharing stories, thanking Kael for what he had done, and asking me about life in the manor. Some of the women even touched my hand, blessing me for the child I carried.
Kael remained quiet for the most part, responding when necessary but mostly observing. At one point, he leaned closer to me, his voice low.
"This is why I do what I do," he said, nodding toward the people laughing and enjoying themselves. "They've lost everything. And yet, they still find joy."
I reached for his hand under the table, squeezing it gently. "Because you gave them a home."
He exhaled, his gaze softening. "And I'll never let anyone take it from them."
The night carried on with music, dancing, and endless stories. As I sat beside Kael, surrounded by laughter and warmth, I realized—this wasn't just his settlement.
This was our home.