A Claim Before the Court

Seraphine had nearly put the conversation from her mind when the summons arrived.

A formal court assembly. Mandatory attendance.

Her stomach twisted.

Kaelith never called court gatherings without reason.

And after their last conversation, she had a sinking suspicion why.

When she entered the grand hall, nobles were already gathered, their whispers weaving through the air like a storm waiting to break.

Kaelith stood at the head of the room, clad in dark royal attire, his presence commanding as always. But his gaze was locked onto hers the moment she entered, unwavering, unshaken.

Seraphine lifted her chin and took her place beside him. Whatever game he was about to play, she wouldn't back down.

The room fell silent as Kaelith spoke.

"I have called you all here for one reason," he announced, his voice smooth, powerful. "To make something clear to those who would doubt it."

Seraphine's pulse quickened.

Kaelith turned to her, and in one swift movement, he took her hand—publicly, deliberately.

Murmurs rippled through the court.

Kaelith ignored them all. His grip was firm but not forceful, his thumb brushing over her skin with a gentleness that unsettled her more than any demand.

"This woman," he declared, "is mine."

The hall went deadly silent.

Seraphine's breath caught.

Kaelith's gaze never left hers as he continued, his words slower, more intentional. "She is not just my consort. Not just my wife in name. She is my future."

A sharp intake of breath sounded somewhere in the crowd.

Kaelith smirked slightly, his voice lowering just enough for only Seraphine to hear. "I told you I'd prove it."

Heat flared in her chest—anger, shock, something deeper she refused to name.

He had done exactly as she asked.

And now, the entire court was watching.

Waiting.

For her response.

To be continued…

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