A slow, satisfied smirk spread across Kaelith's lips.
Seraphine had given him exactly what he wanted—no, more than that. She had met his declaration with one of her own, turning what could have been possession into partnership.
The court was stunned, whispers sweeping through the nobles like wildfire.
But Kaelith wasn't finished.
If they thought her words were enough to shake the foundations of power, then they were about to witness something far greater.
Without hesitation, without warning, Kaelith lifted Seraphine's hand—and pressed a lingering kiss to her wrist.
A sharp gasp rippled through the hall.
Not because of the act itself—but because of what it meant.
A kiss to the wrist was an intimate, deliberate gesture—one of respect, reverence… and devotion.
Kaelith let his lips linger, his gaze locked onto hers as if challenging her to stop him.
She didn't.
When he pulled away, he didn't release her hand. Instead, he turned to the court, his voice calm but absolute.
"Now, there is no doubt." His thumb brushed against Seraphine's skin, his expression unreadable. "She is my queen in all things. In name. In power." His smirk deepened. "In body and soul."
Seraphine's breath hitched—just enough for him to notice.
The tension in the room was thick. The court stood frozen between awe and uncertainty.
And then, the first noble kneeled.
Then another.
One by one, the court bowed before them, acknowledging her not just as Kaelith's consort, but as his equal.
Seraphine remained still, her pulse thrumming.
Kaelith leaned in slightly, his voice dropping so only she could hear.
"Is this proof enough for you, my queen?"
Seraphine didn't answer.
Because deep down, she knew—this was only the beginning.
To be continued…
--