Chapter 24: A Moment of Rest Before the Storm

Seraphina stretched lazily, her fingers curling into the soft silk sheets of her bed. The warmth of the afternoon sun filtered through the grand windows of her room, casting golden rays onto the plush cushions and the sheer canopy draped above. A light breeze from the open balcony doors carried the scent of roses and fresh parchment—an unmistakable fragrance of home.

It had been a whirlwind of events—the battlefield, the magic, the system's relentless missions—and now, she was finally back in the comfort of her parents' estate. She turned onto her side with a sigh, gazing at the intricate designs on the ceiling. The royal ball was in three days.

"Three days until I meet them all in one place."

More importantly, she would finally see the mysterious Crown Prince.

Aldric Valmond.

Unlike the others, she had never gotten close to him yet. He was the one enigma in this world she had created, the one who still lingered in the shadows, observing but never acting. His presence was like an unreadable page in a book filled with familiar words.

Yawning, she reached for the cup of coffee resting on the bedside table, lazily taking a sip. The rich, bittersweet taste warmed her, but it did little to shake off the exhaustion clinging to her body.

"I deserve a day of rest."

She threw off the silk sheets, slipping into a light robe as she padded barefoot toward the balcony. The estate's gardens sprawled beneath her—a vast sea of vibrant roses, lilies, and vines curling along white stone archways. It was a sight of peace, a stark contrast to the chaos she had been enduring.

Her fingers absentmindedly traced the rim of her coffee cup. She had fought off mythical creatures, navigated passionate entanglements, and managed diplomatic maneuverings—all in the span of mere weeks. Now, all she had to do was decide on the perfect dress for the ball.

She rang for the maids, instructing them to bring out her finest gowns.

The maids presented her with three exquisite dresses, each more breathtaking than the last.

1. The Moonlit Elegance – A shimmering silver gown with delicate pearl embroidery and a plunging neckline. The fabric draped like liquid moonlight over her skin, hugging her figure perfectly. The sleeves were sheer, lined with intricate lace detailing. When she moved, the dress seemed to glow under the light, giving her an almost ethereal appearance.

2. The Golden Mirage – A bold golden dress that reflected the light in dazzling waves. The bodice was adorned with fine jewels, cinched at the waist, and flowing into an elegant skirt that cascaded like a waterfall. This one screamed confidence, power, and dominance—a true statement for a queen of high society.

3. The Enchanted Midnight – A deep midnight blue gown, nearly black, with tiny silver embellishments resembling a sky full of stars. The fabric shimmered subtly, and a high slit on the side gave it both mystery and allure. The back was open, accentuating the graceful curves of her body.

Seraphina tapped her chin, scrolling through her system window.

> [SYSTEM SELECTION]

Choose your gown for the Crown Ball!

(1) Moonlit Elegance

(2) Golden Mirage

(3) Enchanted Midnight

She sighed. This was too hard.

"The silver would make me look like a dream, the gold would make me impossible to ignore, and the blue…"

She imagined herself stepping into the ballroom, the chandelier lights catching on her gown. The murmurs of the crowd, the piercing gazes of the five men watching her from across the hall.

She shivered in anticipation.

"I'll decide later."

With that, she moved back to her desk. The morning sunlight had shifted, casting long shadows across the surface where three letters lay unopened.

She recognized the seals immediately.

Duke Lucien Duskbane

Elias Montclair, the Priest

Commander Caius Draven

Each letter carried the same request—to be her escort for the ball.

Seraphina picked up one, running her fingers over the seal before smirking.

"So many choices, so little time."

She let herself sink into the cushioned chair, head tilting back as she thought about each of them.

Lucien, with his enigmatic smirks and free-spirited nature, ever the gentleman but never predictable.

Elias, the sinfully beautiful priest who masked temptation behind purity.

Caius, the passionate warrior whose loyalty burned as fiercely as his touch.

Her mind drifted, picturing them dressed in regal attire, standing beside her.

"They're all so different… and yet, each one is mine."

A laugh escaped her lips. What a world she had created.