Henry vs. Seraphina: The Battle of Personal Space

Henry had made a terrible mistake.

That much became apparent when Seraphina raised her goblet and declared, "Tonight, we celebrate my beloved's arrival!"

Henry choked on his own breath. "Your what now?!"

Seraphina gave him a slow, dangerous smile. "Oh, Henry, do keep up. You're mine now, remember?"

The room erupted into applause. The orchestra swelled into a dramatic, sweeping tune, as if this were the climax of an epic romance rather than his personal descent into madness. Servants bustled about, pouring wine, presenting lavish platters of food, and arranging the enormous chocolate cake as if it were an offering to the gods.

Henry glanced around in pure desperation. There had to be an escape route. A conveniently placed balcony. A hidden passage. A single unlocked door.

Nothing.

Seraphina, sensing his internal turmoil, leaned closer, voice as smooth as silk. "You look tense. Would you like a massage?"

"I would like a lifeboat," Henry deadpanned.

Seraphina giggled and plopped down next to him, resting her chin on her hand. "You're adorable when you panic."

Henry groaned. "Can we at least pretend I have autonomy? Just a little? For fun?"

Seraphina hummed. "Fine. I'll grant you a single choice tonight."

Henry perked up. "Really?"

"Yes. You may either sit beside me and enjoy this extravagant feast…" She paused for dramatic effect, then purred, "Or you may sit on my lap and enjoy this extravagant feast."

Henry nearly broke his own neck whipping around to face her. "WHAT—"

"Choose wisely," Seraphina added, sipping her wine with an infuriating smirk.

Henry clutched his chest like he'd been mortally wounded. "This isn't a choice!"

Seraphina shrugged. "Then I suppose I'll choose for you."

Before he could protest, she snapped her fingers. Instantly, two burly servants appeared at his sides, gripping his arms.

Henry let out a strangled noise. "WAIT. WAIT. I PICK THE CHAIR! THE CHAIR!"

Seraphina sighed dramatically. "Oh, very well. But only because I'm feeling merciful."

The servants released him, and Henry collapsed into his seat, exhaling shakily. He had survived. Barely.

Seraphina, looking far too pleased with herself, clapped her hands. "Bring out the main course!"

The doors swung open, revealing another procession of servants carrying covered silver trays. With a flourish, they removed the lids—

—and Henry's stomach immediately dropped.

There, beautifully arranged on a golden platter, was a roasted pig. A very roasted pig.

With his missing coat draped over it.

Henry's eye twitched. "Seraphina."

"Yes, dear?"

He pointed accusingly. "That. That is my coat."

Seraphina gasped. "Oh, is it? My apologies, I thought it was part of the presentation."

Henry inhaled deeply through his nose. "Seraphina, why is my coat on a pig?"

She tilted her head innocently. "I assumed you'd want to keep it warm."

Henry had never wanted to throw himself off a balcony more in his life.

But he was determined. Determined to salvage some shred of dignity in this chaos.

He straightened, squared his shoulders, and declared, "Fine. You know what? I'm eating. I'm ignoring you. I'm having a completely normal dinner like a completely normal person."

Seraphina rested her chin in her hand, eyes gleaming. "As you wish."

For the next few minutes, Henry focused entirely on his food. Steak. Wine. Mashed potatoes. Normal. Simple. Safe.

But the moment he started to relax, a hand slid onto his thigh.

Henry froze.

He turned his head slowly. Seraphina, still sipping her wine, met his gaze with the purest expression of feigned innocence.

"Something wrong?" she asked sweetly.

Henry's entire soul threatened to evacuate his body. "Your hand."

"Oh, is it bothering you?" Seraphina gave a lazy smile. "I could move it higher if you prefer."

Henry nearly knocked over his wine. "NO—"

Seraphina leaned in, voice dripping with amusement. "You're so fun to tease."

Henry was going to die. This was it. He was going to spontaneously combust in the middle of dinner.

He abruptly stood up. "I need air."

Seraphina pouted. "But dinner isn't finished."

"Neither is my sanity!" Henry shot back, making a beeline for the balcony.

The cool night air was a blessing. He gripped the railing and inhaled deeply, trying to steady himself. The view stretched out before him—moonlight reflecting off the grand city, spires of the palace reaching towards the heavens, the distant sea shimmering like liquid silver.

Beautiful. Peaceful.

"Thinking of jumping?" Seraphina's voice purred behind him.

Henry tensed. "Not if you plan to catch me."

Seraphina laughed, stepping beside him. "Come now, you're enjoying yourself. Admit it."

Henry crossed his arms. "I am enduring myself. There's a difference."

Seraphina tapped her chin. "Mm. No, I don't think so."

Henry sighed. "Seraphina. I can't stay here forever."

"Why not?" she mused. "You have food. A warm bed. Me."

Henry ignored the way his pulse definitely did not speed up at that last part. "I need my freedom."

Seraphina studied him for a long moment. Then, to his surprise, she nodded. "Very well."

Henry blinked. "Wait, really?"

Seraphina smiled. "Of course. I would never force you to stay."

Henry eyed her warily. "What's the catch?"

She leaned closer, lips ghosting over his ear. "Win a game against me."

Henry's stomach sank. "…What kind of game?"

Seraphina's grin was positively wicked. "A duel."

Henry exhaled sharply. "Fine. I accept."

Seraphina clapped her hands in delight. "Wonderful. Then we shall duel at sunrise. And if you win—"

"I leave," Henry interjected firmly.

Seraphina nodded. "And if I win…"

She trailed a single finger down his chest, her voice a whisper of silk.

"You'll share my bed."

Henry's brain promptly exploded.

He took a staggering step back. "EXCUSE ME?!"

Seraphina laughed, her violet eyes gleaming with mischief. "Oh, Henry. You really should know by now—"

She reached up, cupping his chin lightly, forcing him to meet her gaze.

"—I never play fair."

Henry gulped.

Tomorrow was going to be a very long day.