The Floral Invasion

"A good morning to you, my lady. I am Theobald Dravendore, personal knight to His Highness the Crown Prince."

Seraphina turned toward the main entrance to see a knight standing proudly with a puffed-out chest in gleaming armor. His disheveled hair stood in stark contrast to his determined gaze.

Theobald gestured toward the irises displaying their vibrant colors and fragrance. 

"These are a token of His Highness's sincerity. He hopes you will find them pleasing."

Then, with a motion of his hand, the knights behind him stepped forward, each carrying trays of chocolate confections encased under glass domes, offering them to the bewildered maids.

"And these," Theobald continued, "were crafted by the finest chefs in the palace, specifically tailored to your tastes by His Highness's command."

The maidservants exchanged anxious glances, then looked toward Seraphina, hesitating, unsure whether to accept.

Seraphina frowned slightly, and with an indifferent attitude, she nodded and spoke slowly.

"Convey my thanks to His Highness." She then focused her attention on the servants who were still fumbling about, signaling for them to accept the pastries.

The servants finally exhaled with relief and took the pastries from the knights.

"Ah, and one more thing, my lady." Theobald pulled out a sealed red envelope and stepped forward to hand it directly to Seraphina. "This is a personal letter that His Highness specifically sent to you."

The servants, not yet recovered from their astonishment at the gifts, now heard of a letter written by the Crown Prince's own hand sent to their mistress, leaving them even more stunned.

Seraphina looked down at the envelope in the knight's hand, where Lucian's pheromones had settled and were silently creeping into her every sense. The handkerchief covering her nose instinctively pressed harder, as if fearing that allowing it to penetrate would make her lose control.

"Thank you, Sir Theobald."

Seraphina adjusted her demeanor to avoid appearing too averse. She took the envelope, her hand trembling but not too noticeably. She breathed deeply under her handkerchief, suppressing the instinct that was eagerly trying to devour every trace of Lucian's meager pheromones on the surface of the letter.

Seraphina hastily handed it to her close maidservant—Mary, who stood beside her—as if holding a hot coal.

Theobald stepped back, appearing as though he would leave after completing his mission, but remained standing there expectantly. He had grown up with Lucian as a close friend, training and even fighting side by side on the battlefield. This was the first time he had seen his arrogant friend make such a grand display to pursue someone, especially an Alpha. Theobald couldn't hide his curiosity about the composed lady standing before him.

Seraphina slightly raised one elegant eyebrow. "Is there something else, Sir Theobald?"

Hearing her question, he didn't conceal his amusement and boldly replied.

"His Highness instructed me to witness you receiving his gifts."

For the first time, a crack appeared in Seraphina's indifferent facade, revealing a flicker of irritation.

That stubborn Alpha.

Her emerald eyes swept across the ocean of irises filling the grand hall, then drifted to the trays of chocolate-laden pastries in the maids' hands. Did he truly think such childish gestures would move her heart? Was he naive, or simply spoiled by the countless Omegas who would grovel at his feet without a second thought?

Seraphina's lips curved upward beneath her silk handkerchief. If that was the case, she would let him taste a bit of failure.

"Mary," she said sweetly yet commandingly, "open the gates of the Ashbourne estate. Distribute all these flowers and pastries among the townsfolk."

Her voice was soft, but the authority it carried was unmistakable. She tilted her head slightly toward Theobald, her eyes glittering with mischief

.

"And be sure to tell them these gifts come from our most esteemed Crown Prince."

Mary, though surprised, quickly understood her mistress's intention and nodded in compliance.

"Are you satisfied now, Sir Theobald?"

Seraphina spoke calmly, but with an undercurrent of mockery, unclear whether it was aimed at Theobald or the mastermind behind him.

Theobald finally couldn't contain himself and burst into laughter, the crisp sound echoing, causing everyone to exchange confused glances, including Seraphina.

Theobald had seen Lucian easily conquer Alphas he took an interest in. Of course, he was the Crown Prince, a pureblooded Alpha. Anyone would readily kneel at his feet.

But Lady Seraphina was different. She didn't waver; she even bit back at Lucian. Thinking of Lucian's expression, like he had stepped in manure, when hearing this story retold, Theobald truly couldn't hold back his laughter.

Seraphina observed as Theobald theatrically wiped away a nonexistent tear from the corner of his eye, trying to suppress his laughter while enthusiastically telling her:

"How fascinating. I assure you, I will report this in detail to His Highness."

Theobald politely bowed his head, then replaced his knight's helmet and turned to leave the Duke's mansion. His laughter still faintly echoed back, leaving utter bewilderment in his wake.

Theobald mounted his horse, his eyes still filled with amusement as he looked back at the Duke's mansion.

Initially, he had come here merely out of curiosity, to see what caliber of prey had captured Lucian's attention enough to make such a grand gesture. But it was beyond his expectations. The prey turned out to be the hunter.

Theobald chuckled once more before pulling the reins and returning to the castle with his knights, eager to see the defeated expression of that arrogant bastard.

Lucian, you've lost this round.

But this battlefield would likely persist. Theobald was curious to see who would emerge as the ultimate victor.

***