Chapter 2

Seraphina's POV

The Starfall Necklace.

I lay on the cold floor as the two Dragon Knights kept talking.

"God, that's the coming-of-age gift His Majesty gave Princess Seraphina. Set with the Empire's largest ruby. Took five whole years to craft."

"His Majesty dotes on her so much—how could he give it away?"

"You didn't hear? The Commander didn't just hand over military credits. He also presented Dragon's Breath."

"Dragon's Breath?! That legendary herb that only grows in ancient dragon lairs?"

"Exactly. Can cure Princess Seraphina's chronic headaches. His Majesty searched everywhere—nothing worked. The moment the Commander offered it, His Majesty agreed."

My nails scraped against stone.

Dragon's Breath.

Three months ago, I saved a traveling mage badly injured from magical backlash. Cared for him for two weeks. Before leaving, he tearfully handed me a silver-glowing herb.

"Miss, this is Dragon's Breath—nearly died getting it from dragon lair ruins. Was gonna give it to the Empire for protection, but you saved my life. It's yours. Can cure anything."

Next day, Caelen saw it.

"Sera, what's this?" His eyes lit up—too bright.

"Herb for my headaches. A mage gave it to me."

"You can't mess around with rare herbs." He snatched it away, expression serious. "I know the best potions master in the capital. Let me get it prepared properly."

His eyes were so sincere, his tone so concerned.

"Why are you so good to me?" I hugged him, tears pricking my eyes.

"Because I love you." He kissed my forehead. "When you hurt, I hurt."

I asked about the progress several times after. He always said still being prepared, told me not to worry.

Now I understood.

That herb had been his bargaining chip from the start—traded for power and my necklace.

And I'd been a fool, moved by his "devotion."

Pain exploded in my head. I closed my eyes. Silent tears tracked down my face.

---

Third evening of my hunger strike, Caelen came.

He carried a silver tray with roasted venison and cake—my favorites.

"The maids say you haven't eaten in three days." He sat on the bed's edge, frowning. "Sera, don't torture yourself. You've got a child in your belly. Be good. Eat something."

I forced myself to sit up, staring coldly.

"You and Victoria," my voice was hoarse, "how long has this been going on?"

Caelen's hand froze.

He laughed once, setting the plate down. Didn't deny it.

"Not important, Sera. Face reality. If not Victoria, some other noble's daughter. I'm Commander of the Obsidian Dragon Knights. My position requires marriage. Doesn't change that I love you."

His self-righteous face made me sick.

"Please, Caelen." My voice trembled. "Let me go. I don't want the manor, the jewels. I'll take the child far away, live under a new name, won't interfere. I'm BEGGING you—"

"Let you GO?!" His expression changed instantly. "Let you take my child and marry someone else? Become leverage for my enemies? You're NEVER leaving me. Not in this lifetime!"

That insane possessiveness in his eyes—despair hit me.

I grabbed the silver fork, pressed it against my throat.

"Stay BACK!" I screamed. The tip broke skin.

His pupils contracted. Then he sneered: "Stop acting. I know how much you want this child. I see right through you."

"BECAUSE I love him, I WON'T let him be an illegitimate bastard!" Tears fell. "Try me, Caelen. What's more important—this child or my life? I'd rather END him myself than stay your prisoner!"

His jaw clenched. Something flickered in his eyes.

Then he took a deep breath, grinding his teeth as he raised both hands and backed away.

"Fine. Very well." Voice turning to ice. "I'll let you go. But eat this last meal. Farewell dinner. After you eat, I'll let you leave."

I watched him warily, right hand gripping the fork, left hand trembling as I grabbed food and wolfed it down.

Hurry. Escape this demon.

Just as I nearly finished, sharp pain tore through my lower abdomen.

"AHH—!"

The fork clattered to the floor. I collapsed on the bed, curling into a ball.

Something savagely ripping at my womb—

I looked up in horror, meeting Caelen's cold eyes.

"Why..." I jammed my fingers down my throat, trying to force the food back up. "What did you GIVE me?!"

"I'm sorry, Sera." His tone was calm, almost pitying. "Victoria is pregnant, and she knows about you. I convinced her to spare you, but she won't allow you to give birth first."

"This is YOUR child too!" I screamed myself hoarse, rolling on the bed in pain, clutching his pant leg. "Caelen! I'm BEGGING you! I don't want status! I won't run! I'll be your mistress, stay hidden forever! Please save the child... get a physician! Go to the palace... PLEASE..."

But he just stood there. Letting me cry out in despair. Letting blood stain my skirts.

He crouched down, gently wiping my tears.

"Be good, Sera. Don't talk nonsense." His voice was soft, coaxing. "Royal healers don't treat commoners. The poison's working. Too late now. Just be patient. After Victoria bears the firstborn son, after my position is secure... we'll have children later."

Later?

We'll have children LATER?!

Listening to his nauseating comfort, I glared at him with pure hatred: "Caelen—you BASTARD—listen to me—"

"I am Seraphina Aurelian—the IMPERIAL GRAND PRINCESS! You just murdered YOUR child! My father will have your HEAD for this!"