[System Alert: Emergency Quest Triggered.]
Royal Decree Incoming. Host Status: Subject to Public Mandate.
Objective: Survive the next 24 hours without emotional breakdown or public scandal.
Reward: Charm +10, Political Favor +1, Kaelion Affection +8 (if accepted willingly).
Royal Assembly Hall — That Evening
Selene stood before rows of lords, nobles, and monarchs-in-training.
The emperor sat at the head — ancient, cold, and calculating.
Kaelion stood two paces behind him, hands clenched. Silent.
Then the words dropped like fire:
"To preserve the future of the empire…
Crown Prince Kaelion Vaelor is to be engaged immediately to Lady Selene Virellia."
The hall erupted.
Selene's Mind
No. This wasn't the plan.
He wasn't supposed to want her. Need her. Claim her.
Not again.
Her heart raced.
She glanced toward Kaelion.
He said nothing. But his golden eyes never left hers.
[System Notification: Forced Marriage Route Activated. Optional Escape Paths: None.]
Timer: 23 hours remaining to accept or face exile.
After the Announcement
She didn't run.
Not this time.
Instead, she walked — gracefully — to Kaelion's side.
"My lord," she said, loud enough for the crowd, soft enough for only him to feel it. "Are you sure you want another war?"
Kaelion leaned in. His breath brushed her skin.
"You started it. Now stand by my side and win it."
[System Alert: Kaelion Affection +8 → +26. Hidden Title Unlocked: The Emperor's Shadow Bride.]
Meanwhile — Far Across the Courtyard
Lucien stood beneath the statue of the first king, flipping a silver coin.
His violet eyes were unreadable.
"Let the engagement begin," he said with a smile. "Let's see how far she's willing to go… before I take the crown from them both."
[System Alert: Next Quest: "Sleep in the Crown Prince's Chambers."]
Mandatory Event. Fake Fiancée Proximity Challenge. Bonus Affection if Intimacy Meter Increases. Risk: Emotional Breakdown.
Timer begins now.
Selene exhaled slowly.
One night.
Just one night in his chambers.
What could possibly go wrong?