The morning sun bathed the Ashthorne estate in golden warmth, but Seraphina Ashthorne felt none of it.
She sat before her dressing mirror, watching her reflection as Mira brushed her hair gently.
"Milady," Mira said hesitantly, "you seem… troubled. Did something happen at the banquet?"
Seraphina forced a smile. "Trouble hasn't happened yet, Mira. But it will. Very soon."
She caught Mira's startled look and offered a softer tone. "You've always been loyal to me, haven't you?"
"Of course," Mira said, nodding. "You saved my brother from that debt collector last spring. I owe you everything."
Seraphina's chest tightened. In her past life, Mira had died trying to protect her during the fire. The memory still stung like an open wound.
She reached over and squeezed the maid's hand. "Stay close to me in the days ahead. No matter what anyone says, no matter who tries to separate us."
Mira blinked, visibly confused, but nodded.
It was a small change, but one that could ripple forward into something greater.
Later that afternoon, the estate's marble drawing room was quiet save for the ticking of the grandfather clock.
The invitation was already on the table.
An ornate scroll sealed in silver wax bearing the royal crest.
Seraphina stared at it, knowing what was inside. It wasn't simply a royal summons—it was a proposal confirmation. Prince Kael had likely already arranged for it to be announced by the Council.
In her first life, she had accepted it with joy.
This time, she opened it and smiled grimly.
Then, she summoned her father.
Lord Byron Ashthorne, Duke of Ashthorne, entered the chamber with the grace of a man used to power. His salt-and-pepper hair was tied back, and his emerald cloak swished behind him like a tide of ivy.
"You summoned me, daughter?" he asked, raising an amused brow. "Don't tell me you wish to change the embroidery on your wedding dress again."
"There will be no wedding," Seraphina said, standing.
The duke paused. "Come again?"
"I will not marry Prince Kael," she said, voice unwavering. "I reject the proposal. You may inform the Crown."
A heavy silence fell.
"Have you lost your mind?" he snapped. "You were born for this. You've trained for this. That crown—"
"Is not worth my life," she cut in. "Not again."
He narrowed his eyes. "Explain."
She took a breath. This was her first real test. "The Crown Prince is not the man he pretends to be. He will use me, cast me aside, and disgrace this house."
"Ashthornes do not bow to fear or speculation," he growled.
"I am not speculating," she said coolly. "I am warning you."
The duke's nostrils flared. But after a tense moment, he exhaled and said, "If not Kael, then who?"
Seraphina lifted her chin. "I will send a marriage offer to Duke Lucien Nightbane of Ravenhollow."
Her father went deathly still.
"You will do no such thing."
"I already have," she lied. "The letter leaves with the next hawk. And if you interfere, I will go to Ravenhollow myself."
Byron's eyes darkened with fury. "That man is cursed."
"So am I," she said softly. "Only my curse doesn't show on my face."
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then the duke turned, stormed from the room, and slammed the door behind him.
Seraphina stood still, her heart racing.
He would resist.
So would the Crown.
But she was no longer the obedient daughter of House Ashthorne.
She was a woman with one purpose now:
Vengeance.
That evening, as the estate grew quiet and shadows lengthened across the corridors, Seraphina entered her private study.
A single candle flickered on the desk.
She sat, took out parchment, and dipped a quill in ink.
Her hand trembled slightly as she began:
"To His Grace, Duke Lucien Nightbane of Ravenhollow,
I write not as a woman in search of love, but as a noble in pursuit of survival.
I offer my hand in marriage—not out of desperation, but out of strategy.
I believe our union could serve both our interests.I await your reply.
—Lady Seraphina Ashthorne"
She folded the letter, sealed it with the Ashthorne crest, and rang for a courier hawk.
The butler raised a brow. "Ravenhollow, my lady?"
"Yes," she replied, eyes steady. "Let it fly tonight."
As the hawk disappeared into the velvet sky, Seraphina leaned on the window frame, gazing at the stars.
Kael wouldn't take rejection lightly. He would come for her.
Elira would not sit still either. She would try to seize Seraphina's place again.
And the empire would whisper about her madness.
But none of it mattered.
Because this time, she wouldn't be alone.
She would have Lucien—a man feared, hated, and shunned by the empire.
A man strong enough to keep her enemies at bay.
Even if he was cursed.