"I would like to go to the library," Seraphina announced as they left the kitchen. Eve nodded and led her down a series of corridors, eventually arriving at two imposing oak doors adorned with intricate dragon carvings. Seraphina's curiosity sparked at the sight, I wonder what secrets they hold. With eager anticipation, she pushed the heavy doors open, expecting the opulence of the sitting room. Instead, a musty odor greeted her nostrils, dampening her enthusiasm.

The library was a far cry from what Seraphina had imagined. The once-grand space now resembled a neglected dungeon, with wooden crates cluttering the open floor on the loft area and books strewn across the shelves. Even the fireplace seemed to sputter in protest, emitting nothing but smoke. Seraphina wrinkled her nose in distaste, feeling a pang of frustration and pity.

"It seems the library hasn't been attended to in quite some time," Eve observed, bowing respectfully. "Shall I open the curtains, Princess?"

As Seraphina ventured further into the neglected library, the dim light filtering through the heavy curtains cast eerie shadows across the worn wooden floorboards. Dust motes danced lazily in the air, catching the faint glimmer of sunlight that managed to penetrate the gloom. The shelves, once majestic and lined with tomes of knowledge, now sagged under the weight of neglect, their surfaces coated in a thick layer of dust and cobwebs. The air carried a musty scent, a mixture of old paper, mildew, and decay, which tickled her nose threatening to make her sneeze.

She found herself against the back wall, some of the better books lay scattered about in disarray, their spines cracked and pages yellowed with age. Some were piled haphazardly on tables, while others leaned precariously on tilted shelves, as if on the verge of collapse. Their covers torn and tattered, evidence of neglect and indifference.

Despite the sorry state of the library, hints of its former grandeur peeked through the neglect. Intricately carved bookends adorned with faded gold leaf hinted at the craftsmanship of a bygone era, while ornate chandeliers hanging from the ceiling spoke of a time when this room was filled with the warm glow of knowledge seekers. As Seraphina moved towards the left corner into the library, she couldn't help but feel a sense of longing for what could have been—a sanctuary of learning and exploration now lost to the ravages of time and neglect.

“Damn it,” her fingers clenched. Books were her first chance, she could’ve holed herself in her room claiming illness and read up on the history. Now she was forced to find alternative means.

"Prince Alden, how can I assist you?" Eve's voice reverberated in the quiet space. She sighed, how many children does this king have? Seraphina, sensing the need to play along, straightened her back and composed herself. She peaked out between the bookcases and watched as Eve bowed, her attention turned to the doorway.

Seraphina observed the arrival of a younger man. He nodded to Eve and his eyes trailed to Seraphina. In that instant, an unmistakable curiosity flickered in his emerald eyes. This was not a place the Princess frequented. She held his gaze and gave him a slight tip of the head.

"I heard your isolation was lifted. But instead of going to the city you’ve decided here?" His voice, like the chiming of distant bells, filled the air as he leaned casually against the doorframe, his demeanor a blend of casual intrigue and genuine interest.

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Seraphina's lips curved into a playful smile as she met his gaze, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Indeed, dear brother, I thought I'd indulge in the tranquility of our home a bit longer before plunging back into the bustling streets of the city," she replied, her tone light and teasing.

Alden chuckled softly, a twinkle of mischief dancing in his green eyes. "Ah, so you've decided to savor the peace and quiet before braving the chaos beyond our walls. Wise choice, I must say," he remarked, nodding approvingly. He took a few steps into the library and sat on the closest table. Eve had pulled the curtains allowing for more to the library to be revealed.

Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "Well, you know me, always one for a bit of adventure. And what better adventure than exploring the hidden treasures of our own estate?" she quipped.

Alden laughed in agreement, the sound echoing through the empty hallway. "Indeed, dear sister, our home is filled with secrets waiting to be discovered. However, I imagined you wouldn’t be the one to find them," he mused.

Seraphina smirked, feeling slightly relaxed. "Who knows, however, I doubt I will find them in the stacks of this refuse.”

“Your wit has grown with your time away,” He remarked, casually tossing aside the remnants of his orange and reclining against the table.The sunlight danced off the intricate patterns of his black and green attire, lending him an air of elegance that Seraphina couldn't help but admire. As she drew closer, she couldn't shake the sense of tension emanating from him, a stark contrast to his relaxed posture.

Leaning against the table beside him, Seraphina observed her brother with interest. Despite his commanding presence, there was a softness to his features that set him apart from the other Prince. His slender frame accentuated from the tightness of his vest cinching his waist and showcasing his chest.

Sensing her scrutiny, Alden shifted uneasily, a flicker of discomfort crossing his features as she studied him intently. With a sudden movement, he repositioned himself, his eyes meeting hers with a piercing intensity that caught her off guard.

"You seem troubled," Seraphina remarked.

Alden's response was swift and sharp, his tone laced with suspicion. "What are you doing?" he demanded, his gaze narrowing with mistrust.

Caught off guard by his defensive stance, Seraphina straightened her shoulders. "Merely observing," she replied curtly, her tone tinged with annoyance at his abruptness.

"Don't," Prince Alden sneered as he slid off the table, his abrupt departure leaving Seraphina with a sense of unease. As he stalked away, something caught her eye in the sunlight, casting a revealing glow upon his neck. There, just beneath his collar, was a dark bruise, almost imperceptible to most, but unmistakable to Seraphina.

A sudden realization washed over her, accompanied by a wave of guilt. The bruise spoke volumes, a silent testament to the torment Alden had endured. It was a stark reminder of the harsh realities that surrounded them, a world rife with bullying and despair. The sun began to sink in the windows and Eve returned to her side.

“Princess it’s almost time for your dinner with your mother,” Seraphina let her shoulder sink with those words. The odds seemed stacked against her in this case and she clenched her hands. How many more people did she have to fake to get a better understanding?

“I assume we’ll have to change?” She joked, looking down at her dusty silken dress.

“Yes Princess, the dust isn’t invited,” Eve gently said and Seraphina laughed, taking the woman’s arm. Together, they walked back towards the bedroom.