Book 1: Chapter 33 - The Dowry [Part 1]

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“As long as she is wise and good, a girl has sufficient dowry.”

- Plautus.

The warm, rose-scented water swirled around Seraphina as she sank deeper into the marble bath. Soft late afternoon light trickled down from the high window above across the ornate tiles depicting ancient legends, casting a golden glow that danced with the steam rising in delicate tendrils. The air was filled with the gentle aroma of lavender and chamomile, mingling with the rose to create a soothing sanctuary. Ivory columns trimmed with gold leaf adorned with intricate carvings framed the spacious room and a mosaic made from fine tiles adorned the floor.

Washing was taking quite a bit of time, even with Eloise helping to work the dried blood from her long, dark hair. The girl's nimble fingers moved methodically, yet her excitement was palpable. Eloise bubbled over about the day's events as if they had been lifted straight from a fairy tale. Her laughter echoed softly against the high ceilings, blending with the trickling sound of water.

Eventually, Seraphina had to shoo her out for a bit so she could enjoy a moment of quiet. In her imagination, however, the metallic scent of iron still lingered—a stark reminder of the chaos that had recently unfolded.

As far as Seraphina was concerned, she had met the insult with a fitting punishment. She took satisfaction in her adept use of the laws to reprimand the Crown Prince and his entourage for their audacity. Not even the Royal Guard stood above the laws of the land. The Goddess of Justice, Avaria, would approve, she felt. She had even tempered her judgment with a touch of mercy in the end.

The key for successful people, she mused, was not to try to beat the system already in place. Rather, it was to beat people with the system. Like a club if necessary.

Would her recent actions incur the displeasure of King Elidion? Most assuredly; yet she surmised that much of his ire would be directed toward his son, Vellens, who had failed to secure her hand in marriage. The Royal Family required her—and more pointedly, her prospective heirs—far more than the de Sariens stood in need of them. Of this, she felt quite certain.

After all, her offspring would likely inherit both the Royal and de Sarien estates—a union that many among the nobility opposed. Furthermore, should she meet an untimely end, Vellens would stand to inherit her lands and titles. The prospect of a fatal fall from a window or the stealthy strike of an assassin's blade was hardly one she relished. All this presumed, of course, that her parents did not produce another heir—a possibility that, judging by the lively sounds resonating through the estate, they were earnestly pursuing.

These reflections stirred peculiar emotions within her, and she silently lamented the betrayals of her youthful form. Yet she could not deny the feelings that welled within her or blame them only on hormones. These were affections she might have experienced at any age.

In reflection, she might have elected the simpler course of assisting the Crown Prince, but such a path would have been insufferably dull. No, she preferred to lead the young man by the nose a while longer. Seraphina had discerned genuine desire in his eyes—the kind of passion that could, in a fit of jealousy, launch a thousand ships.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

He would, of course, have another opportunity when she journeyed to the capital for her formal introduction to the court. Doubtless, he would seize upon it eagerly. It would be unfortunate for him, however, that by then other suitors would be vying for her favor. His recent missteps would only embolden others to seek her hand. After all, was she not the most eligible young lady in the entire kingdom—indeed, perhaps in all the continent?

The warm water with its performed scent soothed her as she closed her eyes and permitted herself a moment of indulgence. For an instant, she fancied what it might be like to share such a moment with Vellens—his strong arms encircling her, his damp hair falling over those striking grey eyes that held so much turmoil for one so young. Turmoil that she would love to add to. She smiled to herself; perhaps she could teach him a thing or two in more ways than one.

Seraphina shook her head, dispelling the fanciful notion. Rising abruptly, the water cascaded from her form—a silent summons to her maids. The young women, newly arrived from a neighboring village, hastened forward with soft, downy towels to envelop her.

After departing the bath chamber and dismissing the attendants, she encountered Eloise tending to her own long, dark hair. How did she manage to keep it so impeccably maintained, given its length? It was a marvel at times.

"I still cannot believe we saved the Prince!" exclaimed Eloise, her eyes alight with unabated joy. She beamed at Seraphina, a veritable fountain of good cheer. "And that Sir Gallant—was he not dashingly handsome!" she gushed, closing her eyes and shaking her head in delight. "Did you observe how deftly he wielded his sword? So swift and graceful! And that black stallion he rode—like a hero from legend!"

Seraphina decided to indulge her, adopting a wry expression. "Oh, indeed! He certainly knows how to handle a sword. He was not half bad, was he? Much better than that dolt, Vellens!" she giggled. "I mean, Sir Gallant's eyes are like sapphires, his hair so dark and smooth. And those cheekbones!"

Eloise's expression clouded momentarily, like a shadow passing over the sun. "You know, I once held a great fondness for Vellens... but now I find my heart drawn to another so swiftly. Does that make me fickle? Am I so easily swayed?" she asked, her tone tinged with melancholy.

For a moment, Seraphina felt a genuine pang of sympathy for her. She gently patted Eloise's head before lifting her chin to meet her gaze. "You should feel no guilt for liking or loving someone. Such feelings are natural and ought not to bring shame. Is it so wrong for maidens like us to be swept off our feet by a handsome smile?"

The dark-haired girl beamed. "Of course not... and it is good to have options! Besides, Vellens is so... well, he is quite pleasing to the eye. But the way Sir Gallant strode forth to protect me! It was like something from the old tales. And Sir Gallant is just so mysterious and brave. Did you see how he charged to the rescue against those bandits? Striking left and right as if the very god of war Amanos himself!"

"Precisely my thoughts!" Seraphina agreed, laughing. "And let us not forget, Vellens may be a prince, but he still seems a boy. Sir Gallant, however, appears so mature and strong."

This was promising. Very promising indeed. If Eloise was infatuated with someone else, it was most fortuitous. She needed to cultivate this.

Eloise giggled. "And his horse! That magnificent black stallion. Did you see it? I saw one perhaps like it at an auction once... you could buy an entire town for its price!"

Seraphina nearly sighed but maintained her amiable expression. Of course, Eloise, with her humble origins, would be acquainted with attending such events as horse auctions.

"Indeed! Vellens could take a lesson or two from Sir Gallant on making an entrance," Seraphina added with a wink.

They continued to chatter thus, comparing the two men in exaggerated and whimsical terms. Their laughter filled the room, light and carefree. In these unguarded moments, Seraphina felt as though she were truly a young teenage girl again, unencumbered by the burdens of near-constant worry.