The palace gates opened slowly as Draven and his small group approached.
The sun was setting behind the western towers, painting the sky in hues of gold and rose. The moment the guards recognized Draven, horns sounded in greeting — warm, melodic notes reserved for returning family.
Draven rode at the front, the sealed iron box secured safely in his saddlebag. Sero perched on his shoulder, silver scales catching the last rays of sunlight. Thorne, Elowen, and Sylara rode behind him, tired but relieved to be home.
As they crossed the main courtyard, Draven's eyes searched for one person.
And there she was.
Seraphina stood at the top of the wide marble steps leading into the main palace, surrounded by soft glowing lanterns. She had transformed the entire entrance into something breathtaking.
Hundreds of silver roses — the same ones from their private garden — had been brought in and arranged in elegant vases along the stairs and pillars. Flowing white and emerald silk banners hung from the balconies, gently swaying in the evening breeze. Soft golden lanterns floated in the air, casting a warm, romantic glow over everything. A long red carpet had been laid out from the gates all the way to the steps, scattered with white petals.
It was clear she had spent days preparing this welcome.
Seraphina herself looked radiant. She wore a flowing emerald gown that matched her eyes, her hair loose and adorned with small silver roses. One hand rested gently on her belly, where their child was growing. Sero, who had flown ahead the moment he saw her, was already in her arms, chirping happily and nuzzling her cheek.
The moment Draven dismounted, Seraphina's face lit up with pure joy. She descended the steps gracefully, Sero still in her arms, and walked straight into his embrace.
Draven wrapped his arms around her tightly, burying his face in her hair. She smelled like jasmine and home.
"You're back," she whispered, voice thick with emotion. "You actually came back."
"I promised I would," he murmured against her temple. "And I brought something for you."
He pulled back just enough to look at her, then gently kissed her — slow, deep, and full of all the days they had been apart. The entire courtyard seemed to fade away for that moment. When they finally parted, both were smiling, foreheads resting together.
Seraphina laughed softly, tears glistening in her eyes. "You're covered in road dust, my love."
"And you decorated the entire palace just for me," he replied, voice warm. "It's beautiful. You're beautiful."
She took his hand and led him up the steps, the group following at a respectful distance. Servants bowed as they passed, but no one interrupted the moment.
Inside the main hall, Seraphina had prepared a private welcome feast — not a grand banquet, but an intimate setting with their closest companions. The long table was covered in white linen, adorned with fresh flowers and glowing candles. Their favorite foods were laid out: roasted quail with honey glaze, fresh bread still warm, ripe berries, and Seraphina's favourite rose wine.
They ate slowly, sharing stories of the journey. Draven told them about the auction, the chase, and the terrifying intervention of Absolute Judgement. Seraphina listened with wide eyes, holding his hand the entire time.
After the meal, the others excused themselves politely, giving the couple space.
Draven and Seraphina retreated to their private chambers.
The room had been freshly prepared. Fresh sheets, more silver roses in vases, and soft lantern light. Sero curled up on his favourite cushion near the window, already dozing.
They stood by the large balcony doors, looking out at the moonlit gardens.
Draven pulled Seraphina close, wrapping his arms around her from behind. His hands rested gently over her belly.
"I missed you every single day," he whispered against her hair.
"I missed you more," she replied, leaning back into him. "Every night I looked at the mirror, hoping you would appear. And when you did… it made the waiting bearable."
They stood like that for a long time — simply holding each other, breathing together.
Draven eventually turned her around to face him. He cupped her face gently and kissed her again — slower this time, full of tenderness and longing. Seraphina melted into the kiss, her hands sliding up his chest.
When they parted, she rested her forehead against his.
"How long do I have you this time?" she asked quietly.
Draven's expression grew serious for a moment, then softened. "I was supposed to leave again in a few days… but I've decided to stay. Seven more days. I won't leave until then. We need this time. You need this time. Our baby needs this time."
Seraphina's eyes filled with happy tears. She smiled brightly and pulled him into another kiss. "Seven days… I'll take every single one."
They spent the rest of the night in each other's arms — talking softly about the baby, about names, about the future they both dreamed of. Sero occasionally chirped in his sleep, as if agreeing with their plans.
Draven held Seraphina close as she drifted off, his hand resting protectively over her belly.
The next seven days became a beautiful bubble of peace and love.
Mornings were spent walking slowly in the northern gardens, Draven's arm around Seraphina's waist, Sero fluttering happily around them. They talked about everything and nothing — baby names, how the palace felt different now, silly memories from before the curse.
Afternoons were gentle. Sometimes they sat in the library while Elowen read old stories aloud. Sometimes Draven trained lightly with Thorne in the courtyard while Seraphina watched from the shade, smiling. Evenings were the most precious — private dinners with just the two of them (and Sero stealing berries), followed by long, tender nights where they held each other as if trying to memorize every touch.
Draven made sure to spend time with the entire group too. He sparred with Thorne, discussed magic and history with Elowen, and shared quiet conversations with Sylara about loyalty and family. But every night, he returned to Seraphina.
On the seventh day, as the sun began to set, Draven stood with Seraphina on the balcony of their chambers.
The sky was painted in deep oranges and purples. Sero was curled up on the railing, watching the sunset.
Draven turned to Seraphina and took both her hands in his.
"These seven days have been the most precious gift," he said softly. "Thank you for making them so beautiful."
Seraphina smiled, though her eyes were sad. "I wish it could be longer."
"I know," he replied, pulling her close. "But the second treasure can't wait forever. I have to go. I'll be gone for roughly three months… maybe a little longer. But I will come back. I swear it."
She nodded, resting her head on his chest. "I'll be waiting. Every single day. And when you return… we'll finally start our real life together."
They stood there until the stars came out, holding each other tightly.
The next morning, Draven would ride out again — toward Nefel, the End of the World.
But for one last night, the palace was quiet, warm, and full of love.
Draven and Seraphina holding each other under the stars, cherishing their final night before the long separation, the promise of return heavy in their hearts.
To be continued…