The Mad Princess and the Dying Prince novel Chapter 18

He was so devastatingly handsome, so undeniably brilliant!

The sharp cut of his jaw, the piercing intensity of his eyes—every facet of his face was carved exactly to her desires.

Realizing the queen mother had momentarily forgotten her in the wake of the prince's presence, Seraphina took a delicate step forward and offered Jareth a graceful curtsy, her voice soft and sweet.

"Your Highness."

The queen mother suddenly remembered her and perked up. "Jareth, surely you remember Seraphina? Lord Marquis's daughter. The two of you were such close companions as children."

Jareth's gaze drifted lazily over Seraphina's face.

The king glanced between his mother and Seraphina, the pieces falling into place.

It was no secret that the Marquis girl had harbored an obsession with Jareth since childhood.

"I believe I understand what is happening here. You both arrived at the palace for the exact same reason, did you not?" The king laughed, a mocking sound. "Mother, just before you arrived, Jareth was demanding a royal marriage decree."

Both the queen mother and Seraphina stiffened, shooting shocked looks at Jareth.

A marriage decree? Seraphina's heart lurched. She had never dared to hope that his very first act upon returning to the Royal Capital would be to ask for her hand.

But if not her, then who? She had spies tracking his movements for years, and every report insisted there were no women in his company.

"Seeing Seraphina reminds me," the king said, turning to Seraphina. "Years ago, Oracle Verus cast a star chart for Jareth's future marriage and determined the exact nativity stars of his fated bride. Those were your stars, were they not?"

Indeed, it was that very prophecy that convinced the old king, Lord Marquis, and the entire court that Jareth and Seraphina were destined by the heavens.

Seraphina trembled, a loud ringing filling her ears.

"Your Highness, half a year ago, the old king personally promised I would join your household." She lifted her tear-streaked face. "If you do not believe me, you may ask him yourself."

Jareth's dark brows drew together.

The queen mother smiled inwardly. "How could I have forgotten? It is the truth. The old king collapsed in a chapel, and it was Seraphina who came to his aid. When he awoke, he claimed the girl possessed a blessed aura and insisted she be given to you."

That sounded exactly like something the old man would do.

"Upon returning home, I informed my father of his promise. I did not realize guests were present. They overheard, and now the news has spread across the realm." More tears spilled down Seraphina's cheeks. "If this turns into a mockery, I shall be too ashamed to ever show my face in the Royal Capital again."