the imperial throne hall

Scene: The Imperial Throne Hall

The princess has just been presented before the imperial family after her “sudden recovery” from a long illness (her rebirth). Nobles whisper in the glittering hall. Everyone expects her to bow her head meekly, like the useless shadow she used to be.

[Kaelith, the Cold Crown Prince]

He stands beside his father’s throne, clad in black military garb. His ice-blue eyes narrow slightly as he watches her enter. There’s no flicker of warmth in his gaze—only calculation.

“...So the useless princess crawls out of bed at last.”

His voice is flat, cutting through the murmurs of the court.

“Try not to collapse before the ceremony ends.”

He doesn’t smirk. He doesn’t sneer. His tone is just… cold. Unbothered. As if her existence barely matters.

[Queen Selene]

The queen leans against her golden throne, her silken gown shimmering. She tilts her head, eyes sharp.

“Seraphina, how miraculous. The court had begun to forget you even lived.”

A ripple of laughter from the gathered nobles.

[Court Nobles]

“She looks frail… weaker than ever.”

“What use is she to the empire?”

“The prophecy lingers… perhaps her return is an omen.”

[Kaelith]

He finally steps forward, stopping a few paces in front of her. His boots echo across the polished marble floor. His height and presence cast a shadow over her smaller frame.

“If you are to stand before the empire again, sister…”

His icy eyes lock onto hers.

“…you should learn how not to waste the crown’s time.”

A warning. A threat. And maybe, beneath it all, a silent test.

...----------------...

A soft smile and an elegant polite bow. Then dares to turn to the crown prince as she winks "of course I missed you and couldn't bear to leave you behind"

[Kaelith]

For the first time in years, the unflappable crown prince’s expression shifts — not much, but enough for the court to notice. His jaw tightens, a faint flicker of confusion and… irritation? passing through his ice-blue eyes.

A low murmur ripples across the nobles.

“D-did she just…”

“Wink at him?!”

Kael’s gloved hands flex at his sides, the leather creaking. He leans in a fraction, lowering his voice so only she can hear, though his tone stays perfectly controlled.

“Careful, Seraphina.”

His eyes narrow, the frost in them sharper now.

“You were a ghost for years. Don’t come back to haunt me with games.”

He straightens, looking back at the court as though nothing had happened, but his knuckles are pale against the hilt of his sword.

[Queen Selene]

Her fan snaps shut.

“How… bold.”

The courtiers exchange glances, some smirking, some horrified.

[Kaelith]

He tilts his head slightly toward her again, voice like a blade.

“If you’ve truly returned, little princess, then perhaps you should prove it at tomorrow’s hunt.”

“Show the court you’re more than a pretty ghost.”