Royal of Darkness

Previously

…The door creaked open, revealing not the formidable prince, but a woman I vaguely recognized from the periphery of the court. She was older, her face a roadmap of subtle lines etched by time and, perhaps, sorrow. Her dark hair was pulled back severely, her simple, charcoal-grey gown a stark contrast to the vibrant silks favored by the other ladies I'd glimpsed. "Lady Elara," she said, her voice low and melodic, carrying an accent I couldn't quite place. She offered a small, almost imperceptible bow. "Prince Valerius sent me. My name is Seraphina Dubois." I swallowed, my throat suddenly dry. "Lady Dubois. Thank you." My voice sounded thin, reedy. She entered, closing the door softly