The moon hung low over the palace, bleeding silver light onto the courtyard tiles. Seraphina stood alone in the Moon Courtyard, dressed in a pale robe of mourning white. Her coronation was in two days, and yet, her heart felt buried beneath centuries of dust and memory.
The moonflower Mason once gave her was tucked close to her heart, its petals dry now, but still glowing faintly—like a stubborn whisper of the boy who died… and lived… and died again.
Her fingers trembled as she reached up and touched the silver chain around her neck—the very one that held the tiny emblem Arabella had carved when they were girls. A sword and a star. Sisters till the end.
"I'm still here," Seraphina whispered to the night. "But I don't know if that's enough anymore."
"I hate when you talk like that."
Arabella stepped from behind a pillar, arms crossed, Mira trailing behind her like a silent shadow.
Arabella's voice cracked. "You're Seraphina. The girl who burned, bled, and still rose. Don't you dare start doubting that now."
Seraphina didn't speak. She just turned, and they embraced.
But the warmth didn't last.
---
Inside the Red Lotus Pavilion — That Same Night
Concubine Sun stood by the water basin, her face glowing under candlelight. Around her, the scent of plum wine mixed with fresh lotus. Her painted lips curved into a smile as she turned to her guests — four concubines dressed in embroidered silks, heads lowered in obedience.
And beside her, leaning against the pillar in shadowed armor, was General Huo — her brother. His face bore the calm of someone who had silenced rebellions for sport.
"She returns, they sing songs about her," Concubine Sun said coolly. "The girl who 'survived fire' and now wears the crown. How poetic."
"She's more than a girl now," one concubine muttered.
Concubine Sun's eyes flashed. "She's a threat."
General Huo spoke at last. "You want her gone?"
"No," Sun said slowly. "I want her broken. A crown atop a cracked soul. Let her marry the Emperor. Let her wear the title. And then… let her fall."
She turned. From the shadows stepped a masked figure draped in cloth darker than night, holding a talisman wrapped in black silk. When he spoke, his voice scratched like stone.
"Use this. A cursed vine from the Valley of Forgotten Spirits. Add a single drop to her ceremonial tea during rehearsal. It will not kill… but her spirit will never be the same."
Concubine Sun smiled. "Let the petals of her strength rot."
---
The Next Morning – Seraphina's Chamber
Maelis, eyes bright and voice sharp, adjusted Seraphina's ceremonial robes.
"You've grown into a queen, my lady," she whispered, tears shimmering. "Do you remember how you used to sneak out of the palace just to chase fireflies? Look at you now. Two days from Empress."
Seraphina managed a weak smile.
Maelis's hands paused. "But there's something I must tell you."
She leaned close.
"It's Concubine Sun. She's become powerful—too powerful. Since your disappearance, she's united the other concubines. Her brother has Emperor Kai's full trust. And now… she controls the inner court. She has eyes everywhere."
Seraphina's fingers stilled on the hem of her sleeves. "So, she leads them now?"
"She commands them," Maelis whispered. "But beware—she doesn't seek harmony. She wants to replace you."
Just then, the door creaked open.
Arabella entered first, followed by Mira—both dressed in formal robes.
Maelis turned when Arabella stepped in, her eyes softening. "You're earlier than I expected," she said with a faint smile. "Still walking like a soldier, even in royal silk."
Arabella chuckled. "I've seen enough fire to run from none."
Maelis reached for her hand. "Then stand close to your sister. This palace breathes poison."
Later – The Ceremonial Rehearsal
The great hall was filled with fragrance and whispers. The sun filtered through stained glass, painting the walls in crimson and gold. Musicians played softly as Seraphina entered in full coronation attire—crown robes sweeping behind her.
She walked down the crimson carpet. She didn't feel regal. She felt like a girl pretending to be made of steel.
On the dais, a ceremonial table had been arranged: sacred incense, royal tea, the Empress's first sip before taking the throne.
She sat.
Her fingers reached for the cup.
But just before it touched her lips—
CRASH!
Maelis darted forward and smashed the teacup from her hand.
Gasps filled the chamber.
Maelis knelt instantly. "Forgive me, my lady! My hand slipped!"
But Seraphina's heart was pounding. She looked at Maelis—and Maelis nodded ever so slightly.
Elaris, cloaked and disguised as a servant, stepped forward with a silver shard of the cup. He muttered something under his breath and ran a charm stone over it.
The shard hissed—dark magic leaking like smoke.
Poison.
Not to kill her. But to destroy her spirit.
Concubine Sun, sitting far in the gallery, did not flinch. She simply adjusted her robe and sipped her tea, eyes calm. Daring Seraphina to move.
But Seraphina didn't react. She rose like a queen, nodded to the crowd, and excused herself with grace.
Only when she returned to her chamber did she let her fury speak.
---
In the Private Garden
Seraphina stood beneath the magnolia tree, Arabella and Mira beside her.
"They tried to break me with poison," she said. "Let them try. They'll only make me stronger."
"But we can't fight shadows with grace," Arabella said. "What now?"
"We create our own circle," Seraphina said. "One loyal to us. One that watches when we sleep, listens when we're surrounded. This palace has always had enemies."
She looked up.
"But now… the Empress has teeth."
---
Final Scene – Beneath the Palace
In the dampness of the secret dungeon, Concubine Sun stood before the masked figure once more.
"You said the spirit poison would break her."
"It did not," the figure rasped. "But don't worry. If her soul won't rot…" He smiled, revealing blackened teeth. "…then her Emperor will."
Sun blinked. "You mean…"
"She lives. So next… we take Emperor Kai."