A Reunion
[Scene: Seraphina’s Chambers – Morning]
Two days after the priest's visit. Seraphina is sitting upright in bed, tray of breakfast on her lap, sunlight pouring through the windows.
Lady Seraphina Althea Everleigh
(Sips tea)
Finally... no fever. My body still aches, but it’s nothing compared to death.
[Suddenly, the chamber doors slam open!]
Duchess Callidora of Ravensworth
Seraphina Everleigh! My child!!
Duke Cassius of Ravensworth
*Barreling in behind his wife*
My daughter, you sureeee?!
Lady Seraphina Althea Everleigh
Mother? Father?! You’re back early...
Duchess Callidora of Ravensworth
Early?! We returned the moment we heard you were poisoned!
Who would DARE harm my baby?!
Duke Cassius of Ravensworth
We left for four days and come back to THIS madness?
And to make matters worse—we hear of your annulment from the palace guards?!
Lady Seraphina Althea Everleigh
I sent word through the High Priest. He should be in the capital by now...
Duchess Callidora of Ravensworth
*soft gasp*
So it's true... You're ending your engagement?
Lady Seraphina Althea Everleigh
Yes, Mother.
Duchess Callidora of Ravensworth
*finally exhales*
Thank the heavens you're finally over that strange boy.
Duke Cassius of Ravensworth
*Cassius gasps at her*
Honey! He is the Crown Prince.
Duchess Callidora of Ravensworth
Yes and strange! Always brooding. Never even wrote letters after the engagement. That boy was always... off.
Duke Cassius of Ravensworth
(Turning to Seraphina)
But daughter... why now?
Lady Seraphina Althea Everleigh
Because this time, I refuse to die for a love that never protected me.
FLASHBACK: HER PREVIOUS LIFE
[Scene: Same chambers, years ago—Seraphina recovering from another poisoning.]
Duchess Callidora of Ravensworth
Break off the engagement, Seraphina! The threats are coming because you’re to marry the Crown Prince.
Duke Cassius of Ravensworth
They won’t stop. We begged the royal guards, but even they are afraid.
Lady Seraphina Althea Everleigh
*Lying pale in bed, gripping her blanket*
No. I love him. I believe in him.
Duchess Callidora of Ravensworth
Even if it kills you?
Lady Seraphina Althea Everleigh
I won’t run from my destiny.
Lady Seraphina Althea Everleigh
💭Last time, I obeyed my heart... and I died for it.💭
Duchess Callidora of Ravensworth
*eyes filling*
Oh sweetheart...
Duke Cassius of Ravensworth
I should have protected you better... I should have dragged you out of the palace myself.
Lady Seraphina Althea Everleigh
You did everything you could.
But this time, I’ve taken control of my own fate.
Duchess Callidora of Ravensworth
*looks at Cassius*
She’s braver than both of us.
Duke Cassius of Ravensworth
*His voice softens*
You have your mother’s fire... and your father’s stubbornness.
The Crown has lost a gem.
Duchess Callidora of Ravensworth
And gained an idiot.
*They all laugh softly. The tension eases.*
Duke Cassius of Ravensworth
What will you do now?
Duchess Callidora of Ravensworth
You should take your place as the heir of Ravensworth.
Lady Seraphina Althea Everleigh
Wouldn’t Cousin Barrett have succeeded me?
Duke Cassius of Ravensworth
He would rather travel
Duchess Callidora of Ravensworth
Yes, You need take your father’s place so he and I can travel peacefully with no paperwork.
Lady Seraphina Althea Everleigh
I’ll wait. The news will reach the prince soon.
And when it does... the kingdom will have to choose:
A doomed alliance, or a daughter that dares to live.
Duke Cassius of Ravensworth
No one dares touch my child. They couldn’t protect you.
Duchess Callidora of Ravensworth
Indeed.
Duchess Callidora of Ravensworth
We shall stand with you.
Duke Cassius of Ravensworth
Always.
[Scene fades on the family, united once more—stronger, wiser, and ready for the storm to come.]
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