Serenil invited all five of his future wives to a moonlit dinner under the sakura trees blooming in the palace gardens. The petals shimmered silver beneath the starlight, and crystalline lanterns floated around the tables.
Liselotte D'Armoire arrived first, riding a bubble orb that carried her up the stone path. She wore a pearl-draped dress that glittered like the sea, and chattered nonstop about new coral shell jewelry.
Roanna Briarwyn followed, dressed in gothic crimson and black, her twin tails bouncing behind her. She playfully teased Serenil, calling him "husband" with a sly wink that made Lyrasia twitch.
Piglette Mariglen came next, bashfully holding a flower basket and offering warm bread she'd baked. She sat quietly near Serenil, watching him with soft, sparkling eyes.
Astarotte Sylvarien, the succubus princess, floated in last. She said nothing at first, merely observing with a calculating look before joining the circle.
Shuna arrived late, dressed simply, yet stunning in a jade green robe. Her presence silenced the group momentarily.
Serenil raised his cup. "To peace, however fragile. And to the bonds we continue to forge."
Each girl offered a different reaction—some curious, some emotional. But Shuna, who had barely touched her food, stood and said:
"I never wanted this life. But I've decided… if I must live it, I'll do it my way."
She turned to Serenil. "If you continue to see me—not the princess, not the ogre—but me—then I'll walk this path by your side."
The others watched silently.
Serenil stood and held out his hand.
"I will. I promise."
For the first time, Shuna took his hand.
And the first of many unspoken understandings passed between them.