Knight | Celeste Academy Series BK #1

22nd Chapter ♣ Seraphina's Summoning

"Black is taboo. It is ever so present in the eyes and hair of demons."

♣

Chapter Twenty-Two ♣ Seraphina's Summoning

"Lady Seraphina has arrived," the guard announced and the doors broke open.

Seraphina walked into the room, taking long and confident strides.

"And finally, she arrives." Lord Rupert of Arlandia leaned back on his seat, his emerald green eyes darting towards the door as the woman arrived. "Join us, Lady Seraphina." He gestured towards an open seat that faced the round table.

She did as he asked and took her seat.

The aristocrats were gathered, but she did not see Lord Aeron anywhere—which was very unusual. A man of his stature should attend these meetings as it was his right and duty.

"Now, can we start?" asked the ever impatient lord of Larkovia, Lord Lovis. "I still have matters I must attend to."

"Yes," the king answered, nodding. "I wouldn't want to keep you."

Before everything else, Seraphina decided to speak up. "I'm currently suspended so works regarding that of a Celeste is something that I cannot do."

"Yes, we know that you are suspended." Lord Dillian of Denovegasia gave her an understanding nod. "We're all quite aware but we want to hear straight from you what instigated you to act the way you did."

The woman sighed. "It all started with the mission.," Seraphina started, and the king nodded in response. "During that assignment, I was seen by a human."

Someone gasped. "A human."

They all turned to see Lord Leiland.

"Ah, yes . . . that girl who defeated my daughter and took her place as fifth-ranker. Courtney has been grumbling in frustration within her room nonstop about it."

"Well, we have heard of this from Lord Aeron. She has the uncanny ability to see the demons, correct?" Lord Rupert massaged the bridge of his nose.

"Yes."

"From what I heard, you tried to help her by hiding her existence from the court." The king added.

"That's right, Your Majesty," Seraphina admitted.

"Why?" three of them chorused.

"I . . . I'm still figuring out the answer to that."

"I see." The king sighed. "We will not further question you regarding this matter, but hear us out." He paused. "I'm sure everyone will agree to remove the suspension if you're willing to perform a task."

"Claude told me that this is something that involves the crown prince?" Seraphina looked between the aristocrats gathered within the room.

"Yes."

"How so, sire?"

King Laedin breathed heavily and his eyes reflected that of a weakening fire. "Bertram's condition is not very well . . ." he trailed off. "Until recently . . ."

Seeing as he could no longer continue, Lord Rupert took the liberty of telling the news. He was always the straightforward one, never beating around the bush.

"We believe he's turning into a demon," he bluntly stated, causing the room to be filled with silence.

It took Seraphina a few moments to fully realize what he said. "What?"