Elysium: Desired by the Cold-hearted Princess [GL]

Third-person POV

As they stepped out of the busy Valternor airport, the evening air greeted them, carrying a scent of pine and something else Seraphina couldn't quite place.

The architecture of Valternor was far more modern than what she was used to in Aldoria, yet it still carried an air of regal authority—clean streets, towering statues of past rulers, and the unmistakable presence of guards stationed at every major checkpoint.

Seraphina walked a little slower, taking it all in, her eyes darting around with pure fascination. The only time she had ever left Aldoria was when she was forced to transfer to Elysium Girls High in Elmeria, and now, here she was, in Valternor—the third most powerful kingdom in all of the seven kingdoms, just above Aldoria.

It felt surreal. She had always dreamed of visiting the other six kingdoms, starting from the most powerful to the least, and while she never thought she'd get the chance, here she was, slowly fulfilling one of her wishes.

Electra, who had been striding ahead with effortless confidence, turned back and smirked at the look on Seraphina's face. "Let me guess," she said, slowing her pace to match Seraphina's. "First time in Valternor?"

Seraphina nodded, unable to keep the excitement from her voice. "Yeah. First time in Valternor, first time in any other kingdom outside of Aldoria and Elmeria, actually."

She tilted her head slightly and glanced at Electra. "Honestly, the only reason I even know what a plane looks like is because my father sent me to Elysium. Otherwise, I doubt I'd have ever left Aldoria."

Electra snorted, shoving her hands into the pockets of her coat. "You sound like a total hermit."

Seraphina rolled her eyes. "Not everyone gets to be a privileged princess who travels all over the world."

Electra smirked. "Fair point." She then gestured towards the street, where a black car was already waiting for them.

Her bodyguards, who had been tailing them discreetly since they left the airport, moved ahead to check the car before opening the doors for them.

As they slid inside, Seraphina turned to Electra. "So, I'm guessing you've been here before?"

Electra leaned back against the leather seat, crossing one leg over the other. "Of course," she said with a shrug. "Before Hunter suddenly decided to be a problem, I was the only heir, and my father took me to all the other six kingdoms when I was younger."

She turned her gaze towards the window, watching the cityscape blur past them as the car moved. "Valternor has always been… interesting. The royal family here is quite strict, but effective, and if they're backing Hunter, then he's already gained some serious credibility."

Seraphina frowned at that, her excitement slightly dampened. "So you think the royal family of Valternor is actually considering helping Hunter become the future king?"

Electra exhaled slowly, tapping her fingers against her knee. "That's what we're here to find out."

The car drove through the city, passing large stone bridges and iron-clad gates that led deeper into the heart of Valternor. Unlike Aldoria, where politics were largely handled behind closed doors, Valternor was a kingdom that took its traditions seriously.

They held public forums, military demonstrations, and courtly gatherings that were as much about spectacle as they were about governance. It was a place where power was earned and displayed with pride.

Seraphina watched as armored guards patrolled the streets, their movements almost mechanical. She had always heard that Valternor had the most elite military force in all seven kingdoms, and from what she was seeing, it wasn't an exaggeration.

Electra must have noticed her staring because she chuckled. "Intimidating, huh?"

Seraphina nodded. "It's different from Aldoria. We have a strong military, but it doesn't… feel like this. This place breathes discipline."

Electra nodded in agreement. "That's why I need to be careful. If the council is planning to use Hunter, then they're going to make sure he's got backing from powerful allies. Valternor isn't just any kingdom, so if they see potential in him, it won't be easy to dismiss."

Seraphina studied Electra for a moment. She looked calm, almost casual, but there was an underlying tension in her posture.

This wasn't just a visit for her—this was a battlefield. She wasn't here as a princess; she was here as a contender for her own throne.

The car eventually pulled up in front of a massive estate—an imposing structure made of dark stone, with high walls lined with banners displaying Valternor's crest: a silver dragon coiled around a burning sword.

The sight of it made Seraphina's stomach tighten. This wasn't the royal palace, but it was close enough. This was the home of one of Valternor's highest-ranking nobles, and judging by the security, it was likely where Hunter was staying.

Electra turned to Seraphina just before stepping out of the car. "Remember," she said, her tone dropping to something more serious. "You're here as my guest. You don't owe anyone explanations, and you don't need to prove anything to anyone."

Seraphina nodded, but there was a fire in her eyes. "I get it, but I'm not here to just stand around and watch."

Electra smirked, tilting her head slightly. "I'd expect nothing less."

With that, the doors were opened, and they stepped out into the heart of enemy territory.

The moment Electra stepped into the estate, an uneasy feeling crept into the back of her mind, but she forced herself to push it aside.

She and Seraphina were escorted by guards through the high-arched hallways, and the further in they went, the more Electra could feel unseen eyes watching them, assessing their every movement.

Electra didn't particularly remember the name of the noble who owned this house—it had been too long since she had last stepped foot in Valternor—but she knew that whoever he was, he was important enough to house Hunter Vale, and that was enough for her to be suspicious.

The guards leading them eventually stopped in front of a large set of double doors before one of them turned toward them and bowed slightly.

"Princess Electra, the lord is expecting you," he announced. "Your guest will have to wait outside."

Electra felt Seraphina tense beside her, her eyes narrowing slightly at the idea of being left out. She turned to Electra, clearly displeased, but before she could say anything, Electra subtly raised a hand, signaling her to stay calm.

"Wait here," Electra murmured. "This won't take long."

Seraphina hesitated but eventually nodded. The guards motioned for her to stand back while Electra stepped forward, pushing open the doors and entering the office.

At the far end of the room, behind the large desk, sat an older man. His sharp eyes assessed Electra the moment she stepped inside, yet there was no hostility in them. Instead, he rose to his feet and gave a slight bow.

"It is an honor to welcome the Princess of Elmeria into my home," the man said smoothly.

Electra barely paid him any attention. Her gaze had already settled on the younger man seated opposite him.

The man slowly stood up, meeting her eyes with a calm, almost amused expression.

Electra didn't need an introduction. She knew exactly who he was, even before he spoke.

Still, she tilted her head slightly, her eyes burning into him as she asked, "And you are?"

The young man smirked, as if he had been expecting the question. He extended his hand toward her, exuding confidence.

"Hunter," he said with ease. "Hunter Vale."

Electra did not take his hand.

Instead, she simply stared at him, her expression unreadable, waiting.

Hunter held her gaze, seemingly unfazed by the cold reception. His smirk didn't falter, and his posture didn't stiffen. If anything, he looked entertained.

The older man cleared his throat, sensing the tension in the room. "Please, Your Highness, have a seat. We have much to discuss."

Electra finally looked away from Hunter, exhaling through her nose before stepping forward. She didn't sit immediately. Instead, she took her time, running her fingers over the edge of the chair before finally lowering herself on the seat.

Hunter followed suit, leaning back slightly, completely at ease.

Electra studied him now, taking in everything about him.

He had the same striking silver eyes as her father, but where her father's gaze was always piercing, Hunter's was calm.

His dark hair was neatly combed back, and even dressed so casually, he looked like someone who belonged in power, someone who had spent his whole life believing that he was destined for it.

And that irritated her because she knew that she was exactly the same.