Transcending Fate (Transmigrated to an Otome Game)

Arrival at Astoria

As twilight settled over the city of Astoria, the carriages bearing Prince Lucian and his entourage rumbled through the cobbled streets, finally coming to a halt before a grand mansion known locally as the Silverwood Manor.

The air was filled with the faint scent of jasmine from the gardens that lined the path to the estate, and lanterns flickered to life, casting a warm glow over the surroundings.

The staff, well-practiced in their duties, swiftly unloaded trunks and supplies from the carriages, guided by the meticulous instructions of the head servant. Each item was placed precisely where it belonged, ensuring that the guests would lack for nothing during their stay.

Inside Lucian's opulent carriage, Alaric remained asleep, his features softened by the gentle light filtering through the curtains. Lucian, observed Alaric with a quiet intensity, a fond smile playing on his lips as he considered the events of their journey.

A knock on the carriage door interrupted his reverie. "Your Highness, everything is prepared," the guard announced respectfully.

Lucian glanced down at Alaric, then nodded. "Thank you. Give me a moment," he replied softly.

The guard saluted and retreated to attend to other duties. Lucian lingered a moment longer, reluctant to disturb Alaric's peaceful slumber. He admired the serene expression on Alaric's face, resisting the urge to brush a strand of hair from his brow.

Outside, Julian disembarked from his carriage, his gaze immediately drawn to Lucian's carriage where Alaric slept. He approached the guard who had spoken to Lucian earlier. "Has the prince departed already?" Julian inquired, his tone edged with curiosity.

The guard hesitated, sensing the underlying tension. "He will be along shortly, Your Grace," the guard replied diplomatically. "He asked me to oversee the arrangements for our other guests first."

Julian's brow furrowed slightly, contemplating further questions, but before he could voice them, Elias interjected smoothly from behind. "My lord, perhaps we shouldn't keep our guard waiting. He has worked diligently to prepare for our arrival," Elias suggested, his tone respectful yet authoritative.

Julian's gaze flickered briefly to Elias before returning to the guard. "Thank you," he acknowledged with a tight smile. "I appreciate your efforts."

The guard blushed faintly at Julian's acknowledgment and led the way towards the entrance of the mansion. Julian followed, his hands clenched tightly at his sides, an air of unease hanging about him.

Meanwhile, inside the carriage, Lucian gently shifted Alaric's head from his lap to rest against his shoulder. Alaric stirred, blinking groggily as he awoke, a slight headache throbbing behind his temples.

Realizing his position, Alaric straightened hastily, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "I apologize, Your Highness," he murmured. "I didn't mean to impose or soil your clothing. I... I..."

"It's quite all right, Alaric," Lucian reassured him, his voice warm and understanding. "We have arrived at our destination. Let us proceed inside the mansion.".

Alaric nodded gratefully, Lucian stepped out of the carriage first, Alaric  heart racing with a mixture of nerves and lingering dizziness from sleep. He stepped out of the carriage with a hurried yet unsteady gait, stumbling slightly on the carpeted floor.

Before he could lose his balance, strong arms wrapped around him, preventing his fall,steadying him with surprising gentleness. Caught off guard, Alaric looked up to see Lucian, his expression unreadable yet tender.

The brief yet intimate contact caused Alaric's blush to deepen, and he hurriedly straightened himself, mumbling a quick thank you before hurrying inside the mansion his face flushed with a mix of embarrassment and something deeper.

He sought out a servant to inquire about his room, his steps hurried yet purposeful. Once shown to his quarters, Alaric wasted no time in preparing for a much-needed bath to refresh himself after the long journey.

Meanwhile, Lucian remained outside for a moment longer, a small, contented smile gracing his features as he watched Alaric disappear into the mansion. There was a soft glow in his eyes, an undeniable happiness radiating from within.

Inside his own room, Julian's expression darkened as he dismissed his trembling servant with a sharp rebuke. The servant fled, leaving Julian alone with his turbulent thoughts. His hands clenched into fists, his mind already concocting new schemes and machinations.

Across the mansion, Elias stood by a window, gazing out at the city bathed in the soft light of evening. A smirk played on his lips as he observed the events unfolding around him. His thoughts were inscrutable, his intentions veiled behind a mask of calm calculation.

"Dinner will be served in your rooms tonight," the head servant had informed them earlier, each guest granted privacy for their own reasons.

As night settled over Silverwood Manor, each occupant harbored their own secrets, desires, and hidden agendas, ensuring that the evening would be filled with more than just the sounds of polite conversation and clinking silverware.