NEW LIFE IN ANOTHER WORLD

13. What's Wrong with the Crown Prince

As the royal carriage rolled smoothly toward the palace gates, Seraphina couldn't help but be captivated by the view. The palace gates, which she had only seen from afar, loomed larger and more majestic up close. Their towering height and intricate gold filigree, adorned with the royal crest, left her in awe.

The sheer opulence was overwhelming, and as the gates slowly opened, Seraphina found herself holding her breath.

The carriage passed through the gates and into the palace grounds. Every detail was perfection: the manicured gardens, the rows of statues depicting past rulers, and the marble fountains that danced in the sunlight.

Seraphina, peeking through the carriage window, felt as if she had stepped into a world far removed from the one she knew—a realm of timeless beauty and power.

Finally, the carriage came to a halt in front of the grand palace entrance. The head butler, a tall and dignified man dressed in immaculate livery, approached the carriage. With a graceful bow, he extended his hand to assist Seraphina as she stepped out onto the polished marble steps.

"Welcome to the palace, Lady Seraphina," the butler intoned with a voice that resonated authority and grace. "Her Majesty awaits your presence. Please, follow me."

Seraphina nodded silently, her eyes wide as she took in her surroundings. The palace's architecture was nothing short of magnificent—high vaulted ceilings, towering pillars of white marble, and intricate mosaics that told the history of the realm. Rich tapestries hung from the walls, and the chandeliers above glimmered with countless crystals, casting a soft, enchanting light.

As they moved deeper into the palace, Seraphina was struck by the sheer elegance of everything around her.

The floors were a polished mosaic of marble, the curtains were heavy velvet, and every window framed a perfect view of the gardens outside.

The air was filled with the subtle scent of roses, which seemed to come from the carefully arranged bouquets that dotted the corridors.

Eventually, they reached a set of grand doors, which the butler pushed open to reveal a breathtaking sight—a vast greenhouse, unlike anything Seraphina had ever seen.

It was a glass wonderland, filled with the most exquisite flowers and trees, all in full bloom. The air inside was comfortably warm, a stark contrast to the summer heat outside, and a light breeze carried the fragrance of the blossoms.

Butterflies flitted between the flowers, adding to the magical atmosphere. Seraphina followed the butler along a path lined with exotic plants, their vibrant colors creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

Finally, they reached a clearing within the greenhouse where a table had been set up—a delicate piece of furniture surrounded by plush chairs, all framed by the greenery.

At the head of the table sat the queen, a vision of regality. Her gown was made of the finest silks, adorned with intricate embroidery and gems that sparkled like the night sky. A magnificent crown rested on her head, its diamonds catching the light and adding to her already commanding presence.

Despite her royal status, there was an aura of warmth about her that immediately put Seraphina at ease.

Seraphina's breath caught in her throat as she took in the sight before her. The queen was every bit as majestic as she had imagined, and more. She immediately performed the traditional greeting for royalty, bending at the knee and lowering her head in deep respect. "Your Majesty," she said softly, her voice filled with admiration.

The queen smiled, a kind and gracious expression that lit up her features.

"Rise, Lady Seraphina," she said, her voice gentle yet commanding. "I am pleased to finally meet the young woman whose name has been on the lips of so many in my kingdom. You are as radiant as the rumors say."