Chapter 98
Elena’s POV
“I’m honoured, Your Majesty,” I replied, not knowing what else there was to say.
She looked at me and studied me for a moment before she let out a sigh. Though there was a smile on her face, I could see the worry behind the glint in her eyes.
“You’re truly an impressive woman, Elena. Your strength on the battlefield, your loyalty to the kingdom… Your capabilities just seem limitless, and I admire you greatly.” Queen Celine smiled as she pushed the cup in front of
- me.
To show acceptance, I held it in my hands but didn’t drink it as I replied humbly, “I only serve the kingdom as best as I can.”
It’s the truth though. I had no other thoughts when I went into the battle. I just wanted to serve my kingdom, the same kingdom I grew up in and living in. The place my family protected.
My smile hung in the air as silence filled us. Queen Celine tilted her head and watched me carefully, which made my heart race from the unknown.
“And yet, there are other ways to serve the kingdom, aren’t there?” she said meaningfully, bringing chill ran down to my spine but I kept my expression as calm as I could.
“Your Majesty, I’m not sure I understand,” I uttered, shaking my head a little to emphasise my confusion.
Suddenly, Queen Celine’s gaze sharpened slightly, which made me swallow in nervousness.
Though her smile remained, I could feel the chill in her voice and sadness in her eyes.
Looking at me intently, she voiced out, “The King intends to marry you.”
As soon as she threw those words, I was flabbergasted. I blinked a couple of times in complete shock as I processed if I heard her correctly.
“I… M–marry…” I whispered in disbelief.
Sadness, envy, anger, and so much more emotions glinted in her eyes. It’s all to much that despite the bitter smile on her lips and the calm demeanor she tried to maintain, I could feel the thick tension in the air and pain radiating off of her.
My breathing became heavier as I kept my eyes on her with furrowed brows, completely lost.
It made no sense! This is absurd!
I knew for a fact that the king only see me as his younger sister or probably even a niece. Yes, he might love me, but there’s no way in hell that he love me in that way.
Between him and me… It’s all care akin to what we have to family.
Why would he suddenly-
And then, it all clicked. My heart stopped, and my lips parted in shock upon realisation.
It’s because of power.
It wasn’t for love, care, or any emotional equation. It’s all about power.
Inhaling slowly, I steadied myself and stop myself from feeling disgusted or angry. Instead, I looked at Queen
Chapter 98
Celine calmly and let out a polite smile.
+25 BONUS
“Your Majesty, I deeply appreciate your kindness… and the King’s as well. But I have always thought of you both as my elder siblings, I stated clearly while keeping my eyes on hers to show her my sincerity.
I knew how it felt to be betrayed, and there was no way I would do that to another woman. I won’t let her feel the same pain I experience.
Besides, marriage was not part of my plan at that moment, especially if the reason behind it was power. Hearing my words, Queen Celine’s eyes widened with shock before her lips curved into a soft smile.
Stretching her hand, she grabbed her cup and took a sip of juice as the hostility in her eyes faded.
Looking more at ease, she placed the cup down gracefully and laughed lightly. Nodding her head with happiness, she uttered, “I see… so that’s how you view us.”
I studied her for a while and saw how her shoulders became lighter and how her eyes brightened.
Watching her head nod slightly, I let out a shige smile. Queen Celine wasn’t a fool, it’s evident that she understood what I meant behind my words – that there’s no way would I ever agree into this marriage.
Not now and not never would I ever get married to King Desmond.
With that, the tension that built up between us earlier immediately vanished into thin air, and the coldness that enveloped us turned into a blanket of warmth and familiarity.
Queen Celine reached out her hand toward me. Seeing her intention, I stretched out my hand as well and let her hold me. Squeezing it gently, she stared at me and lovingly said, “I would love to have a sister like you.”
Hearing that, I exhaled with relief, knowing we had come to an understanding. Squeezing her hand back, I genuinely replied, “I feel the same, Your Majesty.”
We stared at each other for a while before we let out a laugh
“To our sisterhood!” Queen Celine uttered with delight as she raised her glass for a toast.
Acting a bit silly, I raised mine, too, and we had a toast. For about an hour or two, we talked about some non- scene girly stuff while drinking and admiring the view outside of her balcony, which refreshed me.
After we finished talking, I stepped out of her room and was ready to go back to Ironpaw Pack. I was taking my time walking in the garden that I’d passed through before reaching the main gate as I processed everything that had happened recently – how the Queen mother, Queen, King, and almost everyone else was so interested in my marital status.
It just doesn’t sit right for me. Why was everyone so bothered whether I got married or not when I just got out of the wrong one?
I barely had time to dwell on it before I saw a familiar figure leaning against a stone pillar next to the excited.
His hazel eyes were locked onto me. It was unreadable but intense, taking my breath away.
“Elena,” he murmured, pushing off the pillar as I approached.
Stopping in front of him, I tilted her head. “You look troubled.”
Deacon didn’t respond immediately. Then, after a long pause, his voice came out low and firm. “We need to talk.”
