Bride To His Darkness-Chapter 373: Rulers Of The South

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting elongated shadows across the grand square of the southern capital. The air was thick with tension, and the people gathered there—humans, elves, and other creatures—eyed the imposing figure on the podium.

Ivan had organized a small ceremony, which he had used to lure the inhabitants of the southern borders out of their hiding places. They were well aware that their Queen was no more, since the vampire still stood tall and mighty before the podium that had been carefully made by his own men.

Samantha was astonished by how many people came forth. The southerners were instantly offered shelter, good clothes, and some healthy food to eat. She assisted Madeline and Lucy in serving the hungry folks dwelling in this part of the borders, and Brian’s people also assisted them in handing out the supplies that Ivan had ordered his men to bring.

This was his way of showing to the people that he wasn’t here to apprehend anyone as slaves, and Samantha couldn’t be more proud as she watched from a distance with Madeline, how her husband addressed the people from where he stood. She carried the clingy little Ali in her arms, and there was instant silence as Ivan began his speech.

"Citizens of the South." Ivan began, his tone commanding, "I stand before you not as a conqueror, but a harbinger of change. Your lands now belong to the vampires of the North, and as the rules of every conquered dominion goes, I am your new ruler."

Murmurs and gasps began to sweep through the crowd, but Ivan raised a hand, silencing them. "My purpose here is different, and believe me when I say, I am not here to bring harm to either of you, or drain your life forces, as we’ve been constantly portrayed. I may own this land, but there will be someone who gets to rule it in my stead. Brian."

He called, and all eyes shifted to the steps where the silver-haired elf emerged from. Brian stepped into the podium with Ivan, his gaze steady, and he could see the surprise in everyone’s faces. A lot of them looked genuinely content with their new leader, while some appeared repulsed, which is completely normal, cause he knew it wasn’t likely to gain the support of every single individual in this part.

"Brian," Ivan continued, his voice softening, "he knows the weight of leadership, and the sacrifices required for survival. Taking that into thorough note, I leave this land in his capable hands. I believe he will govern with wisdom, compassion, and fairness."

Turning to face Brian, Ivan placed a trusting hand on his shoulder, "the humans, the elves, and all who call this place home—they shall look to you. I’m giving you this position cause I trust your abilities, but I need you to promise me that you won’t make me regret tasking you with this responsibility."

Brian inclined his head, and he responded, "I accept this responsibility, and I promise, you won’t regret it." he said with utmost sincerity, and Ivan’s lips quirked into a smile. He moved aside for Brian to face the awestruck crowd, and he declared.

"As I’ve made my promise to the king of the North, I also make my promise to the citizens of the South that I will not give anyone a chance to doubt my loyalty over our land. Who is ready to experience some positive changes??"

In response to his question, a loud joyous wail swept through the crowd, followed by an equally rhythmic applause. Their wild roars of happiness at what would become of their land made everyone else excited, and they all hailed Brian, including Ivan who had given them enough supplies.

"Are we going back to the Palace now?" Ali inquired innocently from Samantha who nodded, and his eyes brightened. "Does that mean I get plenty to eat plenty of chocolates when we return?"

"Silly boy, you’ll be heading back to your home." Samantha pinched his nose playfully, "don’t you miss your family over there?"

"I do." He answered, "but I’ll miss you if I leave here as well, and him too." He pointed at Ivan who was starting to approach them, "I’ll miss all of you."

"If you’ll miss us that much then don’t hesitate to visit." Ivan said to the little boy, "if your parents don’t allow you, run through a portal like you did last time, and they’ll join you."

"It has been quite an adventure." Madeline uttered, pulling Cassian forward away from the table filled with delicacies, "we will surely visit again when we get the chance, right, Cas?"

"Oh, definitely." He replied, "I don’t want to miss the ceremony of the incoming baby."

"Will I get a brother?" Ali asked his mother, "a best friend if it’s a boy?"

"And what if it’s a girl?" fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com

"A wife!" He announced, making Cassian spit out the juice he was casually sipping. He coughed a few times since the remnants clung to his throat, and not only him, everyone else was taken aback by it.

"You can make that decision when you’re older, come here." Ivan received Ali from Samantha, and she watched how he tried to get comfortable with talking with him, as well as holding the mischievous little boy in his arms.

While the ladies left to go congratulate Brian, Cassian extended his hand forward for a shake, and Ivan politely received it.

"Congratulations on becoming a father soon." he congratulated the vampire, "take note, never try to piss her off during these nine months, cause trust me, you’ll see a side even they never knew they had." he advised before giving Ivan a pat on his shoulder, but the vampire only grew confused.

"What does that mean?" Ivan raised an eyebrow, and Cassian chuckled at his cluelessness.

"You’ll see what I mean, just give it a month, but it’ll be better to read books about pregnant women so you can be prepared."

"Hey, you’ve watched your wife give birth before, right?" Ivan cleared his throat awkwardly and inquired, "what was it like?"

"What was it like?" Cassian freezed at the traumatic, yet beautiful recollection, "I passed out thirty minutes after her delivery."

"Why?"

"I was overwhelmed by happiness." He forced a nervous smile and quickly walked away.

"Hey! Come back!"

Later in the day, Ivan and his people were escorted to the central gate, and Brian, along with Elara had followed to see them out of the border.

"Can you really not stay for the celebration tonight?" Brian inquired, hoping they would give it some other thought, but Ivan turned around on his horse and smiled at Brian.

"The sun cannot rise without the night, Brian, I need to return to my kingdom. But, if you happen to fall under any circumstances that you find difficult to deal with, don’t hesitate to reach out to me, and I will return. Remember, you’re this people’s protector, and I shall be your shadow. Till we meet again."

"Goodbye, Brian." Samantha waved her goodbyes to both Brian and Elara, and they all exited the borders through the central gate.

This chapt𝒆r is updated by free(w)ebnovel(.)com