I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 54: You may kiss now

"You may kiss now."

The words echoed in Malvoria's mind, sharp and clear, as though the officiant had spoken them directly into her thoughts. The world around her seemed to slow, the murmurs of the crowd fading into a distant hum.

All that remained was Elysia, standing before her, a mixture of defiance and uncertainty flickering in those violet eyes.

Malvoria's gaze flickered briefly to the side, catching sight of Zera standing rigidly near the altar.

The brown-haired woman's fists were clenched at her sides, her lips pressed into a thin line as she glared at Malvoria with a barely restrained fury that almost made the Demon Queen laugh.

Jealous, are we?

Malvoria wasn't entirely sure of the details between Elysia and her ever-present bodyguard. She knew they were close—perhaps too close—but the specifics were murky.

All she knew was that Elysia had chosen Zera as her protector, and from the way Zera was practically vibrating with rage, it was clear that this moment was a dagger to her pride.

Malvoria's lips curved into a slow, deliberate smirk.

Well, if you're already angry, let's make it worth your while.

She turned her full attention back to Elysia, taking in every detail—the way the soft flush of uncertainty painted her cheeks, the way her chest rose and fell in shallow breaths, the way her hands trembled ever so slightly at her sides.

Malvoria's gaze softened for just a heartbeat, a flicker of something almost tender passing through her gray eyes.

Then she stepped forward.

Each step was slow, deliberate, her boots clicking softly against the polished marble floor. The weight of every eye in the room settled on them, but Malvoria barely noticed. Her world had narrowed to the silver-haired princess before her.

When she finally stood close enough that she could feel the faint warmth of Elysia's breath, she leaned in, her voice a low murmur only Elysia could hear.

"No turning back now, Princess."

Elysia's lips parted slightly, but she didn't respond. Her violet eyes flickered with a storm of emotions—anger, defiance, confusion—but there was no time to decipher them.

Malvoria closed the remaining distance between them, her lips brushing softly against Elysia's in a fleeting touch before deepening the kiss with a slow, deliberate intensity. She felt Elysia stiffen, her body going rigid as if bracing for impact.

Relax, Malvoria thought, amused. It's just a kiss.

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But she wasn't about to make it that easy.

Her hand came up to cup the back of Elysia's neck, holding her firmly in place as she molded their lips together, her fingers tangling lightly in the silver strands of hair.

The kiss was controlled, confident, a silent declaration to everyone in the room that Elysia was now hers.

But Malvoria wasn't done.

Just as she felt Elysia begin to relax—just barely—she nipped at her lower lip, a sharp but gentle bite that made the princess inhale sharply against her mouth. Malvoria pulled back slightly, her gray eyes gleaming with wicked amusement.

Perfect.

The crowd around them remained silent, holding their collective breath until the officiant's voice broke through the stillness.

"I now declare you married."

The words, so final and absolute, settled heavily in the air. Malvoria's smirk widened as she turned her gaze to the gathered nobles and dignitaries, all of whom immediately bowed deeply in unison.

"Congratulations, Queen Malvoria and Queen Elysia," they intoned, their voices reverent and synchronized.

Malvoria leaned in close to Elysia's ear, her breath warm against the princess's skin as she whispered softly, her voice a low murmur that only Elysia could hear.

"Look at them now," she purred. "They will protect you. They are your subjects."

Elysia's breath hitched, and Malvoria felt a faint shiver run through her. The princess's violet eyes flickered with unspoken emotion, her lips pressed into a thin line as she swallowed hard.

"They don't care about me," Elysia whispered back, her voice barely audible. "They care about you."

Malvoria chuckled softly, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Then let them believe they serve me. But make no mistake, Elysia—they will protect you with their lives. Whether they know it or not."

Elysia's eyes narrowed slightly, her voice laced with quiet defiance. "I don't need their protection."

Malvoria's gaze softened, just for a moment. "Maybe not. But you have it now."

The princess looked away, her shoulders tense, and Malvoria sighed softly. She stepped back, straightening her posture and schooling her expression back into its usual mask of cold indifference.

The crowd began to murmur softly, the tension in the room easing now that the ceremony had concluded. Servants flitted about, preparing for the next part of the event—the grand reception and the first dance.

Malvoria caught sight of Zera again, still fuming silently in the corner, and couldn't resist another smirk. She leaned toward Elysia slightly, just enough to ensure Zera could see, and whispered teasingly, "I think your bodyguard might murder me in my sleep."

Elysia shot her a glare that could have frozen fire. "Don't tempt her."

Malvoria chuckled, the sound low and rich, before replying softly, "I'm always tempting someone."

Elysia let out a slow breath, clearly biting back a sharp retort. Malvoria's smirk lingered as she turned her attention back to the crowd.

The whispers grew louder, excitement building as the guests anticipated the next part of the event.

"It's time for the first dance," someone announced loudly, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

Malvoria extended her hand toward Elysia, her expression unreadable but her eyes gleaming with something almost playful.

"Shall we, my queen?"

Elysia hesitated for a fraction of a second before placing her hand in Malvoria's, her fingers cool against the warmth of Malvoria's skin.

This should be fun, Malvoria thought with a slow smile as they stepped toward the center of the hall.

Malvoria led Elysia to the center of the grand hall, the soft hum of conversation fading into silence as the guests watched with eager anticipation.

The polished marble floor gleamed beneath their feet, reflecting the flickering glow of the chandeliers above.

Elysia's hand felt delicate in hers, but Malvoria could sense the tension in the princess's posture, like a tightly coiled spring waiting to snap. Malvoria's lips curved into a faint smirk. Nervous, are we? she mused silently.

As the first notes of the music filled the room, Malvoria placed her other hand gently on Elysia's waist, pulling her close. Violet eyes met gray, and for a moment, the world around them faded into nothingness.

"Relax," Malvoria whispered, her voice barely audible. "It's just a dance."

Elysia's lips pressed into a thin line, her gaze sharp. "You're enjoying this too much."

"Of course I am," Malvoria chuckled softly, spinning them gracefully. "But so are they."

She nodded subtly toward the crowd, where eyes filled with admiration and awe followed their every move. Malvoria leaned in, her lips brushing Elysia's ear.

"Smile, Princess. The world is watching."

And reluctantly, Elysia did.