I won't fall for the queen who burned my world-Chapter 56: Gifts

The murmurs of the gathered crowd hushed into an expectant silence as Elysia sat stiffly beside Malvoria on the raised platform.

Her hands rested in her lap, fingers lightly brushing the smooth fabric of her gown as she tried to quell the uneasy flutter in her chest. The weight of her new reality pressed down on her, as heavy as the dagger hidden beneath her gown.

Smile. Breathe. Endure.

It was all she could do now.

Visit frёewebnoѵel.ƈo๓ for the b𝘦st novel reading experience.

The hall shimmered with opulence—golden chandeliers casting warm light over the polished marble floors, crimson banners adorned with the sigils of both Arvandor and the Demon Realm hanging from the tall stone walls.

The scent of fresh flowers mingled with the faint aroma of spiced wine and honeyed pastries, creating an intoxicating blend that did little to calm Elysia's nerves.

Beside her, Malvoria lounged with the ease of someone who owned every inch of the space.

Her long legs crossed casually, and one hand rested against her chin, fingers lightly tapping her cheek as she surveyed the room with an amused smirk.

The flickering candlelight caught the sharp angles of her face, casting shadows that made her gray eyes seem even more intense.

Elysia tried not to look at her.

Focus on the gifts, she told herself.

A finely dressed nobleman stepped forward, his emerald robes shimmering with embroidered patterns of gold and silver. He bowed deeply before speaking, his voice polished and confident.

"Your Majesties," he began, glancing at both Elysia and Malvoria, though his gaze lingered longer on the latter. "It is an honor to witness the union of two such powerful realms. Please accept this humble gift as a token of my loyalty."

He gestured, and a servant brought forward a velvet-covered tray. On it rested a delicate glass sculpture of a phoenix, its wings spread wide, crafted with such precision that it seemed ready to take flight.

The glass shimmered in the candlelight, the fiery hues of red and orange flickering like real flames.

Elysia tilted her head, unable to hide her admiration. It was beautiful.

"Thank you, Lord Callen," Malvoria said smoothly, her voice low and commanding. "Your loyalty is noted."

The nobleman bowed again, his chest puffed with pride, before retreating into the crowd.

Another guest approached—a woman with brown hair pulled into an intricate braid, her green eyes sharp as they met Elysia's gaze.

"I am Lady Seran of the Southern Isles," she announced, her voice lilting but firm. "This gift is for you, Queen Elysia. May it serve as a reminder of your strength."

A servant presented a finely crafted sword, its hilt adorned with sapphires that gleamed like captured starlight. Elysia's breath caught slightly.

The blade was slender but sturdy, its edge gleaming with a faint magical aura. She could feel the enchantment woven into the metal—a spell for protection, perhaps, or enhanced precision.

Elysia nodded politely, offering a small but genuine smile. "Thank you, Lady Seran. Your gift is... exquisite."

Lady Seran inclined her head, satisfaction flickering in her eyes as she stepped back.

More gifts followed—an ornate goblet carved from obsidian, encrusted with rubies; a cloak woven from enchanted silk that shimmered like moonlight; a collection of rare books bound in leather and gold leaf.

Each guest bowed deeply, offering their congratulations and well-wishes, though Elysia could sense the underlying tension in many of their voices.

Are they here for me? Or for Malvoria? she wondered bitterly.

As the line of gift-givers began to thin, Elysia let out a quiet breath of relief, hoping the ordeal was nearing its end. But then, Malvoria stirred beside her, straightening slightly in her throne.

"And now," Malvoria said, her voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade, "my gift to you."

Elysia's head snapped toward her, eyes wide with confusion. Malvoria's gift? She hadn't expected this.

Malvoria raised her hand, making a subtle gesture, and two servants stepped forward, carrying a large, ornately decorated box between them.

The box was dark wood, inlaid with silver and onyx, with delicate carvings of flames along its edges. They placed it gently before Elysia, bowing deeply before retreating.

Elysia stared at the box, uncertainty coiling in her chest. She could feel Malvoria's gaze on her, expectant and unwavering.

"Open it," Malvoria urged softly, her lips curling into a faint smile.

Elysia hesitated, her fingers brushing the intricate carvings before carefully lifting the lid. The hinges gave a soft creak, and as the box opened fully, Elysia's breath caught in her throat.

Inside, resting on a bed of crimson velvet, was a crown.

It was unlike any crown Elysia had ever seen. Forged from blackened metal, it was delicate yet fierce, with sharp, flame-like points rising elegantly around the band.

Crimson gemstones, gleaming like embers, were set between the points, casting a soft red glow. Silver filigree wove through the design, adding a touch of elegance to its fiery intensity.

Elysia's fingers hovered over the crown, her mind struggling to process the significance of the gift. A crown. For her.

Before she could react, Malvoria stood, the room falling into an anticipatory hush.

"This crown," Malvoria began, her voice clear and commanding, "is not just a symbol of our union. It is a symbol of your power."

Elysia's heart pounded violently, her eyes snapping up to meet Malvoria's.

"You are not just my queen by title," Malvoria continued, stepping closer. "You are my equal. My partner. And from this day forward, you will be recognized as such."

The crowd stirred, whispers rippling through the hall.

Malvoria reached for the crown, lifting it from the box with careful hands. The weight of it felt significant even to her, but she masked it well.

Elysia sat frozen, unsure whether to feel honored, wary, or both.

Malvoria leaned down slightly, her gray eyes locking onto Elysia's. "May I?"

Elysia nodded slowly, and Malvoria placed the crown gently on her head. The cool metal settled against her silver hair, surprisingly comfortable despite its weight.

Malvoria straightened, her voice rising as she addressed the crowd. "Behold your Queen."

The hall erupted into applause, the sound almost deafening. Elysia felt her cheeks flush, the weight of every eye in the room pressing down on her. She kept her expression neutral, though inside, a storm raged.

What is she doing? Why give me this?

Malvoria turned back to her, leaning in close enough that only Elysia could hear. "Power suits you," she whispered, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Elysia's lips pressed into a thin line. "I didn't ask for this."

"Maybe not," Malvoria replied softly, "but now you have it."

The applause began to die down, and one of the attendants approached, bowing deeply. "Your Majesties, the banquet is ready."

Malvoria nodded, a pleased smile playing on her lips. She turned to Elysia, extending her hand once more.

"Shall we?"

Elysia hesitated for a moment before placing her hand in Malvoria's. The weight of the crown felt heavier now, and not just physically. She followed Malvoria as they descended from the platform, their steps slow and deliberate as they made their way to the grand dining hall.

The long banquet tables were laden with an array of dishes—roasted meats, fresh fruits, decadent pastries, and goblets filled to the brim with rich, spiced wine. The scent was intoxicating, but Elysia barely noticed. Her mind was still spinning from Malvoria's unexpected gift.

They reached the head table, where two ornate chairs awaited them. Malvoria, ever the gracious host, pulled out Elysia's chair for her before taking her own seat beside her.

As the guests began to fill the hall, laughter and conversation buzzing around them, Malvoria leaned in once more, her voice a soft purr.

"It's time for the banquet."

Elysia's lips pressed into a thin line as she stared down at the plate before her.

What are you playing at, Malvoria?

But she had no choice now.

The game had already begun.