The Royal Mark-Chapter 48: Six Kingdoms
Not everyone at the table shares the same level of enthusiasm regarding Chris’ determination to marry Elsa, as they barely know her and worry that she might betray Zemaria someday. However, King Allister and his sons understand the crucial importance of this alliance for their kingdom and their people.
In the realm of Vectus Mundus, there are presently six kingdoms: the Zemaria Empire, inhabited by humans; the Arcanis Kingdom, home to werewolves; the Qiryn Kingdom, populated by elves; the Saldivar Territory, occupied by witches; the Kurzen Empire, ruled by demons; and the Vrenada Kingdom, where vampires reside.
Qiryn is no longer a viable option for any coalition since its citizens shut their doors to everyone a long time ago. So it will be Zemaria against the other four kingdoms if they are not able to secure Prince Christopher’s support.
Taking a deep breath, King Allister remarked, "Let’s postpone discussions of the negotiation until tomorrow, once we’ve all had a chance to rest. For now, let’s savor this meal, and tomorrow will mark a new beginning for our two kingdoms."
With this decision, everyone peacefully enjoyed their meal and turned their attention to the topic of the refugees from Arcanis. Prince Andrius and Prince Christopher planned to pay them a visit the following day.
After dinner, Chris inquired of Prince Drake, "Is the room next to my room still available?"
"It is indeed available. Why do you ask?" replied Prince Drake.
"I intend to spend the night there. I’m concerned that Elsa might be startled if she wakes up and finds me in the same room as her. She could accuse me of wrongdoing, or worse, become agitated and throw objects," Chris explained with a grave tone.
"In that case, I’ll instruct the servants to make the necessary preparations."
Thereafter, everyone retired to their respective rooms, with Chris returning to his own while awaiting the servants’ arrangements.
[Are you really planning to sleep in the other room?] Yakobo expressed his admiration for Chris’s chivalry.
Chris responded, ’Absolutely not! I’ll be right by our mate’s side. I only mentioned it to convey that her purity remains untarnished. You’ve heard how the queen degrades Mistress Valeria and Hera. I won’t allow that to happen to Elsa, or I might have to rip the tongue of the woman or of anyone who speaks ill of her."
Yakobo understood, replying, [I see. So we’ll simply slip over there later. This is getting me excited!]
Chris clarified, ’No need to sneak around. There’s a connecting balcony between the two rooms, so we can easily access it.] This plan brought a grin to Yakobo’s face.
Upon Chris’s arrival, Mistress Valeria promptly left the room and headed straight to her own, which she shared with the King. She was eager to speak with him.
Entering the room, she found the King engrossed in a book on the bed. Without hesitation, Valeria tossed her shoes, one after the other, at the King. Unfortunately, he was not able to evade them, and both shoes struck him in the head.
Perplexed, King Allister asked, "Why on earth did you do that?"
"You old man! Why did you treat our granddaughter that way? Are you trying to make her hate you?" Valeria yelled at him.
The King pursed his lips and heaved a sigh, saying, "Are you absolutely certain she’s our granddaughter and not an imposter?"
With hands on her hips, Valeria retorted, "If you doubt it to that extent, use your head! You’re the King, aren’t you? Can anyone fake divine powers? And do you think Prince Christopher would lie about that?"
Frustrated, the King asked, "So, what would you have me do? I can’t comprehend my feelings right now. I was furious at Hera for running away, yet worried. And now, learning that she’s gone, I feel numb, Valeria! I’m numb!"
This emotional outburst was the first time Valeria had seen Allister so sorrowful and desolate. She rushed to his side and embraced the love of her life.
"I love all my children Valeria, but you know that Hera is special to me because she’s our daughter, the only one conceived out of love. I’m still struggling to accept her running away after all the love and care we gave her. And the news that she is gone and has a grown-up daughter is just overwhelming for me to grasp, Valeria, it’s too much," King Allister continued to sob in Valeria’s arms, and she remained by his side, comforting him by rubbing his back.
Valeria said, "I understand your feelings. But please, pull yourself together, and let’s talk to her tomorrow. Let’s ask what happened and give yourself a chance to get to know her. Don’t be too hard on her; it’s not her fault that we find ourselves in this situation."
"Very well, my dear. I will hear her out tomorrow," King Allister agreed, and the couple soon retired for the night.
********
Chris had given strict instructions to the servants not to disturb Elsa in her sleep. If anyone needed to speak to her, they were to approach him first. As soon as the opportunity arose, he swiftly moved from the adjacent room to his own, where Elsa stays.
Inside, he found her in a peaceful slumber. It was the first night where the power within her remained quiet and calm. He took a seat beside her, watching intently and studying every contour and feature of her face as though sketching it to memory.
Elsa’s lips curved into a brief smirk, prompting a smile from Chris. He softly inquired, "What are you dreaming about, my princess? I hope it’s about me, given how content you seem in there."
Using the back of his hand, Chris caressed her cheek, and deep within, he sensed his emotions for her growing deeply. The more time he spent with her, the stronger his yearning for her became.
"Kiss me," Elsa mumbled in her sleep. Chris froze, looking at her as she slept, his heart experiencing a pang. ’Is she dreaming of someone else? Maybe that doctor, Jai?’
Then, Elsa’s voice carried on, "Mmm... Chris... Please..."
Chris’s eyes widened in astonishment at the unexpected name that escaped Elsa’s lips.
