The Royal Mark-Chapter 59: Take It or Leave It

Chris’s face twisted into a frown as he delicately clasped Elsa’s hand. Constance, too, drew closer to investigate the situation. Her wrist bore a barely noticeable glow from an old scar, and this stirred up their curiosity for a brief moment before it reverted to its usual appearance.

"My lady, this strangely resembles a werewolf mark," Constance remarked, her gaze narrowing as she cast a doubtful look at Chris, who hastily raised his hands in a defensive gesture.

"I-I didn’t mark her," he stammered, "Besides, in our tradition, we mark our mates on the neck or shoulder, not the wrist."

"But there’s no denying it has the characteristics of a mating mark," Constance pondered aloud, "Except, you’re right, it’s in an unusual place, and who would dare mark the lady without her consent?"

Chris turned his concerned gaze back to Elsa and asked, "Are you feeling alright, princess?"

Elsa nodded and replied, "Yes. It just felt like someone pinched me really hard earlier, but the pain is gone."

Chris extended an offer, saying, "Shall we eat?" Elsa agreed with a nod.

Observing, Constance kept a keen eye on the prince as he gently placed his hand on Elsa’s lower back, guiding her towards the table. Meanwhile, the maids lent their assistance in arranging the meal. Chris courteously drew back the chair for Elsa to be seated before he took his own place.

The servants promptly began serving their dishes, and the sight of the food made Elsa’s hunger even more apparent. As they commenced their meal, Chris brought up the upcoming meeting with the King.

"The King would like to see you after our meal," Chris mentioned, his tone calm and composed.

Elsa responded with a hint of reluctance, "I still don’t feel like talking to anyone, especially him. My mom mentioned that he’s a strict father, and did you see the look on his face when I introduced myself?" Elsa rolled her eyes before taking a sip of orange juice, and Chris remained quietly attentive.

"He seemed as if he were passing judgment on me, and, above all, doubting me," Elsa remarked with a scoff. "I couldn’t care less about whether he chooses to acknowledge me or not. Frankly, he just irritates me."

The listening servants were taken aback, their eyes wide, as they heard Elsa openly express such disdain for the King of Zemaria. She was the only one they had ever heard speak so critically of the king. In the entire kingdom, no one dared to openly criticize him.

What astonished the servants even more was the Prince of Arcanis, who let out a chuckle in response to Elsa’s comment.

"I just can’t wait for your grandfather to meet you. He will be surprised," Chris quipped, but Elsa took his words seriously.

"And what do you mean by that?" Elsa inquired, raising an eyebrow.

Chris’s smile faded, and he instantly regretted his jest. "I-I just meant that he’ll be pleasantly surprised to find you to be an intelligent woman, that’s all."

’Geez, she is making me sweat. Why does she have to be scary like that?’ Chris said to Yakobo.

[The future King of Arcanis is now tamed by his human mate, such a good boy. Should I pat you on the head or give you a belly rub?] Yakobo laughed.

"Will you be there?" Elsa inquired as she scooped up a spoonful of chia pudding.

"I believe your grandfather wishes to speak with you in private," Chris responded.

Elsa’s response was casual as she concentrated on her meal. "What if I don’t wish to meet with him? He can’t force me if I refuse, can he?"

Constance and the servants were, once again, taken aback by Elsa’s words. They couldn’t help but think that she was undoubtedly different, yet somehow similar to her mother, Hera.

Setting his spoon down on the table, Chris shifted his full attention to Elsa. "Elsa..." Chris addressing her by her first name immediately caught her attention, and she fixed her gaze on the prince.

He went on, "Here in Vectus Mundus, the kings of each land hold absolute authority, which everyone is expected to follow and obey. Failing to do so could brand you as a rebel or, in more severe cases, lead to charges of treason."

Elsa pressed her lips together and gave an exaggerated eye roll before responding, "Fine, I’ll talk to him, but only if you’re with me. Otherwise, there will be no conversation."

Chris was curious, asking, "Why do you want me there? Don’t you want a private talk with your family?"

Elsa’s response was frank, "They aren’t my family yet. Sharing the same blood doesn’t make them family in my eyes. Besides, I don’t trust those people." She then resumed her breakfast.

A broad smile spread across Chris’s face as he interpreted her words differently. "And you trust me?"

Elsa, midway through raising her spoon to her mouth, paused and looked at Chris, who was beaming at her. "What’s with that smile? I don’t know anyone here except for you," Elsa remarked.

"That didn’t answer my question, princess. Do you trust me?" Chris inquired once more.

Elsa replied, "I’m not entirely sure... Perhaps a little... It’s because I need you, Chris." She continued eating.

Chris mirrored her actions with a grin on his face, causing Constance and the servants to smile as well. They could see the genuine happiness that had washed over the Prince of Arcanis with just a few words from Elsa.

’Did you hear that Yakobo? She trusts me.’

[She sure does! You can propose to her then. I have been patiently waiting for you, Christopher... And my patience is running out.]

Chris shook his head at Yakobo and concentrated on finishing his breakfast. He wore a persistent smile that remained there even after they had completed their meal. He then escorted Elsa to the assembly hall where the King of Zemaria was currently located.

Upon their arrival, both Elsa and Chris were taken aback to find the entire royal family present in the room, including Mistress Valeria. Chris and Elsa extended their greetings to everyone, and Prince Andrius indicated for Elsa to take a seat beside the King, with Chris following suit.

The King motioned with his hand, signaling for Chris to halt any further movement. "Thank you for accompanying her to us, Prince Christopher. We will summon you later once we are—" 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

"He stays, or I leave as well," Elsa interjected abruptly, cutting off the King of Zemaria.

"You insolent—" Queen Irina began, but Elsa interjected once more.

"Take it or leave it."

The King remained silent, fixing his gaze on Elsa. Prince Andrius stepped in to break the silence and ease the tension.

"This is a family meeting, my lady. May I inquire as to why you insist on having the Prince of Arcanis present?" Prince Andrius inquired politely.

Elsa responded straightforwardly, "It’s simple. I don’t trust any of you here. Chris has proven his loyalty to me multiple times, whereas the rest of you have done nothing but doubt me."

Queen Irina and Princess Milda were left in shock at Elsa’s audacity and how she addressed Chris by his first name. Meanwhile, Drake sat quietly, wearing a smirk, clearly relishing the unfolding drama.