Fangless: The Alpha's Vampire Mate
Chapter 78: Who’s Marrying Who?

Chapter 78: Who’s Marrying Who?

"You’re right," the king said, feigning composure.

King Valentin had no desire to continue this conversation. He suspected that Thorin wouldn’t relent until he got what he wanted.

Fortunately for the king, Thorin didn’t understand how the government works.

One does not simply barge into a king’s office demanding a continuation of negotiations on a national scale. Such matters required the presence of other key figures, including council members.

"We shall schedule an appointment for further discussion," the king declared.

King Valentin couldn’t fathom what Thorin was thinking. The Alpha replied, "I was being straightforward with the terms of my help, Your Majesty. The alliance will only happen if I get your consent to marry Riona."

"I heard you, Thorin. However, this matter concerns the whole kingdom, not just you and your future bride. There are many factors I must consider and discuss with my council," the king responded, making diplomatic excuses.

Thorin put his hands on his hips, a gesture that irked the king.

How dare he act that way in front of the king of Eira?

"Haven’t I given you enough time to discuss this?" Thorin asked. There was an air of superiority in his tone. King Valentin couldn’t tell if the Alpha’s boldness was genuine or just an act.

However, the king was not one to be trifled with. Even among other vampire kings, King Valentin reigned supreme. He was feared and highly respected.

"We do not operate the way you do. We have priorities and an entire kingdom to oversee. While fending off Asvaldur is important, we cannot neglect the lives of our citizens," the king replied, offering yet another diplomatic excuse.

Thorin, however, had no patience for diplomacy. He only cared about getting what he wanted, displaying the typical barbaric and unruly nature of a werewolf.

"I understand," Thorin said. He let out a long sigh, and King Valentin thought the conversation was finally ending. But he was wrong.

Thorin stepped closer to the desk. "I expected this. I can see how much you despise the idea of me being with Riona."

He straightened his back and crossed his arms, smirking. "Riona is just a regular noble lady. She’s part of the royal family, but since she has never been involved in any court matters, she’s basically nobody."

King Valentin’s jaw tightened. He could guess what was coming next after that elaborate opening. He glanced at the servant and his aide, both of whom looked panicked, unsure of what he wanted them to do.

Before anyone could react, Thorin dropped the bomb. "My beloved and I have decided not to hold a grand wedding. In fact, we won’t have a wedding at all. Riona personally requested that our marriage be blessed in a regular chapel of the Kingdom of Eira."

Weddings in the Kingdom of Eira were typically modest affairs unless either the bride, the groom, or both came from the royal family. Couples often opted for chapel blessings to formalize their union.

Families with considerable influence could utilize the grand palace chapel for their big day, including for political marriages.

"Your... beloved?" King Valentin tasted the bitterness in those words.

He knew his niece well. She had never understood love; her life was devoted to becoming stronger as she aimed to be the most formidable vampire in the kingdom.

"That’s impossible," the king whispered under his breath. His eyes widened in disbelief.

"Oh, it is possible, Your Majesty. If you’re so curious, you can ask her directly," Thorin offered, his confidence shooting through the roof.

King Valentin massaged his temple as if every breath caused him pain. His long, silver hair cascaded down his shoulders.

"I’ll speak with her. If you have more to discuss, we’ll schedule an appointment. If you’ll excuse me, I have an urgent matter to attend to," King Valentin halted their conversation, rising from his seat and heading out.

As his aide moved to follow, the king waved him off. "No need. I’ll go alone."

No. You can’t leave. You’re my sister’s daughter. You belong here.

King Valentin repeated those words in his head like a mantra.

On the one hand, he dreaded facing Riona. On the other hand, her resemblance to Amara was so striking that the king often felt as if he were encountering his sister’s reincarnation.

He clenched his fists tightly, pursing his lips in deep annoyance. His daily life was normally filled with frustration at others’ incompetence, but this situation was more than just a frustration.

Visibly enraged, King Valentin actually bore a hidden fear. He couldn’t shake the fear that Thorin might be telling the truth. His strides grew wider and more purposeful as he wrestled with this troubling thought.

The guards bowed deeply at the sight of the king in the corridor. They were shivering just being glared at by the king.

The guards bowed deeply as King Valentin strode down the corridor. They were shivering under his infamous deadly glare.

Pushing open the door to Riona’s room, the king startled her so much that she nearly toppled from her chair. Sir Orlo, in the midst of teaching, froze in place. They both looked guilt-ridden as if caught in the act of a crime.

The king squinted, eyeing the two of them suspiciously. "Leave us," he ordered Sir Orlo, no longer caring about what they were previously doing. He focused solely on the pressing matter at hand.

Sir Orlo hastily gathered his books and exited with his cart, closing the door behind him with a deferential, "Yes, Your Majesty."

Alone with Riona, King Valentin closed the distance until he could see his reflection in her eyes.

His jaw tensed as he demanded, "Tell me, Riona, are you marrying that werewolf?" He grabbed her arms, shaking her violently. "Tell me it isn’t true!"

His voice thundered through the room, and he could feel Riona’s body trembling in his grip. Yet, he refused to relent in his demand for the truth.

"Tell me!" he shouted again, his fury echoing off the walls.

Riona’s eyes widened. Her lips quivered as she averted her gaze. She was visibly terrified, and it was understandable. At this moment, King Valentin wanted to use her fear to drive her to the edge.

"Y-yes, Your Majesty," Riona stammered weakly.

In a fit of rage, King Valentin shoved Riona, sending her crashing to the far end of the room. Her back slammed against the wall with brutal force, causing her to collapse to the floor, coughing up black blood.

"You can’t!" His rage erupted unchecked. It was the first time he let his raw emotion out like this. He had never done this before, but he was desperate.

After all, he had invited Thorin to the Kingdom of Eira because he wanted to punish the one who killed Amara. If Riona left with him, everything would end up in vain.

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