Married To Darkness
Chapter 300: Game Has Begun

Chapter 300: Game Has Begun

The queen smiled faintly, her eyes twinkling. "Yes, Gideon. He takes after his mother in more ways than one."

King Gideon frowned, his teeth clenching. He didn’t like that reference at all. His sister was everything and more that he couldn’t be.

As easy as it was to rule and manipulate Lawrence Velthorne his younger brother it was a rather tasking issue if he tried it with his elder, Reanon before she died and he always hated that Alaric made him feel as insecure as Reannon did, despite him being older.

As the music swelled to a crescendo, the dancers twirled faster, their laughter and cheers filling the hall.

The atmosphere was electric, a joyous celebration of life, unity, and the kingdom’s strength.

Soon, the music softened, signaling a transition. Servants began whispering discreetly to the guests, ushering them toward the grand doors that led to the castle grounds.

"It’s time for the outdoor activities!" announced the herald, his voice cutting through the lingering hum of the feast.

The nobles rose from their seats, excitement buzzing in the air as they made their way outside.

Children darted ahead, their laughter echoing through the corridors, while adults followed at a more measured pace.

As the crowd spilled out into the castle’s sprawling gardens, the sight was breathtaking.

The grounds had been transformed into a fair-like spectacle—there were archery ranges set up for the skilled marksmen, areas for jousting and horse races, and tents filled with games and refreshments for the less adventurous.

Brightly colored banners fluttered in the breeze, and the scent of freshly baked pastries mingled with the crisp, outdoor air.

The king, now seated in a grand chair overlooking the festivities, raised his goblet high once more. "Let the games begin!" he declared, his booming voice carrying across the grounds.

Cheers erupted, and the crowd dispersed, eager to partake in the revelry.

The day was far from over, and the kingdom of Velthorne was determined to make this celebration one for the history books.

~~{─────────

~~~~~~~~~~~~~}~~~

The moment the king raised his goblet and declared, "Let the games begin!", a thunderous cheer erupted across the royal grounds.

Trumpets blared, and the sound of galloping hooves filled the air as stable hands and guards led the horses onto the wide-open field prepared for the first competition—the grand horse race.

The noble guests, eager for excitement, began shifting in their seats, murmuring amongst themselves as they watched the jockeys prepare.

Servants bustled about, offering chilled wine and delicate pastries to keep the spectators comfortable, while the royal announcer stepped onto a raised wooden platform near the starting line.

"Lords and ladies, esteemed guests, the first event of this grand celebration shall be a test of speed and mastery—our finest horsemen shall compete for glory in the Royal Derby!" the herald proclaimed, his voice ringing across the field. "The finest breeds of Velthorne’s stables have been chosen, and only the swiftest and most skilled shall claim victory before the king!"

The crowd’s anticipation swelled as competitors began stepping forward, adjusting their riding gloves and checking the reins of their chosen horses.

Knights in shining armor, noble sons with years of training, and seasoned riders stood proudly beside their mounts, preparing for the test of speed and endurance.

Meanwhile,

As Alaric shifted in his seat, his gaze instinctively sought his wife. Despite the rush of activity, despite the spectacle before them, he was captivated yet again.

It was ridiculous how she did this to him, how she stole his breath with nothing more than an effortless presence.

Salviana sat beside him with elegant poise, her emerald gown cascading around her, catching the golden hues of the afternoon sun.

The intricate embroidery gleamed, and her skin—smooth, radiant—seemed to glow with an otherworldly allure.

Her lips parted slightly as she observed the racers, but Alaric was certain she had no idea just how utterly breathtaking she looked.

He leaned in, voice low and teasing, "You’re completely unaware of the havoc you wreak, aren’t you?"

Salviana arched a delicate brow, turning her head to him. "What?"

Alaric smirked. "I think half the men here have forgotten what they came to see." His fingers brushed against hers, just briefly, but enough to feel the warmth of her skin.

Salviana scoffed lightly, though a soft blush dusted her cheeks. "Perhaps you should keep your eyes on the race, my prince."

Alaric chuckled but did not move his gaze. She was the only victory he ever truly cared about.

A Princess in the Race: The Shocking Entrant

As the final contestants stepped forward, a sudden hush fell over the crowd.

The murmuring turned into whispers, then outright gasps.

A figure strode onto the race track—not a knight, not a noble son, but a woman. Princess Abigail, the third princess.

Dressed in riding breeches and a fitted doublet like a man, her golden hair was pulled back into a tight braid, revealing a sharp, determined expression.

The crowd stirred uneasily—this was highly unconventional.

"Is she racing?!" A noblewoman gasped.

"Preposterous! A lady in a race among men?" Another whispered sharply.

"What madness is this?" someone else muttered.

From the royal balcony, Queen Mother Cordelia’s lips pursed, her gaze unreadable.

The king, however, simply observed in silence, his fingers drumming thoughtfully against his armrest.

Alaric, on the other hand, merely exhaled in amusement.

He had always admired Abigail’s wild spirit—she was relentless, unyielding.

She had never cared much for expectations, and he respected her for it.

"She intends to win," Alaric murmured.

Beside him, Salviana tilted her head, watching the scene unfold with growing intrigue. "And will she?"

Alaric smirked. "I’d bet on it."

The announcer cleared his throat, masking his surprise before raising his voice once more. "A surprise addition to our contest, it seems. Princess Abigail shall be joining our noble riders in this challenge of speed!"

A few murmurs of disapproval were drowned out by cheers from the younger audience.

Approvals that of course the princess has gotten for years now and she’s ignored it and survived through it.

Search the lightnovelworld.cc website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.