The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 111: The Library

Chapter 111: The Library

Mineah couldn’t help but smile as she readied herself for another morning under the chilly, gravel-gray sky.

Several days had passed, and regular court meetings where her presence was required had been postponed. The focus had shifted to uncovering and eliminating the conspiracies orchestrated by Helion against Valcrez. Rosela’s forced confession had played a crucial role in unraveling the truth, and within three days, all those involved in Helion’s plot had been dealt with.

During this time, she and Nikolai had no choice but to rely on their bond to communicate as they were unable to see each other face to face. Nik had also been a great help, allowing them to catch glimpses of each other’s lives through its eyes. Yet, despite these efforts, they were not completely satisfied...

She missed Nikolai dearly, and she could feel the same longing from him too. He was all but vocal about it whenever they connected through their bond. A flush of warmth spread across her face and she touched it with her palms to cool it down.

"What is it, Milady?" Dani asked.

"She’s glowing, Dani. Can’t you see? She’s blushing at the possibility of seeing the king face-to-face after almost three days," Zaila teased, causing Mineah’s blush to deepen. She couldn’t even refute it since it was true.

Krisha chuckled and interrupted using their secret language, "Dani is quite naive in matters like these, Zaila, so let’s be understanding of her. But... Am I the only one who finds it fascinating how united Valcrez has become in the face of a common enemy?"

Mineah had noticed that as well. "Valcrez is their kingdom, and protecting their home is a common goal to them. But the struggle for power and the desire to rule over the kingdom is a different story. The Clans will still clash if they vie for the crown," Mineah said.

[Master, how come you’re still not teaching me the Haen Language you created? Lady Krisha’s comment and yours... I cannot understand you two at all.]

Mineah chuckled as she watched her raven fly towards them. Krisha raised her arm, and Nik comfortably perched on it.

"I bet Nik is frustrated because Krisha and Her Majesty were talking using that language. Don’t worry Nik, I will be the one to teach you so make sure you listen carefully when I begin," Krisha reassured him with soft chuckles. Since Krisha loved animals, she was responsible for taking care of Nik. And they seem to be getting along well so far.

They were on their way to the library hall, as the officials granted Mineah’s request to visit. Nikolai told her last night that he would sneak out to meet her there. So it was a good thing that she had some lectures scheduled and was required to visit the main library hall.

As Mineah passed by servants and officials, she was greeted with respect, and she responded with a warm and bright smile.

[I can’t believe Lady Rosela did all those things, but it’s surprising that Her Majesty was able to uncover the truth. It looks like our King made the right choice in marrying the Queen. She has saved us from possible ruin. I feel bad that I misjudged her so easily...]

[She’s remarkable for standing up against Lady Rosela and defending herself. Thanks to her, we now see Lady Rosela’s true nature.]

[She’s wise and doesn’t seem weak or foolish like they say. I wonder if she’s really cursed?]

Mineah read a lot of positive thoughts from the Valcrezians as she made her way to the library. It put her in a good mood, and she felt a renewed sense of purpose and determination.

She gasped in awe as she finally arrived at the grand building of the library hall.

"The exterior and interior designs of the halls within these palace walls are truly magnificent. Vampires truly love extravagance," Zaila observed as they entered. The library was filled with countless books, and there were numerous doors leading to different sections.

"All hail to Her Majesty!" the Scholars inside greeted her. They were all wearing the same type of clothes in white. Each ministry and office had distinct uniforms to indicate their rank and position.

Mineah smiled graciously at the scholars. "Please, rise and continue with your tasks. I will simply pass through to continue my studies," she stated.

"I am Lord Cian, Your Majesty," the head librarian of Corvus Library Hall introduced himself as he approached Mineah with a bow. Mineah blinked at the small boy before looking at Dani who simply shrugged. She hadn’t been given a heads-up that the head librarian was a young boy.

As if sensing what she was thinking, the boy proudly stated, "I became a vampire at the age of twelve, Your Majesty, but I’m already a thousand years old."

Mineah gave him a curt nod and replied, "It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Cian."

He then informed her, "I will now escort you to your private study, Your Majesty. The books you requested have already been prepared for you... Also, you’re not allowed to have any companions with you." Mineah simply nodded in understanding.

"We’ll just look around as we wait for you to finish, Your Majesty," Dani informed.

"This way, Your Majesty," Lord Cian said and led the way, and Mineah followed closely. Mineah simply followed. However, something caught her attention.

"That staircase?" she couldn’t help but ask, pointing towards the grand staircase going down.

"Oh, that... Umm, I suggest you directly ask His Majesty about it once you see him. I apologize but I’m not allowed to disclose any information about that staircase, Your Majesty. No one except the high-ranking officials of the royal court are allowed to enter," Lord Cian explained.

Mineah’s eyebrows raised in intrigue. For some reason that part of the library piqued her interest.

After going up a staircase, Lord Cian stopped at a door and opened it, announcing, "This is your private space, Your Majesty."

Mineah entered and flinched when the door closed with a thud. She walked inside and blinked at the spacious room filled with bookshelves, a large table, and chairs.

As she walked around, her heart skipped a beat when she felt Nikolai’s warm breath on her neck from behind.

"Mine," he whispered, making her freeze in her spot.