The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 170: The Vivid Dream

Chapter 170: The Vivid Dream

’What is this?" Mineah murmured as she stared at her trembling hands covered in blood clutching the divine dagger.

’It can’t be,’ terror surged through her body. Was this another premonition of her curse? Was it Seer Beirut’s vision of her stabbing Nikolai with the divine dagger?

Mineah released the dagger she was gripping tightly and watched it fall into the pitch of darkness. She knew this wasn’t real, that she was probably inside her dream but her emotions were all over the place.

"No," she shook her head, staring at her bloody hands in disbelief.

"Mine..."

Her eyes widened and her lips quivered, hearing Nikolai’s low and pained voice. Her heart thudded loudly in her chest as if it would burst out in no time.

’What is going on?’ she wondered, rooted to the spot, unable to move. Her eyes remained fixed on her bloodied hands, afraid to look at Nikolai.

"Mine..." she heard him call her name over and over. Tears flowed down her cheeks like an endless stream as she slowly lifted her head. "No... Nikolai..." she gasped in horror.

Nikolai stood in front of her, his chest was bleeding. There was so much blood. He was bathed in his own blood.

"No... I... I... didn’t do this..." she frantically murmured, her heart breaking.

"No..." she cried, rushing to catch her husband before he slumped to the ground. His head rested on her lap as she sobbed uncontrollably.

"No, please... I’m so sorry, Nikolai."

He was smiling... Did she really stab him? Why was he smiling?

"I love you so much, Mine. I will not let anything happen to you. I will gladly die if it means you will live..." Nikolai whispered, gasping for air.

"No! No! Please NO!"

Why would he die?! No, he can’t!!!

.....

"No!! Please no. I’m sorry. Please don’t die on me! Please Lai, please. No! Lai!"

"Mine... Shhh... Mine... Wake up... It’s just a nightmare, my little swan. Please open your eyes...."

Mineah jolted from her sleep, and Nikolai’s worried face was the first thing she laid her eyes on. He helped her sit up and gave her a glass of water which she downed in one go. She felt very thirsty and she was practically bathing in her own sweat.

"How are you feeling? I will call for the royal physician." Nikolai said, touching her forehead and face gently to check her temperature.

"I feel better, Lai. There’s no need for a physician. I just feel sticky," she reassured him with a smile.

"You’re sweating. I will prepare a bath for you," he hummed as he grabbed a cloth and gently dabbed her face.

Mineah tried to recall what had happened. The last thing she remembered was feeling weak and then everything went blank. She had passed out.

"How long have I been unconscious?" she inquired.

"You’ve been unconscious for two days, Mine. You scared the hell out of me, Mine! Despite the reassurances, I felt so worried. Mother told me that this was not the first time such a thing happened and that you’ve passed out for even longer periods before, but for some reason... I..."

Mineah interrupted her husband as she exclaimed, "Two days?"

Nikolai nodded, his gaze fixed on her. Mineah frowned when she heard this. She had used a lot of energy fusing Ezekiel’s spirit into his own body, so it was surprising that the effects only lasted for two days. Perhaps something had changed in her body now.

"You had a bad dream just now, right? What was it?" Nikolai asked. Mineah met his gaze and quickly put on her sweetest smile, trying her best to act composed.

"I did have a nightmare but for some reason, I can’t remember the exact details. All I can remember is me crying my eyes out, absolutely terrified of losing you, Lai," she said vaguely.

She didn’t want to burden him with her unsettling visions of the future, especially the one about potentially harming him to end her curse. Even Tarah had no clear answers yet either. Apparently, the Seer hadn’t received a message or sign pertaining to how she could end her curse.

"Come and hug me, Lai. All I want is your warmth," she confessed, seeking comfort in his embrace.

Nikolai pulled her in a warm hug and wrapped his arms around her, holding her close. She nestled into his arms, finding solace in his presence. The vivid dream still lingered in her mind, but she refused to accept it as a certain future. Not all premonitions had to come true!

There was no way she would do anything to harm Nikolai. She would never kill her husband! Just the thought of it scares her out of her mind. Despite all the pessimistic visions, Mineah would never lose hope. She believed that there is always an answer and solution to everything.

They stayed in each other’s embrace, finding peace in the quiet moment. Then, realization struck her. "Two days? Wait... That means it’s big sister’s wedding and the ritual of marking today, right?!"

"Yes, Mother and Wizard Lurio have already left to attend it," Nikolai confirmed. Mineah gently pushed and leaned back to see his face as she remarked, "I must not miss it. I need to attend her special event."

Nikolai remained silent, his distant and empty eyes staring at her. Something was different about him, and she couldn’t shake off the feeling.

"Lai, what’s wrong?" Mineah asked, her voice filled with worry.

Nikolai took a deep breath before gently caressing her cheek with his palm.

"Mine, Wizard Lurio said you were exhausted and passed out because you took in too much of my energy... More than your body could handle," Nikolai started. He had a frown while he said this which let Mineah know that he wasn’t entirely convinced by Lurio’s explanation.

She hugged him and buried her face in his chest.

"I am sorry if I made you worry too much, Lai." This was the only thing she could say to him and hoped that her words would ease his troubled mind.

Despite this, Mineah couldn’t shake the sinking feeling in her stomach. There were too many thoughts swirling in her head. The only thing she knew was that he had to be cautious and tread carefully till she could reveal everything to Nikolai.