The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 171: Wedding

Chapter 171: Wedding

Mineah passed out because of the powerful inner energy surging within her. It had been activated by her relentless determination to save her brother, Ezekiel. She knew that her body was trying to adjust to this newfound energy and in the process had lost her consciousness.

However, the unleashed power held the potential to become an abomination, both to herself and the world, if she failed to harness and control it. She felt like the pieces of the puzzle regarding her curse were jumbled at this rate and it was a struggle putting it back together. Tarah’s cryptic messages only added to the confusion, hinting at connections she couldn’t fully comprehend and saying the word sacrifice...

"You seem to be in deep thought, Mine," Nikolai observed during a momentary silence in their journey to Cordon using Nikolai’s mist form.

Yes, she was indeed in deep thought. It honestly felt like her head would burst at any moment. Her guilty conscience kept her from feeling at ease.

The only positive about her current situation was that she had successfully fused Ezekiel’s spirit back to his body just like Tarah had foreseen in her vision.

The circumstances demanded her to be cautious. Ezekiel’s transformation back to his human form would take days or even weeks and the first five days were crucial. So, she decided to wait and find the right moment to share everything with her husband.

"Mine," Nikolai called for her attention again.

"Yes, Lai. I was simply taking a moment to recharge so that I’ll be in good shape when I congratulate my sister," she answered to which Nikolai nodded and let her have her quiet.

There was silence throughout their journey. Mineah was only able to fully breathe when they arrived at Cordon. Since it was her first time setting foot into Castle Cordon, she was in awe of its grandeur, even without extravagant decorations adorning its stone walls and interior. The sheer size and strength of the castle spoke of its historical significance and the power it held.

Guided by a royal servant, they made their way to the great hall where the ceremony would take place. While Nikolai quietly walked beside her, Mineah hugged his arm tightly, intertwining their fingers.

Nikolai turned to her and she couldn’t help but smile at the sight of him. "I want to feel your warmth," she whispered. Despite the unspoken words and the secrets she had, she hoped her gestures could convey just how deeply she cherished him and how important he was to her.

He sighed and gently raised their hands and kissed her knuckles.

Mineah’s eyes danced and sparkled with excitement the moment she laid eyes on her family.

"I’ll just greet my sister," she said and let go of Nikolai’s hand.

*****

Leaving Mineah to spend time with her family, Nikolai couldn’t help but nod in approval at the sheer extravagance and grandeur of his friend’s wedding preparations. It was comparable to his own wedding with Mineah, but there was a distinct Cordonian touch that showcased his realm’s unique identity and pride.

Of course, that didn’t mean that it was bereft of the bride’s Ebodian roots. He noticed the inclusion of her kingdom’s banner and insignia flying alongside the Cordonian one. It was a powerful representation of the strengthening alliance between the two.

"You sure don’t hold back, do you, my friend?..."

Shaking his head, Nikolai took his seat near the front, his eyes landing on his anxious friend as they waited for the doors to open. He couldn’t help but smirk at seeing Darius being nervous.

It might not look like it, but his fellow king was far from immune to the wedding jitters. Looking at him, Nikolai was reminded of his own wedding. While his emotions were not as intense as most people described it, the fact that he even felt such a thing was enough for him to know that it was an inevitable part of being married, even if it was for an alliance.

"I don’t envy you, my friend," he chuckled to himself. After all, he was glad that his wedding was over and wouldn’t have to deal with such jitters again.

"Don’t think I can’t hear you sniggering at my expense, Nikolai," Darius subtly responded from the aisle.

"I didn’t think you could, especially since we shouldn’t be talking in the first place," Nikolai replied with a smirk. "Besides, it’s fun to see you flustered every once in a while."

"Just be glad I was too busy to attend your wedding, my friend," Darius teased. "Remember this day when I decide to poke fun at your expense."

Nikolai shook his head chuckling, "Sure thing then."

"I hate to bring this up, but while waiting I couldn’t help but notice that Prince Ezekiel is still nowhere to be found," Nikolai started with a serious expression. He couldn’t let the case of Vulcan go. Yes, he had promised his wife he wouldn’t make a move but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t closely monitor the situation.

"Aren’t you also participating in the search?" Darius asked plainly.

"I am, and I’ve already confirmed that Ezekiel is fortunately not in the hands of our enemies yet," Nikolai firmly stated. "Knowing that makes my theory sound more plausible than ever."

This was an alarming issue. Not only were the Elders pressuring him about the topic, but he could also feel that his lovely wife was hiding something from him which bugged him to no end.

That night, before he passed out, she asked him a hypothetical question about what if his hunch was right- if Vulcan was somehow connected to her brother Ezekiel. He was unable to give an answer because he himself had no idea what he would do. But one thing was for sure... He would not sit back and watch that dragon take more innocent lives like it did.

"Relax, Nikolai," Darius commented. "This is my wedding, the happiest moment of my life. Can we discuss this later?"

"Alright then," Nikolai chuckled in jest. "Consider this one of the few ways I’ve been helping you out. It’s just me relieving some of the tension in your body while you’re waiting for your bride."