The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 187: About Honesty

Chapter 187: About Honesty

At Prince Raul Ichor’s Residence

"Your Majesties," Raul and Niran politely bowed and greeted as Mineah and Nikolai arrived at his residence.

"This is unexpected," Raul commented.

"Mother informed us you’ll hold the Coupling Rites in two days. I thought it would be nice for Mine and me to give you a surprise visit, Brother," Nikolai commented with a genuine smile. Mineah was simply observing the interaction between the two of them.

Nikolai told her that he wanted a good and harmonious relationship with his siblings, but it was a challenge, especially with Raul who thought of him as the one who snatched the crown from him. Raul, the first son of King Arturo, was initially the crown prince until Nikolai’s birth changed things. Since then, Raul had distanced himself from him.

Mineah felt her husband’s heart so she wanted to do something that could somehow help the situation. She started reading Raul’s thoughts whenever she could.

’What is he up to this time? Showing up out of the blue like this? It’s so unlike him.’

[Lai, he’s thinking you’re up to something because you don’t normally visit him,] Mineah relayed to her husband through their bond.

[Well, I usually inform him of my visit in advance but he’s always busy or intentionally avoiding me. Now that I think about it, maybe surprises are the way to go! I will do this more often...]

"Seems like dropping in unannounced is more effective, Raul. At least I’m able to catch hold of you," Nikolai directly commented.

Mineah frowned because there was no thoughts in Raul’s mind at that moment, just a blank expression as he stared at her husband.

"How about you two have a chat while me and Lady Niran have our own talk? I’m sure she has questions about Coupling Rites" Mineah suggested, breaking the awkward silence that had fallen. She needed to have a conversation with Niran without Raul present. "Would you like that, Lady Niran?"

"I would be honored, Your Majesty," Niran commented with a smile. She then looked at Raul and said, "Can I bring her to my bedchamber?"

"Do as you please, darling," Raul nodded. With that, Niran guided her towards her bedchamber. They walked in silence until they reached the room.

As soon as the door was closed, Mineah asked Niran to sit with her at the edge of the bed.

"Milady, this is so sudden. Is there something wrong?" Niran worriedly asked. Mineah took a deep breath as she held Niran’s hands, giving them a reassuring squeeze.

"Don’t worry, Niran, nothing’s wrong. But there’s something you should know. My husband is now aware of you and Laura. I told him everything already and he told me that it’s best for you to tell Raul the truth about our connection before the Coupling Rites. That way, you will still have the choice to return with me if Raul doesn’t accept you once he knows the truth."

"But Your Majesty, I’m close to discovering if he’s-"

"No." Mineah cut off Niran. "My husband doesn’t care about if Raul goes against him or not, Niran. Lai is more concerned about how I would feel if anything happened to you. He’s confident that he’ll be able to handle Raul on his own, so you don’t need to do anything any longer. I know your heart to help and assist me, Niran, and I’m more than thankful for it, but you have already done enough for me. You should prioritize your own life and happiness from now on."

Tears welled up in Niran’s eyes as she bit her lip, and her voice quivered as she spoke, "Milady... Why does it sound like you no longer need me?"

Mineah blinked and instantly pulled Niran for an embrace. "Oh, my dear Niran, that’s far from the truth. You’re like family to me, and you know that. I need to know you’re safe and well. And besides..."

She gently pushed Niran to meet her gaze. She wiped the tears on her cheek as she smiled and said, "My husband is a very capable man, Niran. He’s quite possessive when it comes to taking care of me. He’s confident that he can protect me and I completely trust him. So please focus on yourself and take the time to decide what you truly want. Know that whatever you decide, I’ll support you wholeheartedly."

’But I want to stay with Raul and remain by his side...’

Mineah sighed as she read Niran’s thoughts.

"Niran," she called her attention by squeezing her hands lightly.

"Tell Raul everything tonight, and we’ll be with you every step of the way. You won’t be alone in this. If after knowing the truth, he still decides to proceed with the coupling rites and you choose to as well, we will respect your decisions," Mineah reassured her.

Niran’s face paled as she breathed, "But what if he won’t accept me after finding out the truth?"

’I can’t lose him.’

Mineah’s heart ached reading Niran’s thoughts and fears. Things must have been harder than Mineah initially thought and she felt bad that it had all come to this extent.

"That’s precisely why you need to be honest with him while you still have a chance. Be responsible and accept the consequences of your actions," Mineah said, these words pricking her conscience. What right did she have to throw that advice when she herself was not completely honest to her husband as well? How could she preach about honesty when she still held her own secrets, especially concerning Vulcan and the angel blood in her?

There was a terse silence between them.

"Can I please do it on my own without you and His Majesty, Milady?" Niran suddenly spoke.

"But... What if Raul reacts badly? Nikolai told me that Raul kills those who betrayed him and..." Mineah muttered.

Niran shook her head and said, "I love him, Milady, and he loves me too. He won’t hurt me so please trust me. I will handle everything on my end. You and His Majesty should leave with ease... I will tell him everything before the Coupling Rite."

"I’ll have my raven Nik roam around here to make sure you are safe Niran. Also, if Raul chooses to cancel the Coupling Rite, then please come back to me immediately," Mineah said firmly.

Niran nodded in agreement. As Mineah watched her, she could only hope that everything would turn out well for Niran.

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