The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 251: To Sacrifice

Chapter 251: To Sacrifice

Nikolai massaged his temples as he looked at Taro who was currently before him on bent knee. His shadow knight had already received an amount of scolding from his wife a while ago and now...

"Get up, Taro," Nikolai groaned as he let out another sigh.

Heeding his liege, Taro quickly got back up on his feet.

"I don’t want to be rude, but you do know that you’re the only one I can fully trust in ensuring Lady Jayra’s safety, right?" Nikolai reminded him. "There’s literally no one else good enough for this job."

"I will not compromise my duty, Your Majesty..." Taro firmly reiterated.

"I know, but... My wife doesn’t want to deprive you of spending more time with Krisha," Nikolai shook his head as he firmly stated. "She’s right that you need to formally meet with Krisha’s parents and do a proper wedding ceremony with her according to their customs. We must show our respect to them."

"I am planning on doing that, Your Majesty..." Taro answered.

Nikolai shrugged as he let out another sigh. "I know you do, but who will take over your post in protecting Jayra while you’re not around?" he questioned. "Everyone that is capable is busy right now since we need to put down our enemies in the shadows."

This was such a headache. His temples were throbbing even now as he thought about who he would call to temporarily replace Taro.

"How about Luis, Your Majesty?" Taro suggested. "It would be easier for me since I’m already acquainted with him and the case I’m initially in charge of. I’ll wrap it as soon as possible before proceeding with my wedding with Krisha."

"Alright. Let’s do that then," Nikolai nodded in approval as he remembered something, mischief dancing in his eyes. "My wife’s birthday is coming, and I don’t want any loose ends before then. I don’t want to see that man’s face on that special occasion."

It was looking to be possible too. He was planning to give his wife a surprise party where Haman was no longer with them. The man was starting to get on his nerves too much, and he was fully aware of his malicious intent on his wife. He wanted to eliminate the bastard immediately, preferably before his wife even knew what was happening.

"I understand Your Majesty," Taro answered.

Nikolai hummed as he then called, "Luis."

In the blink of an eye, Luis appeared before him. He then signaled for Taro to do the briefing for him. In the meantime, while the two were talking, he busied himself trying to think of a good surprise for his wife. Their wedding in Ebodia was too simple if he recalled, so he wanted to try and make up for it by giving her a grand celebration for her first birthday celebration in Valcrez.

"Your Majesty, we already found Nimue’s hide, and we also confirmed his connections with Lord Haman," Luis reported. "Lady Laura helped us a lot in deciphering everything."

Nikolai nodded. "Do you think a Masquerade Ball would be good for Her birthday?"

"Huh?" Luis scoffed, only to cough when Taro elbowed him.

"Her Majesty’s birthday will come before winter ends so His Majesty wants to give her a surprise party," Taro explained, giving Luis a small tut.

Nikolai stared at the two, waiting for their opinions.

"I prefer simple, Your Majesty," Luis motioned.

"Are you the birthday celebrant?!" Taro hissed, making Luis scratch his head.

"Nevermind," Nikolai scoffed as he waved them off. "It’s better to ask her handmaidens anyway..."

It was ironic, he supposed. Planning was his expertise, but doing so to celebrate Mineah’s birthday was a struggle for him. He just wanted it to be perfect and put a smile and glimmer on her face.

"A masquerade ball would be a good one, Your Majesty. I heard from Krisha that they would often have those balls back in Ebodia, and Her Majesty loves them every time," Taro informed him. "She enjoys dancing and the extravagance of balls, especially with her guests also matching the glamor of the event with their wardrobes."

"Does she now?" Nikolia raised a brow in thought. "Alright, I’ll ask help from her handmaidens regarding this matter."

He narrowed his eyes in thought as he began going through all there was about balls. But just as he was about to ask something else, Luis chimed up to report something.

"Your Majesty, Lord Haman is making his move."

Nikolai’s face immediately became serious as he looked back at Taro and Luis, a dangerous smile spreading across his face as he hummed. "Hmmm... Let him give me a reason to end his life in public."

With a plan in mind, he dismissed Taro and Luis before quickly returning to their room. There, he saw Mineah already sleeping peacefully on their bed, and he simply smiled as he quietly and carefully joined her under the bedsheets.

Scooping her into his arms, he cuddled her while burying his face into her neck. He knew that nothing was permanent in their journey. Sometimes, things would go smoothly, but there would also be times when things would be rough around the edges. Nevertheless, Nikolai knew that so long as his wife was by his side... Every step of their journey together would be worth it.

Feeling his presence, Mineah moved as she gently opened her eyes to look at him. She had a sheepish smile as she addressed him. "Is everything fine?"

"Yes. I went out for a while to talk to Taro and Luis," Nikolai answered with a sigh. "I sent Luis to look after Lady Jayra instead. I’m cutting Taro some slack since you asked."

Mineah lazily chuckled as she snaked her arms around his waist. This time, it was her turn to bury her face into his neck. "You worry too much. I’m sure Jayra’s husband will protect her," she reassured him. "And besides, do you really think my sister would do nothing? I bet you right now that Jayra’s complaining about all of the pairs of eyes that are currently watching her."

"Mine, go back to sleep and get some rest. You need the energy for tomorrow," he muttered after he chuckled at her words. "I’ll try my best to behave tonight, but I can’t promise I’ll do the same come dawn, so get some energy..."

Mineah chuckled. "I’m no longer as weak as before so you shouldn’t hold back anymore. My body has already adjusted to the power within me. I may not look like it, but I’m honestly working on my inner energy and properly cultivating it so that it won’t be able to touch the chaos inside of me and trigger it," she informed him. "I think I’m starting to get a hang of it... I’m focusing more on the divine energy flowing inside my body now, and everything looks safe."

"How about the dagger inside your body?" Nikolai asked. "Can I see and touch it, Mine?"

"No. I’ll never let you touch it even once, Lai, so give it a rest," Mineah firmly stated.

He shrugged at her rebuttal. His wife was still too afraid of letting him get a hold of that dagger. Still, her worry was valid since he knew that when the time came when he would need to sacrifice himself for her, he would gladly do it without batting an eye.