The Crown's Seduction
Chapter 299: Ezme

Chapter 299: Ezme

It’s been a long day since they arrived at Valcrez. Well, at least that was what Ezme thought as she shifted back to her human form with Atlas beside her. She really didn’t want to do this, if she was being honest, but her brother Nikolai had been bugging her for long enough that she finally decided to just go and get things over with if only so that her brother could finally shut up about her not bringing her fiance to see their mother.

It was these thoughts that remained in her mind as they made their way inside the castle. Making their way to the throne room, she almost prepared herself for a scolding before she remembered that they weren’t going to see the Queen Mother yet. No, they had to see her brother dearest first to show some courtesy.

"So this is Valcrez castle," Atlas remarked as they both stood in front of the throne room. "It’s..."

"The same as any other castle, I know," Ezme scoffed. "Look, if you’re not comfortable with anything, just let me do the talking. I can steer us both if need be."

Atlas simply nodded, and Ezme could only hold her sigh as she finally signaled the guards to let them in. Sure enough, Nikolai was in his high chair with Mineah by his side. It would’ve been daunting if she hadn’t anticipated this exact sight before coming here.

"Your Majesties," both Ezme and Atlas bowed as they greeted the two monarchs. "It’s an honor to be here."

"Rise," Nikolai casually stated, making both of them raise their heads to see him. "Ezme, you finally came."

"That, I did," she scoffed. "And as you’ve always asked, here’s Atlas. He’s my fiance."

"It’s an honor to be in your presence, Your Majesty," Atlas promptly bowed in respect. "I know that it might’ve come as a bit late, but I am fully committed to marrying Princess Ezme."

***

Nikolai inwardly thought to himself as he stared at the man that just stated his intent with such conviction that he almost believed it was real. Still, while he believed that this Atlas was sincere, it never hurt to be sure about things whenever there was an opportunity.

[Mine, can you read his thoughts from here?] he asked. It would be the second time for him to ask his wife about this favor.

[Give me a second,] Mineah nonchalantly stated.

A second passed as the throne room was steeped in silence. All the while, the couple looked very much tense despite being surrounded by allies. Nikolai almost wanted to chuckle just so he could see the look on his sister’s face as he allowed them to proceed with this wedding of theirs.

[Right, Atlas is sincere like last time, and he’s still a bit confused too about his feelings about Ezme,] Mineah began as she reported her findings. [He likes her but does not love her. He wants to marry her because he wants to take responsibility for what happened between them. It must’ve been a one night stand or something. I can’t read too much further into it.]

[That’s more than enough, Mine,] Nikolai hummed in gratitude. [Still, this complicates things.]

[That it does,] Mineah casually nodded back in thought. [And so soon after as well.]

Turning his attention back to the real world, Nikolai cleared his throat as he spoke once more. "We’ll see then, Lord Atlas," he carefully stated. "I do not doubt your words, but as Ezme’s brother, I hope that I don’t have to spell out what will happen to you if you ever think of ill will towards her."

"Without a doubt, Your Majesty," Atlas firmly declared, his voice resolute despite the tension in the air. "I’m serious in my intent, and I’ll make sure that Ezme will want for nothing else once we’re together."

"Exactly what he said," Ezme seconded with a raised brow. "In fact, we’re already planning for our wedding once everything’s been settled, and that includes talking with Mother and getting her blessing."

"Well then, I’m glad that you finally know your priorities," Nikolai nodded in approval. "So, after talking with Mother about your marriage, what are your plans?"

"We’ll be going back to Ebodia so that we can continue our duties there in our fight against Helion," Ezme confidently stated. "The wedding will be done as soon as that’s available. Especially since his sister just got married. And during that thirty days of waiting, we’ll be doing our planning," Ezme continued.

"We already have a venue in mind as well," Atlas added. "We just have to finalize a few more of the plans and guest lists."

Nikolai nodded in approval at all of the planning that had gone into their upcoming wedding. It wasn’t much, but it was more than what he expected from his sister. "Very well. If there’s nothing else, then I won’t stop you two from going to the Queen Mother to see her," he nonchalantly stated. "You two best get going then. And Ezme?"

"Yes?"

"Don’t say I didn’t tell you so."

***

Ezme frowned even as they left the throne room. What Nikolai said to her sent shivers down her spine for some reason, and she could only assume that he was talking about their inevitable meeting with the Queen Mother very soon.

"Ezme, it’s fine," Atlas reassured her. "We can get through this."

"I know, Atlas," she nervously chuckled. "My brother’s just messing with me I’m sure. Mother wouldn’t be that mad that I kept ignoring her wishes up till now."

She blinked as she heard her own words. Well, she was sure of them, but she couldn’t really tell anything if it pertained to her mother. She could only hope that she wasn’t too mad at her...

"Look, we’ll get through this together," Atlas reassured her once again, his hand gently squeezing her shoulder. "Everything will be fine, and I’ll even bring my parents here to greet the Queen Mother as well."

"Are you sure?" she asked.

"I promise," he sincerely stated. "That’s what she wishes, right? Then we might as well arrange it while we’re already here."

Ezme couldn’t help but smile at Atlas as she appreciated his words. He was right on that, at least. Whatever happens now, they would at least be together to face them.