Chapter 73: Give her to me.
~Raphael’s POV~
The abnormal stench of urine clung to the air like vinegar,sharp and sour, mixing with the heavy murmurs that had settled in the hall. I watched as Wan continued to lie on the floor, his body trembling so violently it looked like he might be convulsing. The fool had disgraced himself beyond repair.
I felt no ounce of pity for him. He brought this on himself. Besides, I had done well for Anastasia, after all, she had been looking for a way to get rid of him, and I had given her an opening. The mage clan wouldn't want someone such as him as their leader now.
"So, are you proud of yourself? You seem to forget, I made it happen," Grey growled, his voice tinged with satisfaction.
"You are a villain, Grey."
"Say what you want. I would rather be a villain for her." He grumbled, moving restlessly.
I wanted to tell him that I would rather be a villain for her as well, but I kept quiet and concentrated on the happenings in the court.
As I continued to observe, I noticed that the murmurs that had once carried uncertainty had shifted. Now, they mingled with disgust,pure, raw disgust. Funny how they were all judging when they would do the same if they were in his shoes.
‘How shameful.’
‘Pathetic.’
‘He pissed himself like a child.’
These thoughts were from the Elders. My eyes found the seven elders whispering among themselves. The minute they felt my gaze on them, they shrank back and fell silent.
It's hilarious how the ministers who once stood with Wan had now turned their backs on him, their lips and gaze curled in revulsion and judgement. Even those who had reeked of fear just moments ago were now brave at the sight of his humiliation.
Grey chuckled darkly. "This is for the best vessel. When Ava wakes up, she will be proud of us."
I didn't need him to tell me that. Wan was finished. He could beg, he could plead, but no one would hold him in high regard anymore. I signaled at the guards, and they came.
Two guards moved toward him, their expressions blank as they bundled him up by his arms. He didn’t fight them. He was shaking too hard, his legs barely keeping him upright. His head remained bowed, his face hidden, but I could see the wet stain spreading across his robes.
Pathetic.
I waved my hand. "Get him out of my sight."
The guards didn't hesitate. They dragged Wan from the hall, his feet scraping against the marble floor. The doors slammed shut behind him. Good riddance. Hopefully, my court will be calm from now on.
I let the silence stretch, releasing a powerful aura meant to invoke fear. I let it hang thick and strangling, reminding every single one of them that I was, and would always be, what they feared the most. Or worse.
My eyes shifted back to the Holies. After reasserting my hold on the court, everyone had bowed their heads, to show submission, and were too scared to meet my eyes. The hall smelled of raw fear, even the Holies, it seemed, could feel my aura.
They exchanged glances, and though they tried their best to resist bowing, they couldn’t hold out for long. Eventually, they submitted, bowing just like everyone else in the court.
Finally satisfied by their obedience, I pulled back my aura. I wasn’t lying when I said I would be a villain for my mate. She had asked me once if I would kill for her. This just proved my answer all over again.
If Ava doesn’t wake up, I will turn the world upside down.
Still occupied with my thoughts, one of the Holies caught my attention, the one wearing a cap. His silver eyes remained steady, but I could sense his fear and the glint of uncertainty beneath his practiced calm.
"Now," I said, my voice slow, deliberate. "Shall we continue?"
The lead priest bowed his head slightly. "Of course, Your Highness."
I leaned back, waiting.
A pause.
Then he spoke, his voice smooth and carefully measured. “Our healing demands a price, oh king. You do understand this, don’t you?”
The words sent a slow burn through my chest, but I had expected nothing less. Nothing was ever free. No price, no cure, no salvation. Still, why did he have to repeat those words?
"Let me kill them," Grey growled, then hesitated. "Maybe, I will wait until after they are done healing our mate."
Not a bad idea.
I move my head forward, meeting his gaze. “And what is your price?”
The Holies stiffened. Another glance among themselves, another silent exchange. Then, the lead priest stepped forward, his robes flowing like liquid silver.
“ O-oh king,” he paused a little too long. "The Netherlands Kingdom has named their price for aiding you," he said. "A bond. A union." His silver eyes locked onto mine fear swirling in them and around him. "You are to wed our princess."
The murmurs rose again, but this time, there was no disgust, only shock and excitement.
They dare?
Grey’s laughter rumbled through my mind. "You see, vessel? They wish to chain you."
I didn’t react. Instead, my gaze swept over the Holies once more.
And then I saw her. I finally realized why he, no, she, had been different.
She stood among them, her posture rigid, her robes identical to the others, but something about her was off. Her build had given her away to me. A cap sat atop her head, shielding her hair.
She cowered under my gaze, then quickly moved behind the lead priest.
She was hiding.
Interesting.
I leaned forward. "And where is this princess?"
The lead priest didn’t flinch. “She is among us.”
A slow smirk curved my lips. “Is she now?”
The Holies remained still, their silence too calculated, too careful. They were afraid of rousing my wrath, yet they had already crossed that line.
The very suggestion that I should marry their princess to save my mate had me thinking of different ways to destroy them.
"What are you waiting for? Give her to me!" Grey growled angrily.
‘Patience, Grey. Patience.’
I could play this game with them. Ryan dared offer me his daughter even after everything he had heard from his ancestors. How bold.
My gaze landed on the trembling girl hiding behind the priest, and I didn’t bother looking away.
She was here, in my presence, and yet she feared me.
Smart girl.
She should be scared. Because if I am forced to marry her to save Ava, she will not live long. Once again, a pathetic man was offering his child to save his own head.
I drummed my fingers against the arm of my throne. “And does this princess wish to marry me?”
Silence. No response at all.
The priest’s expression didn’t change. “It is the will of the Netherlands Kingdom. Whether she wants it or not, she doesn’t have a choice in this, oh king.”
The princess’s eyes shot up at his declaration, filled with hatred and anger.
If I were to marry this hellfire, she would most likely try to kill me before I even made a move.
"How interesting," Grey murmured, moving restlessly inside me.
Is it really interesting?
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