Bride To His Darkness
Chapter 241: A Brother’s Love

Chapter 241: A Brother’s Love

"Since you know the craft of a cobbler so well, I trust you to clean my dearest’s shoes to perfection. It shall serve as a reminder of the importance of humility and respect. Shall we begin?" Ivan’s voice remained unwavering, his cold gaze fixed on the trembling gossipers who think they can spew rubbish at his loving wife and walk away freely– under his watch.

Samantha simply stared, surprisingly transfixed as she watched Ivan deal with the women on her behalf. Her purpose was mainly to kick them out of her Boudoir, as she would not entertain those who wear a mask and pretend to be happy for her when in reality, they are not. Frankly speaking, she was enjoying this a lot more than she thought she would, having them realize their mistake in front of everyone like this– but when Lucy suddenly brought a chair from the Boudoir so she could sit, she became hesitantly diffident.

The eyes watching them made her feel that way, she didn’t like the attention, but everything was soon forgotten when Ivan reached her side. Taking her right hand in his, he led her towards the chair so she could have her sit. The two women already received a brush and a cloth, half grateful that they were still alive and not having their tongues severed in the dungeon. The mere thought of it was enough to leave the hairs on their skin, standing at its wake.

Lady Elizabeth, who trembled with embarrassment and fear, stepped forward and went on her knees before Samantha. She had always heard that the girl was soft at heart, so if she looked pitiful enough, there was a chance she might let her go, but, as the fake demeanor lingered on for several minutes, she came to the realization that that soft spot was not meant for her, because the girl had lifted the hem of her dress, showing off her feet that were hidden in the exquisite heels she had put on.

The glow in Elizabeth’s eyes dimmed, and her whole face was flushed red as she carefully began to clean the shoe’s intricate design with some cloth and a brush. The onlookers watched with hush stillness, their eyes darting between the humbled lady and their imposing King. The process was slow and deliberate as Lady Elizabeth meticulously worked, her bruised hands trembling in pain as she cleaned the shoe, knowing that the eyes of His Majesty were solely fixed on her.

When she was done, Lady Penelope was made to clean the second leg of her shoe, and in her years of living, no one has ever humiliated her in this manner. The symbolism of this act was not lost on the crowds, and the tension in the corridor was palpable. Samantha couldn’t help but feel pity for them, it was one of her greatest flaws, but not today. They did her wrong from the beginning, laying tantrums in front of her face, despite being aware of her new position, so it was only right for them to incur the wrath so the rest won’t step on her toes the way they did.

Once the shoe was spotless, Ivan helped his little lamb rise up from the chair. Lady Penelope and Elizabeth wisely remained on their knees, already too afraid to stand up. If they had known His Majesty would end up coming this way to see his soon-to-be bride, they wouldn’t have uttered a word from the start, but it was too late to regret their actions now, as the deed had already been done.

With their gazes low, unable to look at the crowd and Samantha herself, they heard Ivan speak, "let this be a lesson to all." He strictly pointed out, his voice echoed once more as he said, "Nobility is not inherited, but earned. Samantha’s worth is immeasurable to me, and to this kingdom, so I expect you to treat her with the respect she deserves."

Ivan’s message was clear, and the corridor fell into an uncomfortable silence, whilst the two women scurried to their feet and immediately left, eyes teary from the humiliation they had to face, not to mention but their hands that had been brutally bruised by His Majesty’s feet. It was painstakingly obvious that Ivan would not allow anyone to tarnish his little lamb’s honor, and Samantha’s eyes sparkled with gratitude when he defended her in front of everyone.

She could not take her doe eyes off him, and he hardly knew.

"We’ll be inside." Lucy whispered to Samantha before taking the chair back inside the Boudoir. The esteemed ladies and princesses also went into the Boudoir as the matter had been cleared. Clearly, no one would dare to speak ill of her, especially if the result leads to rendering them tongueless. It eased Samantha’s heart to know that there would be no more open conversations about her. Besides, this wasn’t the moment to dwell on hateful remarks as she would be getting married soon, and to the man who had selfishly captured her heart for himself.

When the corridor finally cleared, leaving Samantha and Ivan to themselves, Ivan’s eyes softened, looking nothing like the death beams she had seen a few minutes ago, and Samantha smiled heartily before embracing him, melting into his arm. It felt incredibly good to know that those cold, sharp eyes only ever softened when she was in view, and not with anyone else.

"Is anything the matter?" He asked, the concern in his voice leading her smile to broaden, and she shook her head.

"I’m just glad you’re here." She answered honestly, and the worried look on Ivan’s face spasmed into a smile. When she pulled back, Samantha’s eyes returned to the Boudoir, then back at him.

"Are you going to come inside and have a look?"

"As much as I want to, I can’t do that." He shook his head gently, "it’s a dressing room specifically owned by you, and by the name, it’s a private place I cannot venture into, except you’re alone in there. I only came to see if the royal Garb selection is going fine, and that my little lamb isn’t undergoing any kind of stress."

"I’m not anymore, thanks to you." She answered, sounding grateful for his intervention. "The dressmakers must be waiting for me, so I’ll... see you tonight?"

He nodded, and even though the idea of parting ways seemed like a difficult choice, Samantha waved him goodbye before going into the Boudoir, the door automatically closing behind her. The adoring look in Ivan’s eyes lingered for a while as he gazed at the door to the Boudoir, but when an intrusive thought plagued his head, the smile on his lips faltered subconsciously.

His little lamb was looking incredibly happy, he wouldn’t want to worry her with the concerns of the crystal he’s been finding lately. He pondered on the idea of telling her about it, but after seeing how happy she looked, like a radiant, blooming sunflower, he couldn’t bring himself to ruin her joy. If he isn’t able to resolve the matter before their wedding, he’ll tell her after their wedding has taken place, that way, she would be able to lend him a helping hand, just as she made him promise to let her know when something comes up.

Already yearning for her presence again, he ran his fingers through his hair before exiting the corridor. First things first, he would have to send Herbert to gain information about the exiled princess of Caledonia. The only one capable of bringing in valid information concerning matters like this was Herbert. Asides that, he was the only one he could truthfully count on to return with something useful.

"Where is he anyway?" Ivan thought to himself before going to look for Albert. He doesn’t know how the old man does it, but he manages to know everyone’s location within the Palace vicinity.

—-

When noon turned into Dusk, Samantha was taken into one of the lavish rooms where she met with the many elders of the council. She was thoroughly educated on the Kingdom’s history, its politics and roles of the past Queen, whilst preparing her as a consort to the King. As they spoke of the battles fought, alliances forged, and the sacrifices made for GreenHollow, Samantha realized the weight of her impending responsibilities. She felt anxious, but managed to keep herself composed in front of them.

Minister Elera, who was an aged vampiress with black hair and streaks of white falling at her temples, gave Samantha a knowing look as she said, "as you prepare to wed His Majesty, it is not just a union of two souls, but a covenant between our Kingdom and the vampire clan. There is a tradition that is common between both our clan, for the bride to be accompanied down the aisle. Do you have anyone in mind who would walk you to your beloved?"

"Hmm?" Samantha’s green eyes looked up to gaze at the elders, and a heavy silence filled the room. Her eyes dimmed as the memories of her deceased parents flooded her thoughts, the realization of her loneliness pressing down on her.

Both her Parents were no longer with her to fulfill that role, her relatives never bothered about them since her Father no longer worked for the King. She hadn’t thought about this, and she never would have if the elders in the room didn’t bring it up. Someone will have to give her away on behalf of her late parents, but... who would it be? As the silence continued to grow more heavy at the burdening thought, the chamber doors swung open.

Samantha’s eyes widened with surprise at the sight of Maurice. He was finely dressed in the attire of a nobleman, and she hardly recognized him at the quick change. It was obvious his achievement was bringing him a lot of good, and when their eyes met, he smiled her way before moving forward to where she was sitting, his mere presence, offering her some comfort.

With a clear voice, he softly declared, "I will accompany my sister down the aisle." He looked down at her, "I will give her away as she is my sister." He clarified to the elders who seemed quite surprised.

Samantha’s pupils dilated, and his unexpected appearance brought warmth to her heart. Her brother has always been the pillar of her support that she knew, but since she wasn’t sure of his relationship with Ivan yet, she didn’t want to conclude by picking him. However, a mix of emotion filled her whole as her beloved brother presented himself to the councils, and his actions had brought tears to her eyes.

The elders of the council exchanged knowing glances, and a gray-haired man named Minister Bartholomew, smiled warmly, "A noble choice, you have our blessings."

When the elders of the council stood up to have a conversation with themselves, Samantha also got to her feet and gazed at her brother with moistened eyes.

"You didn’t have to.... If you don’t want to do it... I don’t want to force you–"

"You’re not alone." Maurice stepped closer, his tone reassuring as he met her glazed green eyes. "No one is forcing me, I want to do this because your happiness comes first to me. I’ll be there with you every step of the way, just as our parents would have wanted. I thought I was a crybaby, look at you, already in tears." He wiped away the tears that escaped from her eyes, and she broke into a healthy laugh.

"Thank you." She embraced her brother tightly, overwhelmed with gratitude. Knowing she had the love of everyone that meant something to her heart, she felt stronger, and the weight of her impending responsibilities seemed lighter.