Bride To His Darkness
Chapter 267: The Crowned Queen

Chapter 267: The Crowned Queen

Stopping by her chamber to retrieve Viney, Samantha readily followed the young lady to the royal court where everyone awaited her presence. If Lucy and Ivan can’t accompany her to the royal court, she would need someone to give her some assurance while she’s there, and who would be better if not her pet plant? Come to think of it, it was her only option, just in case someone tries to discredit her in person.

’Master, why did Viney wake up in a box?’ asked her pet plant whose voice held a mixture of curiosity and suspicion. Samantha pressed her lips together and pretended she had not heard its inquiries.

Her pet plant may have no facial features, but its ability to tell things without seeing them was an essence she admired, but the reason it found itself inside a box was a matter she would never disclose to it. Lucy had given her enough as it is. Not to mention but Viney’s absurd mentality of her loving unhinged men needed to be checked.

She was grateful that there was someone walking ahead of her, it gave her an excuse to avoid responding to the brooding plant. The servants nearby lowered their heads in a polite bow as she walked by, and Samantha solely acknowledged their presence with a curt smile.

When she was brought to the grand double door that led to the throne room, it automatically opened to reveal a sea of nobles in lavish attires. The young lady who had brought her here, quietly bowed her head and ushered Samantha in. Samantha’s eyes squinted slightly in skepticism, cause this certainly wasn’t the royal court room, but from the nobles waiting inside, it seemed the venue had been changed– to her unawareness.

"Here goes."

After a few intakes of deep breath, Samantha began to move with a natural elegance, her footsteps silenced by the lush, red carpet.

She came to a stop at the center of the hall, a whirlwind of emotion churning inside of her. Instinctively, her eyes widened slightly at the sight of Ivan who was also present, and he had told her he’d be stepping out early for something important, but he was here as well? As surprised as she was, his presence immediately gave her a sense of relief, whilst she remained where she stood.

As the Courtiers began to whisper amongst themselves, the Kingdom’s advisor approached Samantha. A blonde-haired lady followed beside him, whilst holding a magnificent red cushion, adorned with the Queen’s ornament: a tiara, necklace, and a scepter.

Samantha’s heart raced with anticipation at the sight of it.

"Your Highness," the Kingdom’s advisor began respectfully, his voice resounding loud and clear. "I must convey our hopes and expectations for you as Queen. The role of a Queen is one of great importance, similar to the role of a Queen on a chessboard, which you should be aware of by now. We all look to you for guidance, leadership, and above all, the preservation of our cherished tradition. If His Majesty chose you, I believe he did for the right reasons."

Samantha inadvertently met the gaze of the Kingdom’s advisor, her determination shining through as she said,

"I understand the gravity of my role. Believe it or not, It’s a privilege to be here, to serve my husband and his kingdom."

As Samantha’s words hung in the air, the blonde-haired lady, who held the red cushion spoke in a tone of insinuation.

"Your Highness, it is truly fascinating to see another human in our midst, let alone as our Queen." She bowed, "I am Lady Seraphina, a significant member from Vesunard. I will be by your side to assist you concerning regal matters."

She introduced herself, but the look in her eyes did not match the smile on her lips. Sensing the tension between both women, the Kingdom’s advisor adjusted his glasses and took the cue. He proceeded to present Samantha with the ornaments of a Queen.

Solemnly, he said, "as a symbol of your commitment to our Kingdom, I present you with these cherished ornaments."

"Hold on." Ivan, who had been quiet and silently observing things from his throne, finally spoke up, his authoritative voice causing the Kingdom’s advisor to stop in his attempts to wear the tiara for the new Queen.

Ivan rose from his seat and stepped down from the altar. He made his way towards where the Kingdom’s advisor stood and took the tiara from his grip.

"I will be the one to entrust this ornament to my new Queen." He declared, leaving half the crowd surprised. Facing his lovely wife whose lips had curved into a smile, he placed it above her hair, whilst she lowered her head with grace to accept the ornament. It rested there, a sparkling crown that shone brightly, emphasizing her beauty and elegance.

Lady Seraphina’s false smile wavered at the sight, and she moved on to the necklace. It was a masterpiece of intricate design, a symbol of the Kingdom’s heritage.

"Perhaps this Jewel will help her fit in." She concealed her frustration, mumbling those words beneath her breath.

Samantha chose to ignore her comment, but knowing she’d have to take off the necklace Ivan had given her in order to wear this one, she was reluctant to accept it. Her fingers subconsciously pressed the symbol on her necklace to her skin, and Seraphina, who noticed her hesitation began to say.

"The necklace has been worn by the previous Queens for generations. It will be deemed disrespectful if you–"

"Discard the necklace." Ivan cut her off, "we won’t be needing it."

"W– what?" Seraphina’s pupils dilated at his unforeseen orders. No Queen has gone by without putting on the complete ornaments of a Queen. "But Your Majesty, these ornaments are the only attestation to her status."

"The ornaments don’t make up a Queen, they’re merely burdensome jewelries. Don’t try to lecture me on what I already know, hand me the scepter." Coldly shutting the vampiress, his waiting hand had urged Seraphina into handing him the scepter. He gave it to Samantha who accepted it, their eyes not averting from one another, and he was staring at her as if they were the only two people in the throne room.

"Come." Extending his glove hand forward, Samantha placed her delicate hand in his, and he took her to his altar. While he sat on the throne, he made Samantha sit on the armrest. Lucinda could barely hold back a smile, Ivan was clearly showcasing his wife to the point he made her sit on the throne with him.

"I’m in a very pleasant mood today, as you can see." Ivan stated, "that is the only reason I shall overlook Seraphina’s attitude towards my wife, unless my wife has other plans. Do not forget she’s your Queen, she can have your tongue cut off with a few words."

"I apologize for my behavior to the Queen." Seraphina didn’t hesitate before seeking for mercy, but even so, Samantha could discern the pride in her voice, making her apology sound somewhat insincere.

"Let’s leave that for now," Ivan brushed aside the topic, "I heard Helena and everyone else has arrived safely at the borders, and the rate of our enemies trying to invade our Kingdom is growing suspiciously small by the day."

"Small? Like a retreat?" Asked Abdiel, but Ivan didn’t seem to believe so.

"It appears that way. Due to their teleportation it is difficult to locate their Kingdom. Helena evaluated the numbers of attacks each day, and they grew less than the previous number of attacks."

"Maybe the witches have gathered some sense and given up?"

"Isn’t that a good thing?"

"I think..." Samantha had said a bit loudly, earning her a hush as everyone waited for her to speak. She quickly looked at Ivan who was instantly interested in her opinion as well, and she said,

"What if they aren’t retreating, but saving their soldiers?" She tried to keep her voice steady as she inquired, and one of the Minister’s asked.

"How can you tell? You know nothing about the witches from the south."

"I don’t know about them, but I’m well aware of the problems they are causing. His Majesty speaks to me about them, and I agree with his concerns concerning their retreat. I don’t have experience in matters like this, but it seems that the witches might be retreating to plan something more significant. Their magic is as old as the night, and their intentions are inscrutable."

Listening to her opinion, the gathered court members whispered in agreement, acknowledging her point. Ivan nodded as well, two deep lines forming along his eyebrow, "their sudden retreat is rather suspicious. It’s unlike them to act so brazen. We must discover the reason behind their actions. I say we dispatch a small group of our most trusted agents to discreetly infiltrate and gather information. Their covens are known for their secrecy, and it will require cunning to uncover their plan."