The Devil's Son and His Fated Bride
Chapter 252: The end of volume two

Chapter 252: The end of volume two

The King straightened his shoulders in his wooden chair, the strain on his body evident, but his spirit, perfectly unyielding. He wouldn’t let that scornful smile remain on the faces down there. Everyone knew that he could no longer use his arms.

"Today is a day of great reckoning," he announced. "And I will not sit upon the Ruby Throne any longer... for it is time my heir ascends. She is young but has proven herself, and has yet to learn."

A ripple of stunned gasps spread across the throne hall.

"Did he say heir?"

"Is this... a coronation?"

"Is he truly dying soon?"

"What happens to the dragon?"

"Will the princess inherit the beast as well?"

The air buzzed with disbelief and intrigue. Then the King’s voice cut clean through the noise.

"Lord Alekin," he called to his younger brother. The old lord rose, face unreadable. His daughter would be the Queen soon.

The King’s eyes shifted to Aunt Everin, locking with the woman who had helped raise his children in secret and loyalty.

"You will place the crown on her head."

Aunt Eve blinked in surprise, but then gently shook her head. "No, Your Majesty. Once a Queen takes her rightful place, I no longer have the right. Let your daughter carry the burden. Let her wear destiny with a Queen’s hands. And that Queen is here next to her."

Ren remained silent‌, but her heart stirred.

It was not a shame. It was an honor, to witness her sister receive the crown, to guide her to it. To place it on her head.

And then the butler returned.

In his hands rested a crown unlike any seen in generations. The Queen’s Diadem, forged in an age before the Great Rift, shimmered with sacred stones. No Queen had worn it in centuries.

Gasps escaped even the tightest lips in the court. The curse of the D’Orient house was broken after Kai and Ren’s marriage. A Queen eventually was sitting on the Throne.

And Gloria stood, frozen, breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t come here to be crowned today.

She just said goodbye to her foster family and her heart was heavy.

Her gaze swept through the hall, settling on her foster parents standing quietly in the back. Their presence alone nearly unmade her resolve.

Aunt Eve approached her gently, tears brimming in her eyes, and took her hand.

Ren followed, regal and composed, her presence like a calm tide behind them.

Together, the two women led Gloria through the parted crowd of kings and their families, toward the dais where the King waited.

He could not stand.

He simply gestured for her to kneel.

The Ruby Throne shimmered behind them, untouched and waiting.

History was about to be written again.

"As of now," the King declared, voice deep with finality, "I announce you, Gloria D’Orient, the Queen of Alvonia and Ruler of the Seven Kingdoms. May you rule with wisdom... and courage. May the Heavens be with you."

The echo of his voice rolled through the throne hall like a holy tide, washing over nobles, guards, and ghosts alike. No one had the right to oppose.

And for Rail, it was like an ice shard driven straight through his heart.

He stood still, but inside, everything shattered.

Could he even stand beside her now?

Could he even approach her again?

His pulse roared in his ears, but he wasn’t the only one who heard it.

Hector, leaning beside one of the obsidian pillars, turned his head slightly, his voice a low murmur only Rail could hear.

"To keep that crown... to hold what she’s just been given," Hector said, "she’ll need strong people at her back. Look at those princes over their, mouths watering like starving wolves."

Rail clenched his jaw but didn’t look. He couldn’t. His eyes were locked on her, on Gloria.

He watched as Reneira, dignified and radiant, stepped forward. With reverent hands, she lifted the Queen’s Diadem, the sacred crown of ages past, and placed it upon Gloria’s brow.

A hush fell over the room.

And for a moment, she looked magnificent.

Gloria tried not to wince. The crown was heavier than she expected. Not just in weight, but in consequence. If she faltered now, if she stumbled even slightly, it would not just be her name that was mocked. It would be his. Her Uncle. The King.

She steadied herself.

"Sit upon the throne," the King said. "And speak to your people."

Gloria obeyed.

Crossing the dais with measured grace, she turned and lowered herself onto the cold, priceless stone. The moment her body met the Ruby Throne, a quiet gasp echoed somewhere in the crowd. Cold sweat ran down her spine.

Her fingers gripped the stone arms, anchoring herself. She inhaled slowly.

Then she raised her chin, meeting the stares of those assembled, not with fear, but with unflinching steel.

The faces watching her were not welcoming. Many held disgust, envy, and veiled scorn.

They had not seen the sacrifices the King made to drive the vampires back.

They had not stood beside him when he bled for their safety.

And now, they looked upon his heir with the same disdain they once reserved for the commoners they ruled. How dare they. Gloria rose from the throne just slightly, enough to speak with fire.

"I, Gloria D’Orient," she declared, voice ringing with clarity, "swear to protect the Seven Realms. To fight injustice and maintain peace. May this reign bring my people what they have long deserved."

Her eyes were sharp, like polished blades, as they locked briefly onto Prince Dankin, who did not blink, and then to Minister Karon Kalia, who shifted uncomfortably.

She searched the chamber.

No sign of Rebedina, Araben’s mother.

Not attending the coronation... that was not an absence. That was defiance. And Gloria noted it well.

...

Night draped the castle in a velvet hush, the moonlight casting long silver beams through the arched windows. In the quiet corridor beyond the royal chambers, Prince Agara emerged like a wraith, his presence was immediately felt.

Wizard Sigaros stood speaking with Rail outside the King’s quarters.

"Will you remain by the Queen’s side?" the wizard asked quietly.

"If my Alpha King permits it," Rail replied, his voice low and sad.

Both men turned as Agara’s footsteps echoed on the stone.

"You are here," Rail observed.

"Yes," Agara nodded. "I’ve come to take the King with me." He paused, his brow furrowed slightly. "But my brother made a... curious request. He asked that I bring the vampire lord as well, as a guest!"

Rail arched an eyebrow. "Hector? We brought him here, yes. But I doubt our Luna Queen will approve of that."

Without another word, Agara approached the chamber door and knocked.

"Please, come in. I’m ready," the King’s voice answered from within.

Agara entered. The room was bathed in a soft, warm glow from the hearth. Inside, the King reclined on a cushioned settee, looking more at peace than he had in days. Gathered around him were those closest to his heart, his daughter Ren, his vampire son Hector, Kaisun, Aunt Everin, Alekin, and Queen Gloria.

"Everyone’s here," Agara greeted with a tired but serene smile.

"I overheard your conversation outside," Ren noted. "Why does Lucieth want to see my brother? Is he planning to kill him? You see, I broke his chains. He can escape now."

Agara stepped further into the room, folding his arms. "He hasn’t shared his intentions with me. He’s not that close, even to his own blood. But I assure you, your brother will be under my protection."

Kai tilted his head, a sly glint in his eyes as his hand found Ren’s. "There’s no need to guarantee anything. We’re coming with you," he said calmly. "My wife has a message for the Fae King."

A flicker of amusement played at the corners of his lips. Lucieth was hiding something and he was eager to discover it.

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