84: 84 I Hold You

84 I Hold You

2Delia's POV

Melodious music filled the air, transforming the entire temple from its previous solemnity to a lively atmosphere. Outside the windows, brilliant fireworks bloomed in the sky, casting a colorful glow that spilled into the brilliantly lit hall. The noble guests returned to their seats, delighting in the royal banquet.

The most crucial part of the engagement ceremony had passed. Servants adorned in pale yellow gowns, under Susanna's guidance, gracefully presented the guests with delectable food and exquisite wine. The ladies maintained their elegant movements, while the gentlemen endeavored to embody the essence of chivalry. It was a grand assembly of nobility, and the air was filled with an ever-increasing sense of joy.

Under Prince Kral's guidance, I sat upon the throne, observing as the nobles gradually relinquished their refined decorum amidst the abundance of indulgences, allowing themselves to be consumed by pleasure.

"Would you like a drink?" Kral's deep voice floated to my right.

A glass, containing a golden liquid, was presented before me. The hand that extended it radiated a familiar warmth, while the knuckles exuded an aroma more alluring than the wine itself.

Should I accept it? The scent of the wine was tempting, and, most importantly, Prince Kral was expressing his fondness for me through this gesture. However, my mind cautioned me to remain alert.

I confess to being captivated by him, but I cannot allow myself to be consumed by his affection. His love for me is no different from his love for a pet.

My fingers clenched tightly. I raised my eyes and silently gazed at Prince Kral's face, resisting the urge to accept the glass of wine he held. As the darkness in his golden eyes expanded, I offered a faint smile. "No, Your Highness, I'm feeling a bit unwell and prefer not to indulge in alcohol."

Prince Kral's smile gradually faded, and his eyes narrowed. He leaned closer, his voice filled with suppressed displeasure. His emotions seemed like an overloaded ship, teetering on the edge of capsizing beneath his calm facade.

"Delia, I won't inquire about your hesitation during the engagement ceremony, and I can tolerate your current defiance. This is my leniency towards you. However,"

Once again, a glass filled with a golden liquid was presented to my lips, its contents reflecting my pale face.

"You know, Delia, it's been a long time since I emphasized this. Before becoming your mate, I am your master."

Prince Kral ultimately revealed his discontent and anger. Under my hesitation, he abandoned his gentleness, resorting to his most effective oppressive tactics.

I watched as he spoke, each word carrying a warning, causing my heart to grow colder. This was the prince that I was familiar with. Whatever he desired, he would obtain it using any means necessary.

Below the steps, celebration and joy resounded, but above the steps, silence prevailed.

Although this ceremony was arranged for us, Prince Kral and I seemed to be excluded from the jubilant crowd, just like background figures.

However, there were still those who recognized the true protagonists of this ceremony. A magnificently attired couple approached us. The man, slightly shorter yet solid as a tree stump, and the woman, beautiful and slender like a willow branch, paid no attention to the judgmental gazes of others. Their intimacy was palpable.

The man gracefully stood at the end of the steps, bowing respectfully before speaking aloud. "Your Highness Kral, on behalf of the Galewind Pack, my wife Juliana and I present to you a gift—the Rhinoceros Horn Goblet."

His actions caught the attention of the pleasure-seeking nobles, instantly drawing all eyes towards him.

Prince Kral's imposing gaze shifted from me to them. I silently let out a breath, placing the untouched glass of wine on the nearby table.

"The Rhinoceros Horn Goblet?" Prince Kral raised an eyebrow, his tone cool, as he observed a servant carrying a red box. "Is it a cup made from the horns of the renowned rhinoceroses in your territory?"

"Yes, Your Highness. Rhinoceroses always roam in herds, and even the bravest werewolves hesitate to face an enraged rhino pack alone."

He embellished his words slightly. Under his wife's guidance, he opened the box, revealing a pair of delicate treasures resting on black velvet, shimmering like precious gemstones.

"However, in honor of your engagement ceremony, my warriors hunted down a rhinoceros, and I commissioned the finest craftsmen to create these exquisite goblets."

His ingratiating smile delighted Prince Kral, who curved his lips and radiated a captivating charm. His handsome features became even more dazzling.

"Well done. I quite fancy them," Prince Kral lightly tapped his index finger on the chair's armrest. He cast a glance at the alpha of the Galewind Pack and then turned to a corner. "Susanna, please prepare a return gift for our enthusiastic guest."

"Yes, Your Highness," Susanna replied, bowing her head obediently.

Susanna was in charge of the palace's treasures. Although the rhinoceros horn goblets were commendable, they couldn't compare to the preciousness of any item within the palace treasury.

Envy filled the faces of the onlookers among the nobility. Having received Prince Kral's praise, the man felt a surge of pride. His excitement flushed his cheeks as he led his wife back to their seats. The acknowledgment from Prince Kral had boosted his confidence significantly.

Soon, the nobles and alphas began presenting gifts to us. Many unfamiliar faces appeared in the crowd, all exuding excitement and joy, as if celebrating my engagement.

Naturally, the nobles were overjoyed upon hearing about Prince Kral's rewards.

Sitting beside Prince Kral, I observed the eager crowd with a sense of detachment. Their greed was concealed by etiquette and their noble status. Only Prince Kral, like an indifferent hunter, observed their excitement driven by self-interest. He had no interest in conversing with them, yet he derived satisfaction from their submission.

Prince Kral was a natural-born leader, destined to be a king.

However, he was far from being a compassionate lover. To him, everything and everyone were mere tools under his control, including me. I had come to understand this harsh truth. A pang of pain pierced through my heart, spreading its icy grip to every fiber of my being. I gazed at his profile—the jet-black hair, the high nose, and the depth in his eyes. The words that occasionally escaped his thin lips held a mesmerizing power, driving those below to madness.

The grand palace shimmered with countless lights, yet none could match the captivating allure of his gaze.

Suddenly, a fierce gust of wind blew, and extinguished the lights within a second. The entire hall was plunged into darkness. The moon vanished behind thick, ominous clouds. In an instant, all traces of light disappeared from the heavens and the earth.

This unexpected turn of events threw the hall into chaos. I remained motionless, unable to see, surrounded only by cries and piercing screams. Alen's roar echoed, followed by the clashing of swords and shields.

"Ah!" A hot embrace enveloped me from behind. Before I could identify the man, my body instinctively sought refuge within its firm hold.

I couldn't discern our exact position, but I felt securely cocooned within the embrace. Prince Kral had shielded me with his own body, protecting me from the chaos.

Warm, moist breath tickled my ear. Sensing my slight movement, the embrace tightened even further.

"Damn it. You sought refuge in my embrace without even confirming my identity," Prince Kral's voice carried an unusual mix of emotions.

"But who else would hold me like this?" I asked, my voice filled with confusion.

"....Next time, remember to inquire about the person's identity before surrendering yourself so willingly," Prince Kral replied, his tone commanding. He held me tightly, asserting his dominance. The thought of someone else holding me seemed to unsettle him, prompting him to tighten his embrace, as if he sought to merge our souls.

It was peculiar. Only moments ago, I felt sorrow for him, yet now, in the midst of this turmoil, I found a sense of security within his arms.

Regardless of the tempest raging outside, as long as I stood beside Prince Kral, I felt fearless.

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