The Crown's Entrapment

Night came, and Xenia couldn't help but laugh and smile once the family celebration occurred within Cordon Castle. Of course, Darius was already sitting beside her, and they all exchanged pleasantries at the biggest great hall in the castle. She was now occupying the seat before the King where she had a view of others at another table.

She could see Jayra introducing her in-laws to her family, and the smile on her face widened even more upon seeing how happy her friend was.

Everything was just so perfect. With the mellow music playing in the background along with the bright lights scattered throughout the hall perfectly decorated with nice flowers, the scene was as glamorous and extravagant as the celebration and gathering they once had after their wedding ceremony. This time, however, they only had a few guests among their family and closest friends.

[I'm amazed how you manage to have a grand celebration like this be prepared with so little time,] Xenia couldn't help but comment to her husband through their Mate Bond.

Darius chuckled, and Xenia turned to him with a frown.

"Mother has been preparing for this already with Freya before the tournament, my love," Darius replied with a wink. "We all believed in your willpower to achieve the crown."

Xenia chuckled, and she was caught off guard when Darius suddenly gave her a smacking kiss on her lips. Her eyes widened, and her face blushed hard as their kiss deepened. It was both heartwarming and a tad bit provoking.

Her husband was becoming bolder by the day in showing his affection. Even back when they were still at the arena, he didn't even care about being seen. He just went for it, and she couldn't help but like him even more for the action.

She blinked at him, and he only gave her a roguish smile as gently pinched her chin. "What? You're my Queen now, so who cares if I'm being extra showy with my affection?" he scoffed. "I want the whole world to know how head over heels I am for my Queen…"

"Stop that. It's not proper," she whispered with a pout. Darius just won't stop making her heart flutter, and it was making it harder for them to keep decorum.

[Alright, let me make you blush some more later in privacy then…] Darius teased through their Mate Bond.

Xenia rolled her eyes, and she was about to scold him when her husband suddenly stood up from his seat to offer a toast to everyone present.

"My Queen and I are very grateful to everyone in this room, all who have been a big help and support for the two of us," Darius declared. "We wouldn't have been able to achieve anything without the encouragement and help from all of you. So please accept this toast of gratitude from the two of us…"

Taking it as her cue, Xenia also stood up, making everyone follow as they all raised their glasses for a toast.

"Long live the King and the Queen!"

Raising her glass, Xenia felt so ecstatic at the smiles filling up the room. Even her own smile had never left her face since her time at the arena. How could she not? Everyone would just bow their heads and congratulate her whenever she looked at them, and she could feel the genuine admiration and respect coming off from all of them.

Truly, it was a night of serene and genuine celebration with the people both close to her and Darius.

"I would like to propose a toast for my daughter and son-in-law as well! That may the Almighty grant them numerous heirs!"

Teasing cheers filled the great hall at King Stephans straightforward words. Her father was obviously enjoying the party. Besides, was it not great to have a harmonious relationship like this? Without anyone giving her a look malice look coming from the opposition led by Nasser before, the atmosphere was just lacking any sort of tension. Then again, all of them were removed from their positions and were about to stand on trial for corruption.

For now, the empty positions would remain vacant for those who truly deserved it, someone who would be capable and would be chosen by the majority of their pack members. The voice of Cordonians would be heard now unlike before, and there were so many changes that would have to be implemented for the betterment of their kingdom. Thinking about all these changes, Xenia couldn't help but feel excited to be a part of it.

It was indeed a great celebration, one filled with laughter and cheer. Turning to her husband, he quickly grabbed her hand and gently squeezed it.

"How about you go on ahead to your family's table, my love? They'll be leaving tomorrow, so go and spend your time with them. I'll let them have you for tonight for as long as you want," Darius thoughtfully told her. "In the meantime, I'll take this opportunity to entertain our loyal peers who contributed a lot in helping us."

Xenia lovingly smiled at him. Giving him a nod, she quickly left her table and her king and walked towards the round table where her family was situated. She then immediately sat on the chair next to Ezekiel with a smile on her face.

"Hmm… Tarah isn't back yet?" she curiously asked.

Tarah was the appointed Seer bearing the mark of an Ebodian ruler, and as per tradition and custom, she should always stay by Ezekiel's side at all times just like how Seer Beirut had done for their father until he was crowned as King. Well, according to her father, Beirut still followed after him after being king, but it wasn't as stringent as when he was still a Prince.

"Hmm.. I'm sure she'll be back soon," Ezekiel confidently said.

She simply nodded. Turning to her parents, she asked, "I've heard that Helion's army has retreated…"

"Indeed… That's why our Kingdom will also hold a celebration as soon as we return, Daughter…"

"Well surprisingly, the golden dragon scared the hell out of Helion's armies out on the battlefield," Nikolai commented.

Xenia gulped, looking at Mineah who in turn, turned towards her husband with a loving smile and said, "I told you, it's too early to judge that golden dragon, Vulcan… That dragon helped our kingdom, so I believe it isn't that harmful."

"Hah! That's the first I've heard of a dragon that isn't harmful, especially Vulcan, who has killed so many before. But since my wife says that I should observe it some more, then I guess I'll just have to listen to her," the Vampire Prince jokingly shrugged. "But mark my words… The moment that golden dragon shows up and harms innocent lives… I won't stay idle and hunt it down."

Xenia bit her inner cheek as she fought the urge to look at her brother Ezekiel. Everyone in her family was obviously doing their best to keep their act together. It would be extra work for her sister Mineah behind the curtains to protect Ezekiel, however. As her husband Darius had told her, Nikolai had a deep grudge against dragons, particularly against the Dragon King, Vulcan, who was the sole reason the man's father had died.

"Big sister! How about I stay here at Cordon for longer?" Mineah quickly suggested, obviously changing the topic. "What do you say?"

And just like that, the sudden awkward atmosphere disappeared as they were once more back to having healthier topics on the table.