บท 31: Bring the Ring

Standing in the court, which was decorated with flowers on the other side, King Almen and King Vilas sat on the two thrones that were kept beside each other.

Beside them stood their respective princes, who didn't even spare an eye to each other.

While Cyrus was dressed in a blue-colored coat that held white stripes. Along with that, a large sword was also tugged near his pockets.

On the opposite side of them was seated no one else but the Council head. The man was slightly older as compared to others. Coughing a little, he opened his mouth to say, "Bring the bride to be. Let's get the ring ceremony done."

King Vilas nodded his head before he eyed Mary from the corner of the door. In return, she turned around to signal someone when Flora was brought in along with her mother by her side.

Her face was covered with a veil, reaching till her chin. Despite it being knighted and transparent, Cyrus's eyes never lingered on her face ever.

Rather, his gaze searched for the lady, who had vibrantly challenged and talked with him on the previous day. 'Where is she? Why can't I see along with the crowd?' He was surprised by her absence.

Knowing that she is a princess herself, it blocked his mind when a soft frown curved on his forehead. Nevertheless, it also faded with the time when King Almen kept his hand over his shoulder.

"Go ahead. Hold your bride's hand."

As per the instruction, Prince Cyrus descended the stairs from the throne to come near the lady.

Holding her hand into his, he brought her near the center of the court, just below the thrones, which was placed for the two Kings.

At this moment, Cyrus lowered his eyes to notice his bride's height to be average. Not only that, he already felt the lady's hand be rough, something enough to irk him. She appeared weakling, unlike how he saw the human Princess last day.

Were all the human girls like her? It made him wonder about her fragrance, he felt a strong dislike towards it.

The amount of shyness she displayed already created a false image in his mind where his brows shifted from their place.

"May I know your name, Miss?" Cyrus was able to whisper when the lady lifted her eyes a bit to stare at the man, "F-Flora…"

"Hmm.." He seemingly nodded his head but this didn't bring any joy to his heart. It was merely a formality to at least learn the name of the lady to whom he will be wedded.

On the other hand, Mrs. Ira's eyes never tore from Cyrus's well-defined face which was no less than any piece of the moon. "I must say, Crown Prince Cyrus is exceptionally handsome."

"Thank you for the compliment, second lady." Cyrus politely answered.

"Alright. Since both, the members of the empires had arrived. Let us start this procedure.." the council head interrupted in the middle.

One of his council members brought a rough paper roll wrapped with a ribbon. Everyone's eyes were stagnant at the letter that the Council head opened with a hand which he read aloud.

"This is the agreement that both the Lords have signed for this alliance. No one will be able to step back anymore… This alliance is done on the grounds of the welfare of the boh Kingdoms and to improvise the relations between them."

"King Almen of Gazelle has sworn his elder son, The Crowned Prince Cyrus's hand for this alliance."

"As well, King Villas of Suzania, has sworn his niece, Princess Flora, the daughter of the second man Daniel's hand for this alliance."

The council head looked above to stare at the couple who stood opposite each other. Yet their heads were in his direction when he kept the letter down. "So.."

"I want to ask from you both exceptionally, do you accept this alliance? Are you doing this willingly? Prince Cyrus…" the first chance was given to Cyrus who first looked down on the floor.

Taking a deep breath, just when he was supposed to open his mouth, did his eyes catch the sight of the lady he awaited. The Princess, who seemed more like a warrior in the battle, was present in front of him.

Alice had stepped inside the court, yet she stood behind the other ladies of the court. Being the least in any procedure that was happening, the sole purpose of her presence was to hear what they were discussing.

However, her presence was noted long ago when she felt a gaze directed towards herself. Looking straight at the man, she came upon a single person whose face she had seen before. 'The vampire crowned Prince…'

'Why is he staring at me as if he will devour me right now?' She had no clue but in her mind, she treated him like thin air. Averting her gaze, she saw the council head who had asked Cyrus a question.

"Crowned Prince Cyrus… may I know if this is done by you willingly?" The council head again presented the same question, when he noted Cyrus to be in a daze.

Lack of response only added to the worry of King Alemn and Prince Alex who stood behind Cyrus. His eyes started to narrow on the realization of what blunder he could create.

At last, without tearing his eyes off Alice, Cyrus finally replied, "I, Crowned Prince Cyrus, is willing to join this alliance for the welfare of my empire."

"Very well then. Princess Flora… may I know your response to this as well?" Everyone's eyes averted to see Flora, who was acting a little bit hesitant right now.

At the same time, Alice's eyes slightly curved down when she sensed the power that Fora held, 'Hopefully she won't give a negative answer to this point…' because her father's reputation was at stake!

She saw Mrs. Ira smile, as she knew the answer already but it still had her conflicts.

Meanwhile, Flora bit her lower lips under the veil of her, before she answered, "I'm doing this alliance willingly. It is for my kingdom to flourish more.."

"Alright. Bring the rings for them…"

...

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