"Anyone who dares to even think of harming the Queen of Megaris deserves to die."
Hearing these words, the entire royal court turned chaotic. It was shocking news for both the royals and nobles in attendance.
Even Cian, who had been fine with Drayce's every bold word and action in the royal court of his kingdom till now, was frozen in his spot in pure disbelief. He turned his shocked gaze towards his father, King Armen, who remained seated on his throne calmly.
In fact, King Armen was as bewildered as everyone else, although he hid it quite well. He was even a little angry, as he was sure he didn't approve of Drayce's demanding his daughter's hand in marriage.
How could he declare it in front of his people without his consent?
If King Armen were to deny the young king's claim at this very moment, then it would put his daughter's dignity in question. Confirming it would resolve many issues, not to forget it would be a good answer to the ministers' questions about what was going on between Drayce and Seren, as he even beheaded a man in public to protect her. It was also believable, as everyone was aware that Drayce was the one who rescued Seren from the tower.
As it was, King Armen himself could do nothing more to save her. If he were to remain stubborn against Drayce,? the kingdom and his subjects would continue to have doubts that he could never answer.
Not only King Armen, but Cian as well was troubled with the many questions raised in his mind.
'Is this what King Drayce asked in return for helping Abetha? Did my father already agree to this demand? How can it be? How can my father agree to it? And why didn't he tell me that day when I questioned him regarding what King Drayce had asked for? My sister, in exchange for rescuing me? Audacious! No, I can't let this happen!'
Amidst the uproar, Arlan was the only person who was enjoying all this, looking around as if ready to get his fair share of entertainment. "Ahh! Finally, he did it. What a great start to this joyful day!"
After announcing the shocking news, Drayce no longer bothered with the crowd's noise and stepped closer to Minister Warin, holding his blood-dripping sword to one side and glaring at him with hostility.
"Is this relationship with the Kingdom of Abetha enough to tear up the foul mouths that talk ill of the Queen of Megaris?"
At this moment, Drayce looked dangerous, as if he wouldn't mind slaughtering anyone in sight, not even sparing the ministers of the Royal Court. Even though he was standing among the royals and nobles from another kingdom, surrounded by their forces in the middle of the palace, the King of Megaris looked absolutely fearless.
Under the intimidating and threatening gaze of his red irises, Minister Warin felt like his soul was about to leave his body, and he turned mute as if no word could make its way out of his throat. Under that vicious gaze, not only Minister Warin but also the other ministers present there could only step back and be a bystander.
Two of those in attendance who were shocked at first then got back to their senses, only to feel happy about the situation. Minister Darus Count looked at the Queen, who still maintained a neutral face even though he knew she felt pleased by the sudden turn of events. Although things didn't go exactly how they initially wanted, the outcome was satisfying.
Finally, that witch would be out of this kingdom and their lives.
Queen Niobe looked at Drayce with a mocking gaze as her eyes glittered with something else she had in mind, and it would happen without any failure. It seemed like sending Seren away was not the only thing she had in mind.
Darus Count immediately bowed towards Drayce as he didn't wish to let go of this opportunity to get their plan to the desired end.
"Your Majesty, King Drayce, I seek to apologize for our words that must have offended you. We humbly seek to be forgiven for our misunderstanding the situation regarding Her Highness the Third Princess. As loyal subjects of our kingdom, we all are happy after hearing what King Drayce had said. We all look forward to strengthening the relationship between Abetha and Megaris."
Completing his part of speech, Darus Count looked at Drayce, but there was not a tinge of change in Drayce's expression, as if the minister's words didn't hold any value to him.
Darus Count spoke again, "These commoners who have offended King Drayce and the future queen of Megaris with their lies and foul words, our kingdom will make sure to punish them."
Drayce glared at Darus Count, and his sight swept across the row of ministers standing behind him. "Only commoners? I see lots of foul mouths in my line of sight."
Darus Count was taken aback. This young king was not easy to please. He was mocking the entire royal court of Abetha, not with just his actions but his words too. He caught sight of King Armen's expression, but it seemed their king would not reprimand King Drayce as he, too shared similar thoughts.
Minister Warin, who felt he had unknowingly dug his grave today, immediately bowed to King Drayce, understanding that with this new situation, he could be charged with slander and treason against the royal family.
"King Drayce, I beg your forgiveness for all our thoughtless words. Our ignorance has caused a minor misunderstanding," he said, trying to downplay his earlier attack to a mere misunderstanding. "If we had known about the marriage arrangement between King Drayce and the Third Princess, this would not have happened."
Not only him, the other ministers in the court who knew that their case was lost bowed to Drayce at a ninety-degree to apologize to him.
One old minister stepped forward and happily looked at King Armen, who had been sitting on the throne, calmly observing the entire scenario unfold before him without saying a word. "Your Majesty, this is a cause for celebration! We all appreciate Your Majesty's decision that will aid the betterment of the Kingdom of Abetha. May we ask if there is already a set date for the engagement ceremony?"
With this, the entire Royal Court, regardless if they belong to the royal faction or the aristocratic party, bowed towards King Armen, singing praises and appreciating this great decision of having a political marriage with a powerful kingdom like Megaris. Of course, the opposing side had other intentions to celebrate which was- successfully sending the witch out of their kingdom.
The old minister then looked at Drayce and continued to cheer, "The Kingdom of Abetha is fortunate to have the Kingdom of Megaris as our ally and to have such a glorious young king favor a princess of this kingdom."
King Armen remained silent, neither agreeing nor denying anything, while Cian had no other option but to wait to talk to his father regarding this matter. This matter took a political turn that concerned two kingdoms, so they couldn't act recklessly, nor could they offend the King of Megaris, who sided with the Third Princess and protected her from false allegations.
Drayce turned to look at King Armen and said, "Regarding the matter of engagement and wedding, these are matters I will still need to talk with King Armen. Of course, the sooner, the better. I look forward to taking the Queen of Megaris to the place where she truly belongs as soon as possible. The people of Megaris would be excited to welcome their Queen."
King Armen nodded lightly in response to what Drayce said, but his heart was not at peace at all thinking about his daughter.
With the nod that showed the tacit approval of King Armen, the entire royal court cheered.
"Your Majesty King Armen is indeed a wise king!"
"What a joyful union! Our princess will become the Queen of Megaris!"
On the other hand, King Armen could only hide his true feelings. How could he openly oppose this powerful king in front of everyone and disrespect him? Moreover, the entire royal court fully supported this decision.
If he were to deny it now, it would only end in bringing the wrath of this young king on Abetha, and the entire royal court would oppose the authority of the king.
He was a king, first a father of his kingdom and later a father of his daughter.
Also, if he disregarded Drayce's claim, it would only end up putting Seren into more trouble. Without Drayce's help this time, King Armen would not have been able to save his daughter from getting banished from this kingdom after how they tried to malign her character.
With King Armen's power alone, though he might find a way to keep Seren safe temporarily today, the opposing faction would only get another way to make her life difficult in the future. The aristocratic faction of the royal court, which always looked out to bring the authority of their king down, would leave no efforts in turning the entire kingdom against him.