The Crown's Seduction-Chapter 487: His To Keep

The next day dawned colder than the harshest winter for Niran. Raul’s absence was a palpable void, his retreat leaving her feeling desolate. According to Butler Moller, he had left early that morning, and even after a full day of waiting, he did not return.

Another day passed, and the preparation for the Coupling Rite began in earnest. Niran focused on perfecting every detail, her appearance, her poise, and most importantly, the dance that would seal their union. Though mastering the steps was easy for her, the weight of Raul’s silent treatment pressed heavily on her heart.

As she traveled alone in the carriage to the royal banquet hall, the emptiness inside her felt unbearable.

"This feels so hollow," she murmured to herself, her breath misting in the chilly air.

Butler Moller had informed her that Prince Raul would meet her directly at the hall, but his absence during these critical moments gnawed at her confidence.

Niran bit her lower lip, determined not to cry. She clenched her fists in her lap, forcing herself to muster some strength. "I must stay strong," she whispered. "Tonight, I will win him back with the coupling dance."

The carriage came to a halt, and Butler Moller opened the door with a respectful bow.

"We’re here, Your Highness," he announced.

Niran inhaled deeply, her resolve hardening as she stepped down. Her inner resolve flickered as she thought, ’Tonight, everything will change. I will show him my sincerity and my love.’ freeweɓnovel.cøm

The grand banquet hall was resplendent with flickering chandeliers and ornate decor, and it was already filled with nobles and courtiers who had gathered for the royal tradition. Their whispers and gazes followed her as she entered. Yet, her eyes searched only for one person, Raul. But he was nowhere to be seen.

"Where is he?" she asked Butler Moller quietly, her voice trembling despite her efforts to keep it steady.

"He is waiting near the stage, Your Highness," Moller reassured her, though his tone betrayed little emotion.

Niran nodded, taking another deep breath. She clutched her cloak tightly as the King and Queen ascended to their thrones. The royal attendants moved to stand in ceremonial formation, signaling the start of the rite.

The music began, a haunting melody of strings and percussion that echoed through the hall. Niran’s servants removed her cloak, revealing a breathtakingly intricate outfit that clung to her curves and shimmered under the golden light. The air grew thick with anticipation as all eyes turned toward her.

Then, as if materializing from the shadows, Raul appeared at the center of the hall. His regal stance and piercing gaze sent a wave of nervous energy coursing through her. For a moment, their eyes met, and Niran’s breath caught.

The ritual began.

Every movement of her body was deliberate, each step designed to allure and captivate. Her arms swayed gracefully, her hips undulated to the rhythm, and her eyes never left Raul’s. The dance was as much an offering as it was a plea, a silent message conveyed through every sway, every spin.

Raul stood motionless, his expression unreadable. He watched her with an intensity that burned through her resolve, but Niran pushed forward, moving closer to him with each turn of the dance.

The tension in the room was electric. Every noble and courtier present held their breath, knowing that the climax of the ritual would decide everything.

As Niran twirled one last time, she stopped just inches from Raul, her chest heaving and her heart pounding. She held her breath, waiting for his response, hoping beyond hope that the dance had reached him.

As the final note of the music echoed through the hall, an intense silence fell over the room.

Niran stood before Raul, her body trembling from the effort of the dance and the weight of her emotions. Her gaze met his, and for a moment, she feared the worst. His expression was unreadable, his piercing eyes locked onto hers like a predator sizing up his prey.

Then, Raul stepped closer. The crowd gasped softly, and Niran’s breath hitched as he reached out, his hand cupping her cheek with surprising gentleness.

"You danced beautifully," he murmured, his voice low and velvety, yet laced with an edge that sent shivers down her spine.

Before she could respond, Raul leaned down, his lips brushing the sensitive curve of her neck. The world seemed to fade away as he whispered, "You are mine, Niran. Forever."

Without hesitation, his fangs descended, and he bit into her neck, the sharp sensation sending a shockwave through her body.

Pain mingled with an overwhelming heat that surged through her veins, a sensation unlike anything she’d ever felt. Her knees buckled, and she clutched at Raul’s arms for support as a soft gasp escaped her lips.

Raul held her firmly, his grip unyielding as he marked her deeply yet carefully. The entire hall watched in stunned silence, the ritual solidifying their union in a way no words ever could.

As he pulled back, Raul looked down at her with a mixture of possessiveness and something softer, something almost tender. "You belong to me now, Niran," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.

But Niran’s body gave out under the intensity of the moment. Her vision blurred, but she managed to whisper, "I love you, Raul." And the last thing she saw was Raul’s face hovering above hers before everything went dark.

******

The murmurs in the hall grew louder as Raul cradled Niran’s unconscious form in his arms, her head resting limply against his chest. His expression was a mix of cold authority and raw protectiveness, daring anyone to question him.

Without sparing a glance at the stunned onlookers, he strode toward the exit. Butler Moller was already at the carriage, holding the door open. Raul carefully shifted Niran in his arms, her delicate form fitting snugly against him as if she belonged there.

Once inside the carriage, Raul settled onto the seat, still holding her like a child needing comfort. Her head rested on his shoulder, her body curled in his arms, and his hand gently stroked her back as if to soothe her even in her unconscious state. The weight of her felt grounding, despite the chaos within him.

"Take us home," Raul commanded curtly, and the carriage lurched into motion.

Inside, Raul couldn’t take his eyes off her pale, serene face. Her breathing was soft and steady, but seeing her so vulnerable twisted something deep inside him.

His jaw tightened as the events replayed in his mind. He was furious at her for her deception, at himself for how deeply he still wanted her, and at the entire situation that left him feeling so exposed.

And yet, as he held her, his grip softened. His thumb traced faint circles on the back of her hand, his other hand cradling her closer to his chest.

"You are mine now, Niran," he whispered to her sleeping form, his voice low but resolute.

"And no matter how much you hurt me, I won’t let you go. You’ll stay with me... forever."

The carriage rocked gently, the rhythmic motion lulling them into a strange, fragile peace. As they neared the estate, Raul’s anger remained, simmering beneath the surface, but for now, he allowed himself to focus on the warmth of her in his arms, her weight a reminder that she was there, with him, and his to keep.