The Do-Over System:My Beloved is the Villain! - Chapter 28

Chapter 28: Breakfast with Lucian

Aeliana woke early, the faint light of dawn streaming through the heavy velvet curtains of the room. She stretched with a yawn, reaching over to find the other side of the bed empty. Her heart skipped for a moment as her hand brushed against cold sheets—Lucian was gone.

As she wandered through the dark and grand halls of Lucian’s castle, the scent of aged wood and faint incense filled the air. She passed the lounge area, stopping short when she noticed Kael sprawled on one of the ornate sofas.

Kael’s head rested awkwardly against the arm of the sofa, dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his usual strong, protective demeanor was replaced with exhaustion. Aeliana’s heart twinged at the sight.

“Oh, Kael,” she whispered, stepping closer. She crouched beside him, studying his worn expression.

Aeliana leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his forehead. It was a small, affectionate gesture—one of gratitude and care. ‘That should put him into ease’

But as she straightened, a familiar interrupt fake cough cut through the silence.

“I see you’ve taken to waking your Faekin Warrior kiss,” Lucian said smoothly,

“You two, seem very comfortable with one another,”

standing at the entrance to the lounge with an amused expression on his face. His crimson eyes sparkled mischievously, though there was a hint of something deeper behind them.

Aeliana gasped and jumped to her feet, her cheeks flushing a deep red. “Lucian! I-I didn’t—”

“Relax, princess,” Lucian interrupted with a chuckle. He stepped into the room, his tailored black suit pristine, even at this early hour. “I’m only teasing. Though Kael might wake up with the wrong idea.”

Aeliana glared at him, though her embarrassment still painted her cheeks. “Don’t start. I was just being kind. He looks like he hasn’t slept all night.”

Lucian glanced at the sleeping Kael and sighed. “He does take his duties seriously, doesn’t he?” He turned to the butler who had followed him into the lounge. “Bring a blanket for our diligent guard, would you?”

The butler nodded and left swiftly. Lucian turned back to Aeliana, offering her his arm. “Come, breakfast is ready. I’d rather have your company at the table than have you dote on the furniture.”

Aeliana hesitated, glancing back at Kael. But the sight of Lucian’s extended arm, coupled with the warmth in his expression, made her relent. She slid her hand into his, and he led her toward the dining hall.

As they walked, Aeliana peeked up at him. “Where were you earlier?”

“The study,” Lucian replied, his tone light. “I had some correspondence to handle. Allies to appease, threats to evaluate, and all that dull administrative work. You’d be surprised how busy a Demon Lord can be, even at dawn.”

She smiled faintly. “I thought maybe you were avoiding me after last night.”

Lucian glanced at her, his gaze softening. “Avoid you? Never. Though I must admit, seeing you care for Kael like that… it reminded me just how kind-hearted you are, even to those who push your limits.”

Aeliana flushed again but said nothing, letting the warmth of his words settle in her chest as they entered the grand dining hall. The table was already set with an array of dishes, from fresh fruit to warm pastries and a steaming pot of spiced tea.

Lucian pulled out a chair for her with a flourish. “Sit, princess. Let’s enjoy this morning properly.”

As Aeliana settled in, she couldn’t help but glance back toward the lounge. Kael was still asleep, no doubt wrapped in the blanket Lucian had ordered.

As Aeliana savored her breakfast with Lucian, a foreboding sense of unease clouded his features, despite his efforts to maintain a calm demeanor. He placed his teacup down gently, the clinking sound breaking the silence as he broached a delicate topic.

“There’s something we need to discuss, Aeliana,” Lucian began, his crimson eyes sharp yet troubled. “It concerns Lady Selinthra and… another threat to my reign.”

Aeliana straightened, her fork pausing mid-air. “Another threat? What do you mean?”

Lucian exhaled deeply, leaning back in his chair. “Do you remember when I left abruptly for the alliance meeting? It wasn’t just a social visit. I received word about someone who’s been steadily gaining traction among the more… discontented factions in my domain.”

“Who?”

“Skye Drakonis,” Lucian said, his voice carrying a weight of both disdain and caution. “A rogue draconic hybrid. He’s the product of both dragon and demon blood, a rarity even among our kind. He’s powerful, charismatic, and most dangerously, he has a knack for swaying people to his cause.”

Aeliana’s brows furrowed. “His cause? What does he want?”

Lucian’s jaw tightened. “He believes I’ve gone soft, that my efforts to form alliances—especially with the light-kind—are a betrayal of demonkind. He preaches about returning to our roots, about dominance and destruction. The whispers of rebellion are growing louder because of him.”

Aeliana’s heart sank. “And Lady Selinthra? What role does she play in this?”

Lucian’s eyes darkened. “Selinthra, despite her aristocratic airs, is an opportunist. She has no true loyalty to anyone but herself. If she thinks Skye Drakonis has a chance of dethroning me, she’ll side with him in a heartbeat. She’s already hinted at alliances with other factions, using her influence to test the waters of rebellion.”

Aeliana swallowed hard. “If these rumors about you being replaced spread… would the people really turn on you?”

Lucian hesitated, then nodded grimly. “Demons respect power above all else. If they perceive me as weak or distracted, it won’t take much for them to rally behind someone like Skye.”

The weight of his words pressed heavily on Aeliana’s chest, but Lucian wasn’t finished.

“And then there’s the werewolf clan,” he added, his tone bitter. “Their Luna, Sylvara Nightfang, has pitched an absurd proposition to strengthen ties between our clans.”

“What proposition?” Aeliana asked cautiously.

“She wants to secure peace through marriage,” Lucian said, his voice laced with frustration. “Specifically, she wants me to marry her.”

Aeliana froze, her fork clattering against her plate. “She what?”

Lucian sighed, his hand running through his hair. “It’s as ridiculous as it sounds. Sylvara is very cunning, ruthless Luna. She doesn’t care about peace; she cares about power. But I made it clear to her—and the rest of the clan—that I am already engaged to you.”

Aeliana’s heart twisted at the thought of these challenges piling on Lucian’s shoulders, but her chest also swelled with resolve. “So, what happens now? How do we deal with Skye, Selinthra, and Sylvara?”

Lucian’s gaze softened as he reached across the table, taking her hand in his. “First, we stand united. No matter what rumors or challenges arise, the strength of our bond will be what keeps the realm from falling apart.”

“And after that?”

“After that,” he said, his voice firm, “We prepare. Skye may be powerful, but he’s reckless. If he truly intends to challenge me, he’ll expose his weaknesses sooner or later. As for Selinthra, I’ll ensure her schemes are unraveled before she can do real damage. And Sylvara…” He smirked darkly. “She’ll realize soon enough that no amount of political maneuvering can force my hand.”

Aeliana nodded, her resolve hardening. “Then I’ll stand by your side, no matter what comes.”

Lucian smiled, a flicker of gratitude crossing his face. “Good. Because things are about to get a lot more complicated.”

Lucian leaned back in his chair, his gaze calculating as he spoke. “There’s a way to settle this without me bending to Sylvara’s whims—or anyone else’s, for that matter.”

Aeliana looked at him warily. “What way?”

“A duel,” Lucian said simply. “You and Sylvara. A battle to prove who is most worthy to stand by my side as queen. It’s not uncommon for matters of pride and power to be resolved this way in our realm.”

Aeliana blinked, her expression a mix of disbelief and indignation. “You want me to fight her?”

“Only if you’re willing,” Lucian said, his tone serious. “If you refuse, Sylvara will take it as a sign of weakness, and the werewolves might insist on further negotiations. If that happens, the only way to pacify them may be for me to accept another bride—a concubine, politically speaking.”

Her fists clenched at the thought. “I refuse to share you, Lucian.”

“Then don’t,” he said, his voice low and reassuring. “Prove to Sylvara, and to everyone else, that you are the one true queen of my domain. I’ll train you myself if you need it, but know this: I have no intention of ever taking another bride. My loyalty is to you.”

Aeliana’s anger simmered, but Lucian’s steady gaze calmed her. She sighed, her resolve hardening. “Fine. If a duel is what it takes to end this nonsense, then I’ll do it. But you’d better not hold back on training me, Lucian. I’m not losing to her.”

Lucian smirked, a glint of pride in his eyes. “That’s the spirit, princess. Together, we’ll ensure no one questions your place by my side.”