The Do-Over System:My Beloved is the Villain! - Chapter 41

Chapter 41: Lucian, Let’s Talk

Back at Lucian’s castle, the air was thick with tension. Aeliana stormed into the grand hall where Lucian was, her frustration evident. “You’ll consider it?!?” she exclaimed, her voice ringing out in disbelief. Her fiery eyes searched his for answers, hurt and anger swirling together.

Lucian, who had barely had a moment to rest, pinched the bridge of his nose, a gesture both of exhaustion and irritation. “Aeliana,” he began, his tone steady but weary, “stop. Let’s talk about this tomorrow. We’re all tired, and nothing good comes from discussing something like this when emotions are high.” He gestured toward the stairs leading to their chambers, signaling the end of the conversation.

But Aeliana wasn’t ready to let it go. “No, Lucian! How can you even entertain the idea of taking another wife, let alone her?” Her voice wavered, betraying a mix of betrayal and vulnerability. “You said I was your one and only. Was that just for show?”

Lucian’s shoulders tensed as he turned to face her fully. “Aeliana, it’s not what you think,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “I didn’t agree to anything. I only said it to avoid further conflict with Ulric. It’s strategy, not intention.” He paused, his crimson eyes softening slightly. “You’re my future, Aeliana. No one else. But please, let’s revisit this when we’ve both had rest. Trust me.”

Aeliana hesitated, her anger simmering but not fully extinguished. Finally, she sighed, crossing her arms. “Fine,” she muttered, though her tone was anything but resolved. She turned and walked toward the stairs, her heart heavy with unanswered questions. Lucian watched her retreat, rubbing his temple, already bracing for the conversation that awaited them in the morning.

The next morning dawned crisp and bright, the sunlight streaming through the castle’s tall windows. Aeliana was already seated at the dining table, sipping tea and watching the servants lay out breakfast. Lucian and Kael entered together, both appearing slightly groggy but ready to start the day. Aeliana, however, wasted no time diving into the topic that had been eating at her all night.

“So,” she began casually, setting her cup down. “What’s your stance on harems, Lucian?”

Lucian, mid-sip of his coffee, choked violently, sputtering as he struggled to keep the hot liquid from spilling onto his lap. Beside him, Kael, who had just taken a gulp of juice, wasn’t as lucky—he spit it out entirely, splattering it across the table in a bright orange arc. The room was filled with the sounds of coughing and the clatter of utensils as the two men tried to recover from her unexpected question.

Aeliana couldn’t hold back her laughter. She doubled over, clutching her stomach as tears formed in the corners of her eyes. “Oh, the look on your faces!” she managed to gasp between fits of laughter. “Absolutely priceless!”

Lucian glared at her, still coughing, and set his mug down with a thud. “What kind of question is that for breakfast, Aeliana?” he rasped, his voice hoarse. “You nearly killed me!”

Kael wiped his mouth with a napkin, his cheeks flushed. “Yeah, are you trying to give us heart attacks first thing in the morning?”

Still chuckling, Aeliana leaned back in her chair, her arms crossed. “Well, it is a valid question,” she said, raising an eyebrow at Lucian. “After yesterday’s talk, I think I have a right to know where you stand on the matter.”

Lucian sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I thought I made myself clear,” he said, his tone firm but calm. “I have no intention of taking multiple wives, Aeliana. I’m not like my predecessors, and I don’t care about maintaining some outdated tradition. You are the only one I want.”

Kael, now slightly more composed, leaned back in his chair, his curiosity piqued. “Well, that’s good to hear,” he said, smirking. “But honestly, Aeliana, you’ve got to give the guy a break. His reaction alone proves he’s telling the truth.”

Aeliana grinned, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Maybe. But I still think it’s fun to keep him on his toes.”

Lucian groaned, shaking his head. “You’re going to be the death of me, princess.”

“Better me than a harem,” Aeliana quipped, earning a begrudging chuckle from both men.

Lucian leaned back in his chair, his expression serious yet calm. “Aeliana, listen to me,” he began, his voice low and steady. “When I said I would consider the possibility of taking Sylvara as a concubine, it wasn’t because I wanted to. I said it out of respect for the imprint bond, and the potential fallout if Ulric pressed the matter further. Nothing more.”

Aeliana’s lips tightened, her hands clutching her teacup a little too tightly. “So, if it weren’t for the imprint bond, you wouldn’t even think about it?” she pressed, her voice laced with tension.

Lucian nodded without hesitation. “Exactly. If that mark didn’t exist, the thought wouldn’t even cross my mind.”

She leaned forward slightly, her tone shifting to something more pointed. “But if you do agree, would you make her your bride?”

Lucian’s golden eyes met hers, unwavering and resolute. “No,” he said firmly. “She would never be my bride. You are my fiancée, Aeliana. The one I chose. The one I love. Nothing and no one can change that.”

Aeliana’s grip on the teacup loosened slightly, her shoulders relaxing as she let out a soft sigh. The tension that had been building in her chest began to ease. “You’re sure about that?” she asked, her voice quieter now, almost hesitant.

Lucian gave her a faint smile, his hand reaching across the table to rest over hers. “I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life,” he said. “You’re the only one I want by my side, Aeliana. Always.”

The room fell into a comfortable silence for a moment, the air between them heavy with unspoken feelings. Kael, who had been quietly observing the exchange, finally cleared his throat, breaking the moment.

“Well, glad we’ve got that settled,” he said, his tone light and teasing. “But I think we all know who really wears the pants in this relationship.”

Aeliana snorted, her laughter bubbling up despite the seriousness of the conversation. Lucian rolled his eyes, but even he couldn’t suppress a small chuckle.

“Keep talking, Kael, and I might just let Aeliana train you next,” Lucian quipped, earning a groan from Kael and another laugh from Aeliana.

“Don’t even joke about that, Dark Lord,” Kael said, setting his teacup down with an exaggerated huff. “She isn’t nearly on my level, and you know it.”

Aeliana rolled her eyes dramatically, unable to resist. “Oh, please,” she muttered under her breath, loud enough for him to hear.

Kael narrowed his eyes, his tone indignant. “Hey! I saw that, Aeliana,” he shot back, pointing at her with a mock accusatory finger.

Aeliana leaned back in her chair, arms crossed, a sly grin on her face. “And what exactly are you going to do about it? Throw another one of your ‘Kael-level’ tantrums?”

Lucian chuckled, watching the two of them bicker. “You two sound like siblings more than anything,” he said, shaking his head.

“I’ll have you know,” Kael said, puffing his chest out dramatically, “that my ‘Kael-level’ is the highest level. You should all aspire to reach it.”

Aeliana smirked. “If that’s the case, I’ll happily stay exactly where I am.”

“Careful,” Kael said, wagging his finger with mock seriousness. “You keep this up, and I might reconsider helping you with your training.”

Lucian shook his head, amused by their banter. “Kael, if you’re not careful, I’ll assign you to spar with her next. Let’s see how ‘Kael-level’ fares then.”

Kael groaned loudly, slumping back in his seat. “All right, all right. I take it back. You two are clearly plotting against me,” he muttered, earning a round of laughter from Aeliana and even a soft smile from Lucian.

Kael crossed his arms with a mock pout. “Fine, laugh all you want. But remember, Aeliana, when you need help dodging another attack, don’t come crying to me.”

Aeliana leaned forward, grinning. “Oh, don’t worry, Kael. I’m sure my ‘non-Kael-level’ skills will manage just fine.”

Lucian chuckled, standing up. “All right, enough banter. Let’s focus—there’s still plenty to prepare for, and I’d rather not waste any more time debating Kael’s supposed superiority.”

Kael gasped in mock offense, but Aeliana only laughed harder as they followed Lucian out of the room.

She knew that the only thing standing in the waywas none other than vampiress Selinthra of the vampire coven for the Lucian’s vacancy for another bride-to-be but, Aeliana refused to be just another bride to himshe wanted Lucian to be hers only. She can’t have that if everyone wants a piece of him every turn or every time she closes her eyes, it’s like he is a walking magnet for all of them and, she knew this very well and has to balance herself every time like a fucking tightrope performance.