Transmigrated as the Villainess Princess - Chapter 173

Chapter 173: King’s Priority
King Dan stood in his office, his gaze fixed on the horizon where the setting sun painted the sky in hues of crimson and gold.

The fading light cast long shadows across the room, reflecting the weight of his thoughts.

His fingers tapped restlessly against the polished wooden desk, a habit he’d developed during moments of deep contemplation.

The door creaked open behind him, and a familiar presence entered. Queen Tereza stepped inside, her hair braided elegantly over her shoulder.

Her celestial aura shimmered faintly, like stardust woven into her very being.

“I heard you acted well on making everyone believe that you didn’t know the destiny’s daughter,” Tereza said softly, her tone carrying both praise and concern.

King Dan sighed, turning to face her. “My top priority is to protect our family,” he replied firmly.

“I don’t know how Ahcehera managed to enter the Abyssal Trench and retrieve the inheritance… but that is her destiny.”

“It was already written in my grandfather’s journal. It should also coincide and bridge with the prophecy your mythical dragon guardian has foretold.”

Tereza’s expression darkened. “Then this means…” She hesitated, her fingers tightening around the pendant resting on her chest, the symbol of her Celestara lineage.

“…the arrival of the Demon Lord is near, and we must prepare for the fall of the nine royal families in the Andromeda Galaxy.”

Dan crossed the room and pulled her into his arms. The warmth of her presence soothed the turmoil raging within him.

“I will do my best to protect this family and our clan,” he vowed. “We will face this calamity together.”

For a moment, they stood in silence, finding comfort in each other’s presence. But both knew that their time was running out.

Later that night, King Dan summoned his trusted council to the war chamber.

The massive stone table displayed a detailed holographic projection of the Andromeda Galaxy, marked with flickering red dots, signs of increasing disturbances.

Each marked point represented a celestial anomaly or Void activity.

“We cannot keep this secret any longer,” King Dan declared.

“The Order of the Void is moving faster than anticipated, and Ahcehera’s retrieval of the celestial flame will undoubtedly draw their attention.”

–

Prince Aleverin, Dan’s fourth son and commander of the Bloodstone military, leaned forward with a grim expression.

“Our scouts reported unusual movements along the Ophis Nebula. Entire star clusters are being swallowed by a dark force.”

“If the Void’s influence is spreading this rapidly, they may already be targeting Ahcehera.”

“She’s no longer in the kingdom,” King Dan assured him. “She’s with Rohzivaan and Richmond now, the safest place for her to be.”

“But for how long?” Councilman Orvan interjected. “The Void’s influence corrupts everything it touches. If they track her, not even a starship can outrun them.”

“That’s why we must prepare our defenses now,” King Dan replied.

“We cannot rely solely on hiding Ahcehera. When the Demon Lord rises, he won’t stop with her, he’ll destroy everything in his path.”

Queen Tereza stepped forward, her voice calm yet powerful.

“The mythical dragon guardian spoke of a celestial convergence, the moment when the nine royal families would face their greatest trial.”

“Each royal bloodline carries a fragment of the cosmic barrier that seals the Demon Lord. If those fragments are shattered…”

“Then nothing will stand between him and the mortal realm,” King Dan finished gravely. Silence weighed heavily in the room.

“Father,” Aleverin said at last, his voice firm, “give me command of our fleets.”

“I will lead the charge to secure the outer regions. If the Void is spreading, we must meet them head-on before they reach our kingdom.”

King Dan regarded his son proudly.

“You will have my blessing… but remember, we are fighting to delay them, not to win. We need to buy Ahcehera enough time to master her power.”

Aleverin nodded grimly. “I understand.”

Meanwhile, deep within the cold expanse of space, Ahcehera stood at the helm of Rohzivaan’s starship, staring at the endless stars through the observation deck.

The weight of her newfound responsibility pressed heavily on her shoulders.

“You’re thinking too much again,” Rohzivaan’s voice broke the silence.

Ahcehera turned, watching as he approached her. His face, normally calm and collected, showed clear signs of worry.

“How can I not?” she asked softly. “I didn’t ask for this power… but now the fate of entire galaxies depends on me.”

Rohzivaan placed a hand on her shoulder. “You’re stronger than you think. And you’re not alone in this.”

“I know,” Ahcehera murmured, her gaze dropping to the swirling celestial energy that faintly glowed beneath her fingertips.

“But I can feel it… the power inside me, it’s unstable. If I can’t control it, I’ll only make things worse.”

Before Rohzivaan could answer, Richmond’s voice crackled through the comms.

“Ahcehera, you need to see this.”

Moments later, they gathered around the ship’s main display screen. Richmond’s face was tense as he brought up the latest data feed.

The image showed a growing void, a swirling mass of shadow spreading across a planetary system.

“That’s close to the Sirius Kingdom,” Ahcehera whispered.

Rohzivaan’s fists clenched. “It’s starting…”

“We have to get there,” Ahcehera said firmly. “If the Void spreads any further, our home will fall.”

Richmond hesitated. “We’ll never make it in time without taking the hyperspace path through the Auran Rift. It’s unstable, we could end up anywhere.”

“Then we’ll take that risk,” Ahcehera said, determination hardening her gaze.

Rohzivaan nodded in agreement. “Set the course.”

Back in the Sirius Kingdom, King Dan stood atop the castle’s outer wall, his gaze fixed on the distant sky.

The stars, once calm and familiar, now flickered with an unnatural crimson hue. Queen Tereza joined him, her fingers entwining with his.

“They’re coming,” she whispered.

King Dan’s eyes narrowed. “Let them come.”

From behind them, the sound of soldiers gathering echoed across the courtyard, warriors from every corner of the kingdom preparing for battle.

Banners bearing the Bloodstone sigil fluttered in the cold night air.

“My love…” Queen Tereza’s voice trembled slightly. “No matter what happens, you must survive. Ahcehera will need you.”

King Dan turned, cupping her face with both hands. “I swear to you, I’ll protect our family, no matter the cost.”

Tereza leaned into him, her celestial flame flickering faintly beneath her skin, a reminder of the power she had once possessed before it was sealed away.

“Then may the stars guide us,” she whispered.

As the crimson sky deepened, a shadow crept across the horizon, the first sign of the darkness that threatened to consume everything.