Transmigrated as the Villainess Princess - Chapter 66

Chapter 66: Marriage Talks

Ahcehera was beckoned inside the royal palace’s magnificent halls in the gentle morning light. I have an unusual gut feeling about why my father called me here.

The towering columns and intricate stained glass windows reflected the majesty of her lineage, but her heart was weighed with unease. What pressing matter could it be?

Her father, the king, had requested her presence with a rare urgency. Seated on his throne, the king wore an expression of quiet concern, his gaze softening as Ahcehera approached.

“Ahcehera, there is much to discuss,” he began, his voice steady yet tinged with a hint of apprehension.

She inclined her head respectfully, her eyes fixed on him. “What is it, Father?”

“First, I bring good news,” he said with a faint smile. “Your second brother has recovered well. His health is no longer a concern.”

“That’s wonderful to hear.” Relief flickered across her features. I am glad my second brother is doing well, everyone should be happy with this news. But what else is there?

The king’s smile faded as his tone turned more serious. “However, your marriage has become a pressing matter.”

Marriage? But in the interstellar era, twenty-eight is considered very young. People can live up to three hundred years. Ahcehera’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean, Father?”

“Another kingdom has sent their prince with the intention of seeking your hand in marriage. I have informed them that the decision is entirely yours and that no one will interfere with your choice.”

A wave of gratitude washed over her. “Thank you, Father. I will handle the matter.”

But the king wasn’t finished. His expression grew heavier as he continued, “I also received a letter from Duke Mors of the North.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Duke Mors of the North? What was it about, Father? You seem troubled.”

The king sighed deeply, glancing toward the queen and her eldest brother, who stood nearby in quiet solidarity.

“I have spoken with your mother and brother about this. Before I take any action, I wanted to hear your opinion. The Duke has informed me that the royal family’s mate mark has appeared on his third son.”

Ahcehera’s breath caught in her throat. Shock rippled through her as she processed the revelation. How is that possible?

The mating mark, a sacred symbol that only appeared to confirm a destined bond, was something she hadn’t anticipated.

“You knew about this, didn’t you?” her father asked gently.

She hesitated before nodding, her voice soft. “Yes, Father, I did. But I didn’t realize the implications were so serious.”

“The Mors family has always been loyal to our kingdom,” the king said, his voice carrying the weight of history and trust.

I don’t know how that mate’s mark appeared on him. Nothing has developed between me and Richard. The closest encounter we had was a few kisses.

“This is why I don’t wish to pressure you into any decision. However, the Duke is urging me to proceed with their proposal.”

“Why is he in such a hurry?” Ahcehera asked, her voice laced with curiosity and unease.

The king’s gaze darkened slightly. “Because their son, Richard, has begun to lose his connection to his wolf.”

“It is as though the bond with his guardian spirit is fraying. Without his wolf, his power will diminish, and his identity as a werewolf is at risk. He will have the bloodline, but not the blessing.”

Ahcehera’s chest tightened. The thought of Richard, proud, strong, and unyielding, facing such a loss unsettled her deeply.

She knew how integral the wolf guardian was to a werewolf’s essence, and the idea of Richard suffering in silence filled her with an ache she couldn’t ignore.

Hours later, aboard the warship en route to Agartha, Ahcehera leaned against the reinforced glass of the observation deck, staring out at the stars scattered across the endless void.

Her reflection stared back at her, mirroring her inner turmoil. The hum of the engines was a low, constant vibration beneath her feet, but her mind was far from the ship.

Would being engaged to Richard heal the distance between them or only deepen the chasm?

I don’t even know his feelings for me, she thought bitterly, her fists clenching at her sides. Her gaze shifted to the horizon, where the distant glow of Agartha awaited.

She had decisions to make, decisions that would shape not only her future but the fate of her bond with Richard. And yet, amidst the uncertainty, one thing was clear.

She couldn’t turn away from him, no matter how complicated their paths had become.

–

The atmosphere at the academy was tense when Ahcehera arrived. The usual bustling energy of students and faculty had been replaced with hushed whispers and worried glances.

Did something happen while I was away? She made her way to the administration office, her presence commanding attention as she passed by.

The headmaster, a stern-looking man with silver-streaked hair and deep-set eyes, greeted her with feelings of relief and urgency.

“Your Highness, it’s good that you’re here,” he said, gesturing for her to enter his office.

“What’s the situation?” she asked, her tone calm but firm.

“Several teams of students who ventured into Agartha’s wild forest for their missions have failed to return.”

How could that be?

“Their communication devices went silent two days ago, and we’ve been unable to locate them,” the headmaster explained, his voice heavy with concern.

“Have rescue efforts begun?” Ahcehera inquired, her golden eyes narrowing as she processed the information.

“Yes, but the forest is vast, and the dangers within are unpredictable,” he replied. “We need more support to ensure the safety of the students and the rescue teams.”

Ahcehera nodded thoughtfully. “I’ll join the effort,” she said without hesitation.

The headmaster hesitated, surprised by her offer. “Your Highness, are you certain? This is a perilous task, and your safety is of utmost importance.”

“I understand the risks, but I also have a responsibility to the academy and its people,” she replied firmly. “Besides, there’s something I need to investigate in the wild forest.”

Her thoughts drifted to the message from her seventh brother, General Aryndale Bloodstone. This has something to do with it…

His warning about a portal awakening in another part of Agartha had been weighing on her mind.

If there was even a chance that the portal near the wild forest was connected, she needed to act.

As she left the office, the headmaster’s voice followed her. “Please, be cautious, Princess.”

Later that evening, Ahcehera stood in the academy’s preparation hall, donning her lightweight combat gear.

The black and silver suit, made of reinforced nanofibers, fit her perfectly, allowing for both flexibility and protection.

She adjusted the straps of her utility belt, ensuring her weapons and tools were secure. Why did I even wear this?