Transmigrated as the Villainess Princess - Chapter 71

Chapter 71: The King’s Decree

Ahcehera remembered the subtle shifts in Richard’s demeanor, the way he carried an air of wisdom and restraint that mirrored Riezekiel’s.

It was as though the essence of Richard’s brother had merged with Richard somehow, leaving her with more questions than answers.

Ahcehera leaned back, closing her eyes as she tried to piece everything together. Could it be a coincidence? I thought everything had ended when we left Cazumi 0071.

Or was there a deeper connection, one tied to the mysteries of the royal bloodline and their mate bonds? Should I trust fate?

Her instincts told her there was more to Richard’s transformation than met the eye. And as much as she trusted him, she couldn’t ignore the growing curiosity and unease within her.

“I need to confirm it,” she whispered, her resolve hardening. When he inherited the power of the dark core, something must have occurred right there.

It would not be long until the truth about Richard and their strange connection was made clear. And Ahcehera planned to uncover it, no matter what, with her unflinching conviction.

–

Richard and Ahcehera received a summons from the palace the following morning, ordering them to come before the royal court.

The message was unambiguous, the engagement would be formally announced, and a marriage decree would be granted.

Ahcehera dressed with meticulous care, choosing a ceremonial outfit in shades of gold and deep blue, colors that represented her royal lineage and status as the kingdom’s princess.

As she fastened the clasp of her cloak, her thoughts raced. The mate bond is impossible to break with the royal mark appearing on Richard. But… is this the right choice?

Although she had consented, the decision hung heavily on her because it was the first big step toward binding her future with Richard’s.

When she reached the designated landing pad, Richard was already waiting. He looks handsome and more mature today.

He stood tall and composed, dressed in a formal military uniform that accentuated his broad shoulders. Since when did he earn a rank in the imperial military?

His dark hair caught the morning light, and his sharp gaze softened when it met hers. That look… those eyes.

“Good morning, Princess,” Richard greeted, bowing slightly, his tone laced with respect but carrying a hint of something more personal.

“Good morning,” Ahcehera replied, offering a small nod. Without further words, they boarded the royal shuttle together.

The journey to the palace was quiet, each lost in their own thoughts. Richard, ever observant, noticed the tension in Ahcehera’s posture.

“Are you nervous?” he asked after a moment, breaking the silence.

Ahcehera glanced at him, her expression unreadable. “No, just… reflective. This is a significant moment for both of us.”

He studied her for a moment longer, then simply nodded. “It is.”

When they arrived at the palace, the grandeur of the royal court was on full display. Golden banners lined the great hall, bearing the sigil of the Bloodstone family.

The air buzzed with anticipation as courtiers, nobles, and dignitaries gathered to witness the formalization of the engagement.

Ahcehera and Richard were escorted to the throne room, where King Dan sat in his imposing chair, accompanied by the queen and the crown prince.

The royal scribe stood ready with a scroll, while Duke Mors and his wife waited at the side, their expressions filled with pride and nervousness.

“Step forward,” the king commanded, his voice echoing through the vast chamber.

Ahcehera and Richard obeyed, walking side by side to the center of the room.

King Dan’s gaze swept over them, his expression solemn.

“This union is not merely a personal bond but one of great significance to the kingdom. Major Richard Mors, do you pledge your loyalty to the crown and to Princess Ahcehera Bloodstone as her mate and protector?”

Richard bowed deeply, his voice steady. “I do, Your Majesty.”

“And Ahcehera Bloodstone,” the king continued, his gaze softening as he looked at his daughter.

I feel a little nervous.

“Do you accept this engagement, acknowledging the bond that ties you to Major Richard Mors and the responsibilities that come with it?”

Ahcehera straightened, her voice clear and unwavering. “I do, Father.”

The royal scribe stepped forward, unrolling the decree of marriage.

The document, written in elegant calligraphy, detailed the terms of their engagement and the symbolic union of the royal family and the Northern Dukedom.

“With this decree,” the king declared, “I formally announce the engagement of Princess Ahcehera Bloodstone and Major Richard Mors. Their union strengthens the bonds of our kingdom and fortifies our resolve against all who threaten it.”

Applause filled the chamber as the scribe handed the decree to Ahcehera and Richard, each signing their names with ceremonial pens.

As they turned to face the gathered crowd, Richard leaned closer, his voice low so only Ahcehera could hear. “Are you ready for this?”

She glanced at him, her lips curving into a faint smile. “I have to be.”

Their eyes met, a silent understanding passing between them. The future was uncertain, but for now, they would face it together.

After the formal engagement ceremony concluded, the royal family and Duke Mors’ entourage gathered for a private banquet.

The mood was celebratory, but Ahcehera found herself needing a moment to reflect amidst the whirlwind of activity.

She excused herself discreetly and retreated to her personal library within the palace, a sanctuary filled with towering bookshelves, intricate tapestries, and the faint scent of aged parchment.

Fake books hiding tablets filled with technology. Here, surrounded by knowledge and reminders of the past, she had always found comfort.

The soft glow of enchanted sconces lit the room as she settled into her favorite armchair by the large window overlooking the palace gardens.

She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the quiet wrap around her. The sound of the library door opening made her look up.

Richard entered the room with a powerful yet strangely soft demeanor. His face was unreadable as he shut the door behind him.

“I hope I’m not disturbing you,” he said, his tone courteous but laced with curiosity.

“Not at all,” Ahcehera replied, gesturing to the armchair opposite her. “Please, join me.”

With careful steps, as though assessing each one, Richard approached and took a seat. They just sat in silence for a minute, the tension and peculiar ease of the circumstances.

“This library suits you,” Richard remarked, his gaze scanning the shelves. “A place of quiet and contemplation. I imagine it’s where you’ve made some of your most significant decisions.”

Ahcehera tilted her head slightly, studying him. “It’s true. It’s where I think best, away from the noise.”

Richard nodded, his expression thoughtful. “I can understand the appeal. The world expects so much of you, and yet, in a place like this, you can just be yourself.”

But I’m not the original…