The Crown's Seduction

Chapter 26: Birds of the Same Feather

"Slow down, Mine," Nikolai murmured as he watched his wife eat. "There's more than enough food for all of us."

Unfortunately for him, Mineah had no plans in doing so. The meals that Nikolai had prepared for her were just so sumptuous and scrumptious that she just couldn't help but sample them all one after the other. 

Truly, if there was one weakness Mineah would be willing to openly accept, then it was her big appetite for food, especially if it was savory and delicious. Besides, she needed to regain strength quickly if she wanted to read minds again. Particularly, she wanted to observe Rosela again, who was thick-skinned enough to sit down at their own table together with Alexa and her Shadow Maidens.

"Looks like our Queen has a great appetite," Alexa playfully hummed. "I can only wonder where you're stuffing all that food in your slim body."

"Our Queen has an exceptional metabolism, Princess Alexa," Zaila proudly answered. "No matter how much she eats, she still easily maintains her curvy and magnificent figure." 

"Why are you the one answering when the question isn't even directed at you?" Rosela hissed. "Why are you all even seated here?"

True enough, Mineah's three Shadow Maidens were also sitting with them. They were the ones responsible for her health and safety, after all, which allowed them to be close to her at all times.

Hearing those harsh words from Rosela, Mineah stopped eating and harshly put her eating utensils down on her plate. 

The action made an equally harsh clashing sound, turning everyone's attention to her as she, casually picked up her wine glass and drank it in one gulp. Not minding all the attention, she then grabbed the nearest napkin and gently dabbed it on her lips.

"Ah, I feel full all of a sudden," she whispered before she slowly dragged her gaze to Rosela, giving the vampire a meek smile. 

"Is there a problem with my ladies-in-waiting sitting at the table with me? You see, they are the daughters of our Kingdom's dukes and marquesses, all of them holding sufficiently high-ranking positions. I'm sure that they are more than qualified to sit here with their Queen from that alone, don't you agree, Lady Rosela?"

Rosela paled, but Mineah was far from finished. She turned to Alexa. "Aunty Alexa, I understand that Lady Rosela is a Scion turned by His Late Majesty, Arturo, correct?" she questioned with a tone of naivety. 

"I've just finished reading all the books pertaining to the history of Valcrez, and I can't help but wonder why Lady Rosela's name isn't mentioned on any of them. Is there a separate book for Scions that I'm not aware of?" 

"Oh, there is none. You see, the History of Valcrez was written with only the most important figures of its history in mind," Alexa helpfully explained. 

"Some Scions were mentioned, especially those who had outstanding contributions to our history, but the rest was cut out in order to save time and ink. But if you truly want to see Rosela's name, you'll see it in the genealogy list of Ichor Clan."

Mineah nodded, satisfied with the answer Alexa gave her. "I see. In that case, the fact that my three ladies-in-waiting along with their families were mentioned in the history books of Ebodia means that they have contributed enough to our kingdom's development to be of note," she innocently pointed out. 

Looking back at Rosela's direction, she kindly added, "As such, with myself now being a part of the Ichor Clan and as your Queen, I will be delighted to see if you, Lady Rosela, will greatly contribute to our cause in the future."

"I apologize, My Queen. I assure you that I will definitely assist His Majesty more in the future for the betterment of Valcrez," Rosela commented, barely managing a smile on her face as she gave her a curt nod.

"Ah, don't be biased now. I know I just recently became your Queen, and I still have a lot of things to prove to our people," Mineah smiled with a scoff, looking directly into Rosela's eyes even if she had no plans on reading her mind just yet. Luckily, she also had the ability to control her powers at will. "I will look forward to you assisting me in my future endeavors." 

"It will be my pleasure, Your Majesty," Rosela sweetly replied.

Turning her gaze to Nikolai, Mineah then hummed, "About the Coupling Rites, I decided to do it following Valcrez's traditions." 

After having much thought about it, following their traditions was a better way of going about things if she really wanted to get to the good side of the Valcrezians as their Queen.

"We shall do that then, Mine…" Nikolai hummed while keenly staring at her. "Whenever you want is perfectly fine with me."  @@novelbin@@

Even as her husband said those words, Mineah couldn't help but wonder what truly was going on inside her head. It was such a real pity she wasn't able to read his mind.

Eventually, Mineah turned away to look at the center of the main deck where some of the Valcrezian were currently dancing to the slow and relaxing music being played for the occasion.

"Would you like to dance with me, Mine?" 

Mineah smiled as Nikolai extended his hand out to her. Without a second thought, she gave him a nod and accepted his hand. 

This was to her advantage anyway. She honestly wanted to be alone with him to discuss the impending blood oath she wanted. Not to mention how she didn't want to see Rosela's poker face being smug before her eyes again. How she just wanted to puke on those sly smiles and fake courtesies that were being thrown her way...

Thankfully, her attention was thoroughly taken as Nikolai led her to the dance floor and possessively wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her closer to him. Instinctively, Mineah reciprocated by wrapping her arms around his neck. They were very close to one another now, enough for their own whispers to reach each other's ears.

"Does Rosela offend you?" Nikolai hummed. 

"Yes," Mineah admitted. "I don't like how she looks at you with desire."

"Well, I'm glad my wife is not that shy in expressing herself," Nikolai smirked. "To think that it's only been a few days since we personally met."

"You're blunt enough during those days, so why do I need to be shy?" she snorted. "You said you're possessive and territorial. Well, I guess we're birds of the same feather in that regard…"