Vira and Chrystia stepped into the grandeur of the main Imperial Palace and made their way toward one of the royal guest rooms, where an important meeting was taking place.
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Inside, the atmosphere was heavy yet refined.
"Your Imperial Majesty, I—Helios—swear on my name that I will keep Chrystia deeply cherished in my heart, should you grant me this opportunity. I may be weaker than her in magical prowess, but in terms of physical strength, we dragons hold the utmost advantage. We would be a perfect match for each other," Helios declared slyly, his tone deceptively humble as he sat with an air of feigned modesty.
Time to time his eyes kept roaming around Chrystia's beautiful figure as if eating her alive.
Before him sat a circle of eight esteemed elders, six of whom were women. Though aged, their appearances betrayed no frailty, their stern expressions and dignified composure exuding authority.
The female elders were particularly scrutinizing, their sharp gazes cutting through Helios's words, analyzing his demeanor and intentions. Each of them represented a key pillar of the Phoenix Empire's matriarchal hierarchy, and their opinions were crucial in matters of politics, alliances, and marriages.
Surprisingly, a snotty little girl sat in the middle of the group on an eye-catching throne, exuding an air of authority as if she were in charge.
The girl appeared to be around 7 or 8 years old but carried an imposing demeanor well beyond her years. She adorned herself with earrings and jewelry befitting an empress, further emphasizing her regal presence.
From time to time, she glanced between Chrystia and Helios, silently considering the proposal with an expression that betrayed her sharp mind despite her youthful appearance.
The silence following Helios's declaration was deafening, filled with a tension that Chrystia, standing by the door, could almost taste.
One of the elder women finally broke the silence, her voice cold and sharp like a blade.
"Helios, while your claims of devotion are noted, a union with a member of the Imperial Phoenix bloodline is not determined solely by strength—physical or otherwise. Do you truly believe your current status is enough to warrant such an audacious proposal? You have even failed to protect your son. How will you protect our Chrystia?"
Helios' expression darkened, but he smiled graciously.
"Honorable elders, you can't judge someone based on one failed incident. I have countless victories over demon armies. Furthermore, I can help you deepen your friendly relations with the Dragon Emperor, Your Empress," Helios said to the little girl, bowing his head slightly.
But his words seemed to fall on deaf ears, carrying little weight in the room. It was clear who truly held the power.
Vira knew this well and didn't let it bother him. He had long accepted his wife's dominance over him. Despite her cold demeanor, his love for her had grown after their arranged marriage.
"Vira, I can grant her some time. But make sure she understands not to repeat her older sister's mistake by making a foolish choice," the Phoenix Empress said, her tone commanding and unyielding.
Chrystia felt a wave of relief wash over her, temporarily ignoring Helios's smug expression. She would find a way to escape this arranged marriage later. For now, there were more pressing matters to address.
"Speak your mind, Chrystia," Vira encouraged, placing a reassuring hand on her back. He had no idea that the news she was about to reveal would shock him as well.
"What are the two of you talking about?" the Phoenix Empress asked curiously, noticing their interaction.
Chrystia took a deep breath and began, "Mother Empress, your granddaughter Bella Bellfrost is here... to take her mother away."
The room fell into stunned silence.
"What?"
The Phoenix Empress's voice cut through the air like a blade. Her sharp gaze bore into Chrystia.
"What do you mean, Chrystia? Speak clearly. Since when does that vile spawn dare to set foot here?" she demanded, her tone laced with simmering anger.
Sensing the rising fury of her mother, Chrystia quickly explained, "Mother, it's like this..."
She detailed the events, recounting how Bella had arrived in the Phoenix Empire accompanied by her life partner—the infamous Rebel Emperor, or the Ruination Emperor as he was widely feared.
As Chrystia unfolded the story, the faces of the elders and Empress Claudia darkened with disbelief and anger.
The audacity of Bella, a child they considered tainted, and her powerful partner boldly walking into their empire, enraged them all.