228 She is mine and I am hers
"You!" Frederick's voice boomed across the clearing, commanding the attention of all present. His tone was a mix of authority and a dangerous calm, one that promised consequences should his forthcoming questions find unsatisfactory answers.
"Explain yourself. Why does a demon's aura surround you? And why do you hold my daughter in such a state?"
Facing the powerful draconic aura, Mikel was absolutely overwhelmed. He was already prepared for this and yet there was nothing he could do. He could only stand still in obedience in front of such a mighty power.
But that didn't mean he was going to give up just yet. He was already prepared to go to any length today and he was not taking no for an answer. He stared back at the draconic king despite his entire being threatening to disperse under the weight of the aura.
He then opened his mouth and with great difficulty answered. "I am your daughter's mate."
Immediately, the situation became exponentially worse. The statement hung heavy in the air, the surrounding atmosphere growing even more tense, if possible.
The draconic king's aura flared with an intensity that made even the hardiest warriors among the onlookers take an involuntary step back. The very ground beneath their feet seemed to thrum with the power of his barely contained anger.
Frederick Akhekh's eyes, previously narrowed in suspicion and authority, now blazed with a fire that was both metaphorical and almost literal, given the draconic nature of his being. The air around him shimmered with heat, and for a moment, it seemed as if the king might unleash his full wrath upon Mikel.
"You dare?" Frederick's voice was a low growl, the menace palpable.
Before anything terrible could happen, Roman stepped in front of Mikel and shook his head at the draconic King. "Your Highness, we wouldn't be alive right now without this man's help."
But Mikel did not seem to care. "Your Highness. Look here. The proof that your daughter has already claimed my life." He opened his shirt to reveal a mark etched deep into his skin, a mark that was unmistakably draconic in nature.
It was a bonding mark, one that could only be formed through a deep, mutual connection between two souls. The mark was glowing faintly, pulsing with the same rhythm as Sylvia's heartbeat, a clear indication that their lives were intertwined, bound by something far stronger than mere affection.
The sight of the mark caused Frederick Akhekh to pause, his fury momentarily giving way to surprise, and then, slowly, to a grudging acceptance. The draconic aura around him subsided slightly, though the air remained charged with his power.
"This mark..." Frederick's voice trailed off as he examined Mikel more closely, his gaze shifting between the mark and his unconscious daughter in his arms.
The implications were profound and undeniable. Such a bond was sacred among their kind, not entered into lightly, and almost impossible to forge without true love and commitment.
The presence of the bonding mark changed everything. It was a testament to Mikel's sincerity and his intentions towards Sylvia. It also indicated that Sylvia herself had accepted Mikel, and had chosen him as her mate, a choice that even a king would find hard to refute.
"If Sylvia has chosen you, then it is her choice I must respect. However, your actions... demonic taint, and the secrets you've kept will need to be addressed."
Mikel nodded, understanding the gravity of the situation. "I am prepared to face any consequences, Your Majesty. All I ask is for a chance to prove my worth."
The King did not respond. He also did not hand over Sylvia back to Mikel as the entire entourage started their journey back to the blessed lands of the beasts. The journey back was a lot more uncomfortable than the previous journey as everyone was deathly silent.
Only one man was smiling and that was Mikel. He was finally going to Sylvia's home.