The Eclipsed Bloom-Chapter 116: Ceremony

Seeing the sincerity in her eyes, I closed mine for a moment.

’Why... why do I feel like her emotions are real? Is this just another trick? But... forget it. I can’t escape anyway...’

I slowly opened my eyes, meeting her gaze with determination.

"How should I know you’re telling the truth? That you’ll actually let me meet my wives?"

Hemiros’s smile bloomed, so pure it startled me.

"If I swear a blood oath... will you marry me?" she asked softly.

W-What? A blood oath? Just like the one Grace took about marriage?

My thoughts raced. Should I really trust her even without an oath? Something about the way she looked at me... for some reason, I wanted to believe her.

I looked down, hesitated, then nodded.

"...Okay. You don’t need to take the oath. But don’t go back on your word—because if you do, I’ll hate you for eternity."

And without waiting for her reply, I turned and quickly started climbing the stairs.

Hemiros POV:

I couldn’t even begin to describe what I was feeling. When I saw her eyes turn white, her body language so different—cold, detached—it had terrified me. Like she wasn’t my love anymore.

But now, with just one compromise, I... I got what I wanted. And this time, without using force.

As she rushed ahead up the stairs, I stood frozen for a second, the weight of the moment crashing over me like a wave.

Then I turned to Alicia, determination burning in my chest.

"Alicia, go inform every noble in the kingdom—I’m getting married. I want the grandest celebration this land has ever seen. And make sure the king receives the message personally."

Alicia nodded, though I noticed her eyes narrow just slightly. I didn’t care.

With a wide smile, I rushed up the stairs behind Zara.

Third Person POV:

Alicia watched her new master disappear up the stairs, then let out a quiet sigh as she turned toward the door.

’I still don’t understand why the king suddenly gave away such a vast territory to an unknown woman...’

Capital City — Royal Palace

Within the grand study of the palace, King Alexander sat at his desk with a grim expression. He gently stroked his beard with one hand, while the other hovered near a visibly swollen, bruised eye. His face twisted with annoyance as he read the letter in front of him.

"Ughhh... why? Why?! Who is that woman? What did I even do to deserve that beating?" he wailed, his voice cracking in frustration. "Now she’s even demanding I fund a ball for her? W-Why me?!"

Just then, a knock echoed from the study door.

"Your Majesty, the official is here," came a voice from the hallway.

In an instant, Alexander’s tearful expression vanished. He straightened his back, cleared his throat, and assumed a dignified look as if someone had flipped a switch.

"Ahem. Let him enter," he said with measured authority.

The door creaked open and a man in a blue coat stepped inside, stopping in front of the king and bowing respectfully.

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

King Alexander gave a small hum of acknowledgment and leaned forward, resting his chin on his hand.

"So, Official Silas," he said, his voice low and direct, "what matter is so urgent you demanded an emergency audience?"

Silas lowered his eyes, a bead of sweat forming on his brow, but he spoke clearly despite his nerves.

"Your Majesty, the Council of Servants... they wish to understand why you granted the title of Duke—along with the largest territory outside the royal family—to a complete stranger."

Alexander’s gaze darkened, and he slowly raised a hand to cover his bruised eye.

"Are you... questioning my judgment?" he asked coldly.

Silas raised his eyes and immediately flinched, letting out a faint shriek as he caught a glimpse of the king’s blackened eye and the furious glint in his remaining good one.

"N-No, Your Majesty!" he stammered. "I only speak out of concern for your safety and the stability of the kingdom!"

"Get out. Now."

Silas bowed three times in a panic and hurried out the door without another word.

As the heavy door shut behind him, King Alexander’s expression collapsed back into pitiful whimpering. He sniffled, his lips trembling.

"Ahhh... what should I even do now? Ouch, oww..." he groaned, standing up stiffly. One hand cradled his bruised back as he hobbled away from the desk like a man twice his age.

One Week Later — The Wedding Day and Ballroom Ceremony

Zara POV:

I stared at my reflection in the tall mirror, trying to calm my nerves. My long silver hair had been carefully brushed and styled, cascading down over my shoulders. The purple gown they’d stuffed me into shimmered under the chandelier light, hugging my body in a way that made me both flustered and annoyed.

Behind me, as always, was Himeros—sitting on the bed with a dreamy grin spread across her face.

"He—mi—ros," I said slowly, trying not to lose my temper. "I’m not going anywhere. Can’t you leave me alone for just one second?"

My tone was exasperated, nearly pleading.

But of course, she shook her head like a stubborn child.

"Nope!" she said cheerfully, kicking her feet. "I’m not here because I don’t trust you, darling. I’m here because I want to see just how beautiful my wife is."

Her voice was soft with admiration, but the word wife still made me twitch.

"You’re so radiant in purple," she added, placing her chin in her hands, eyes gleaming with pure affection.

I sighed, slumping a little.

’Why do I feel like I’m babysitting her this whole week?’

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The grand hall fell into silence as the massive white doors began to open. Nobles paused their chatter, turning their eyes toward the entrance.

As the doors fully parted, a woman with striking pink hair entered confidently, dressed in a black embroidered pant-shirt, her hand firmly holding another woman’s—one with flowing silver hair and a calm, proud expression.

Gasps rippled quietly through the crowd.

"Is that the Duke and Duchess of the Southern Region?"

"Yeah... I still can’t believe she got that title so easily."

"Could she be related to the king?"

"It’s possible. In this vast world, anything can happen."

The murmuring came to an abrupt halt as the guards struck the floor with their halberds, announcing the next arrival:

"His Majesty, the Ruler of the Kingdom — King Alexander!"

All eyes turned again as the doors opened once more, revealing a tall man clad in an elegant gold-and-blue outfit. Fine embroidery sparkled along the edges of his robes, and a regal air followed every step he took.

He walked forward with a lifted chin, heading toward the royal seating area—until he suddenly halted.

His face visibly stiffened.

Across the room, Himeros was already seated with Zara by her side, grinning like a cat who’d caught the canary.

Their eyes met, and King Alexander’s regal façade cracked just a little.

’Tch... that damn woman is still smiling like she owns this place...’

Updated from fr𝒆ewebnov𝒆l.(c)om