Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 119

Adelaide

I stood by the grand window of my chambers, my fingertips unconsciously tapping against the marble windowsill. Today was the day of my soul bonding with Lycanthar, and my heart fluttered with a mixture of nervous anticipation and excitement.

"My lady, you shouldn't stand for so long," Lina said softly, holding a carefully crafted white gown. "Before the ceremony, you must bathe in purified waters, drink the moonlight elixir, and receive the mage's blessing..."

I drew a deep breath and turned to face my handmaiden. "I know, Lina. It's just... all of this is happening so quickly."

Just as I was about to try on the ceremonial gown, the sound of argument echoed from the corridor.

"You useless fool! How could the ritual platform be arranged like this? The sacred objects are completely out of order!" An elderly woman's voice rang sharp and piercing.

"I'm sorry, Mistress Marta, but I did go to set it up last night..." a young male voice responded, confused and dismayed. "I remember entering the hall and beginning to arrange everything according to tradition, but then... my mind became foggy. It felt like... like someone spoke to me, and then I was drowsy and confused."

I froze, quickly moving toward the door and pulling open the heavy oak panels.

"What's happening?" I asked calmly, though my heartbeat had already quickened.

An elderly female servant and a young male servant no older than twenty immediately bowed to me.

"My lady, we deeply apologize for disturbing you," Marta said, panic evident on her face. "There's been some trouble with the preparations in the ceremonial hall. Luke was responsible for the final arrangements last night, but apparently he didn't complete the proper ordering."

I looked toward the young servant, whose eyes were unfocused and his complexion pale. "Luke, isn't it?" I asked gently. "You mentioned someone spoke to you? Do you remember what that person looked like?"

Luke shook his head in confusion, his hands nervously wringing together. "I can't remember clearly, my lady. My memory seems shrouded in black mist. I only remember entering the hall, then... a voice, and then I remember nothing until I found myself walking back to my room."

My alertness immediately heightened. "Lina, go find Thalia immediately. Tell her it's extremely urgent."

Lina quickly departed, leaving me with the two servants.

"Luke, don't worry. This isn't your fault," I reassured him. "But I need you to try to recall what happened. Do you remember what that voice said?"

"I... I only remember feeling very cold, like being soaked in ice water," Luke frowned, struggling to remember. "And... a metallic smell, like..."

"The smell of blood?" I asked quietly.

Luke's head snapped up, fear flashing in his eyes. "Yes, exactly that smell."

A shiver crawled up my spine as I remembered the vampire's manipulation and Draven's warning about the effects of dark magic.

Thalia arrived quickly. After hearing my explanation, she immediately understood the gravity of the situation.

"Luke, I need to examine your memories," Thalia said softly. "This won't hurt, but you may feel some discomfort. Will you allow me to do this?"

The young servant nodded nervously. Thalia gently placed her hands on his temples, closed her eyes, and began chanting ancient incantations. Pale blue light flowed from her fingertips, encircling Luke's head.

After several minutes, Thalia opened her eyes, her expression grave. "Someone has tampered with the ritual platform," she said quietly. "I saw runes and dark energy. This isn't werewolf magic—it's more like... vampire black magic."

"Did you see who it was?" I asked urgently.

Thalia shook her head. "The caster was very powerful. I need more time to break through this barrier, but right now the most important thing is to inspect the ceremonial platform."

"I must tell Lycanthar," I said, turning to leave.

"My lady, you cannot!" Marta cried in panic, blocking my path. "The bride and groom must not meet before the ceremony—it's the oldest tradition. Breaking it could bring great misfortune!"

I paused, torn. I knew how werewolves valued tradition, but this concerned everyone's safety. "Then send someone to tell him," I finally decided. "Tell him the ceremonial platform may have been tampered with and ask him to send people to inspect it."

A guard immediately departed with my message. I turned to Thalia, determination shining in my eyes. "We need to find out who did this. Who in this fortress would have such ability and motive?"

Thalia pondered deeply. "I'll work to break through Luke's memory barriers as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, perhaps we should investigate who has had access to the ceremonial hall recently?"

I nodded, my mind racing. Today should have been the happiest day of my life, but now everything was shrouded in dangerous shadows.

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Lycanthar

I oversaw the final preparations in the great hall of Lycandor Keep. Regional alphas and pack leaders from across Silverhowl gathered to witness what would be the most significant ceremony in three centuries. Today, all of our realm would witness the soul bonding that would herald a new era for our people.

A servant approached me discreetly as I surveyed the arrangements, bowing low before speaking in hushed tones that wouldn't carry to the busy crowd around us.

"My King," he whispered urgently, "Lady Adelaide has sent an urgent message. She says the ceremonial platform may have been tampered with and requests that you send someone to investigate."

I kept my expression neutral, not wanting to alarm the gathered nobles and servants, but my voice carried deadly seriousness when I replied quietly. "What details?"

"Reportedly, a servant responsible for arranging the ceremonial hall had his memory controlled by someone. Lady Thalia used magic to investigate and discovered there may be vampire runes beneath the platform."

Fury blazed through me, though I maintained my composed exterior. I gestured subtly to Captain Darius, who immediately approached.

"Summon Draven discreetly," I commanded in a low voice. "Tell him to meet me in the east corridor immediately. And clear that area of all unnecessary personnel."

Darius nodded and melted back into the crowd. I continued overseeing the preparations for several more minutes, ensuring nothing appeared amiss, before excusing myself and making my way to the designated meeting point.

Within five minutes, Draven arrived. Despite recent events leaving him weary, his gaze remained sharp.

"Draven, take men to inspect the ceremonial platform immediately. Adelaide has reason to believe it's been tampered with."

Draven showed no hesitation, immediately leading several elite guards to the ceremonial hall. I turned to Darius. "Strengthen security throughout the castle, especially around the ceremonial hall. Any suspicious individuals are to be detained immediately."

Darius departed with his orders. I stood at the window, my hands clenched into fists. Who would dare challenge my authority on this day? If vampires had truly infiltrated my keep, the situation was far more serious than I had imagined.

After a long wait, Draven finally returned with his findings.

"Your vigilance was correct, my King," Draven's voice was grave. "We discovered hidden runes beneath the platform—undoubtedly vampire black magic. If activated during the ceremony, these runes could have produced some form of control or harmful effect."

"Have you dealt with them?"

"Yes, my King. We've destroyed all the runes and had Grand Mage Carl place new protective enchantments."

I nodded, cold light flashing in my eyes. "Any clues pointing to who did this?"

"No concrete evidence yet. This hidden vampire is extremely elusive" Draven hesitated. "Should we halt the preparations?"

"No. Continue as planned. Have Vespera tighten security and keep an eye out for any suspicious individuals. I won't let these bastards disrupt what should be the greatest day of our realm's recent history," I paused. "Also, inform Adelaide to remain vigilant—I suspect this is only part of a larger scheme."

Draven nodded and departed. I gazed out at the landscape, my inner fury gradually subsiding. Whoever had tried to sabotage today's ceremony would pay the price. But for now, the most important thing was ensuring Adelaide's safety and the successful completion of our soul bonding ritual.