Princess's Revenge: Slave to the Soulbound King Chapter 133

Adelaide

The morning light filtered through the towering stained glass windows of the palace, casting speckled patterns of color across the polished stone floor of the grand council chamber. I sat at the head of the ornately carved oak table, my dark hair swept into a dignified chignon adorned with small silver star pins bearing Eldoria's coat of arms.

"Your Highness," Chief Minister Oliver Raymond bowed respectfully, unfurling a scroll of parchment, "I am honored to report that under your enlightened leadership these past four years, grain production across Eldoria's provinces has increased by nearly forty percent."

I nodded slightly, my fingertips drumming lightly against the table's surface. "How is the implementation of crop rotation and irrigation systems progressing?"

"Exceptionally well, Your Highness. Particularly the cold-resistant wheat varieties you introduced from the western territories—they've adapted remarkably to our northern provinces' climate. Farmers speak of harvests the likes of which haven't been seen in a century."

"Excellent," I allowed a satisfied smile to touch my lips. "Ensure all provincial granaries maintain adequate reserves. I won't have last year's southern drought repeated."

General Marcus Sterling, our Military Minister, said with an expression of deep respect. "Your Highness, utilizing the werewolf metallurgy techniques you introduced, our military equipment has been completely modernized. Our border guards can now maintain higher vigilance with half the previous manpower."

I nodded. "Continue refining our defensive systems, General. Peace is hard-won—we must remain vigilant."

"Your Highness," Foreign Minister Elizabeth Coleman mentioned. "I've received correspondence from Grimstone Vale. Orc Princess Zaroka and Third Legion Commander Vespera will hold a grand wedding ceremony this month, and they've formally invited you to attend."

I raised an eyebrow slightly, a genuine smile playing at my lips. "Vespera and Zaroka are finally to be formally united? That is indeed welcome news." My fingers tapped thoughtfully against the windowsill as I considered. "Prepare a generous wedding gift—perhaps those select Eldorian wines and our new crystal crafts. Include a personal letter of blessing, explaining that pressing kingdom affairs prevent my attendance, but that I offer my heartfelt congratulations."

Elizabeth hesitated briefly. "Your Highness, if I may speak frankly, this might present an opportunity to improve relations with Silverhowl. After all, both sides have maintained distance for four years now."

My gaze grew distant as I looked toward the window, toward the hazy mountains in the distance—in the direction of Silverhowl. "Sometimes distance itself is a form of peace, Elizabeth," I said quietly, then resumed my composed tone. "What of border conditions?"

"All remains peaceful along the border, Your Highness. Four years without vampire sightings, and no unusual activity from werewolf territories. In fact, small-scale trading at border posts continues—unofficial, but with the Wolf King's tacit permission, making it quite stable."

At the mention of the Wolf King, my gaze flickered momentarily, as if starlight had briefly ignited and died in my violet eyes. I nodded lightly, saying nothing.

Master of Ceremonies Theodore Bliss cleared his throat, attempting to lighten the mood. "Your Highness, the Spring Festival approaches in two weeks. The people have already begun preparing colored lanterns and decorations. By tradition, the royal family hosts an evening banquet to provide opportunities for unmarried nobles to meet."

I waved my hand gracefully. "Arrange everything properly, Theodore. Ensure the banquet is dignified without excessive extravagance."

"Your Highness, if you'll permit me to ask..." Theodore shifted uncomfortably, adjusting his collar. "Have you considered participating in the pairing festivities this year? Many nobles have long anticipated this. His Majesty has also expressed hopes that you might soon..."

The hall fell silent, all ministers holding their breath. My gaze sharpened, then softened into something unreadable.

"I believe Eldoria currently requires my complete dedication to governance, not distraction through marriage," I said calmly, my voice brooking no argument. "Please arrange the festival as I've directed."

"Yes, Your Highness." Theodore bowed his head, asking no further questions.

"If there are no other matters, today's session is concluded." I surveyed all the ministers as they bowed and filed out one by one.

As the council chamber emptied, I returned to my desk to face the mountainous stacks of documents and petitions. The sun gradually moved westward, casting warm golden light across my focused features. I rubbed my temples and sighed softly.

A gentle knock interrupted my thoughts.

"Enter," I looked up, weariness evident in my voice.

Chief Lady-in-Waiting Marianna pushed open the door with an elegant curtsy. "Your Highness, young Miss Nova and Master Pax have come calling. They say they have urgent matters to discuss with you."

My expression immediately softened, warmth sparkling in my eyes. "Show them in."

Before Marianna could fully withdraw, two small figures burst past her, racing toward me.

"Aunt Addie!" they called in unison, one voice clear as silver bells, the other slightly rougher.

I set down my quill and opened my arms to welcome the three-year-old twins. "My dear little warrior and little fairy," I said tenderly, gathering both children into my embrace. "What adventures do you have to tell me about today?"

Pax, his deep blue eyes sparkling with adventurous spirit, shouted enthusiastically, "Aunt Addie! You know what? Today I defeated Robert in the training yard, and he's two years older than me!"

Nova shyly produced a carefully chosen bouquet of wildflowers from behind her back, their colors harmoniously arranged. "These are for you, Aunt Addie," she said softly, her voice like gentle wind chimes. "I used just a little magic to keep them fresh."

I accepted the bouquet with surprise, noting the faint magical shimmer around the blooms. "Nova, your magic is improving so rapidly! This is much more stable than what I saw last time."

Not to be outdone, Pax also produced a slightly disheveled but charmingly innocent bouquet from behind his back. "I picked these!" he announced proudly. "I climbed the tallest tree in the garden to find them!"

I smiled as I accepted the second bouquet. "Very brave, Pax. But next time, please remember to bring safety ropes, all right?"

Pax shrugged dismissively, then his eyes suddenly brightened. "Aunt Addie, these flowers aren't for you." His tone grew serious. "I want to give them to Mama. We miss her..."

My expression faltered slightly before resuming its gentle warmth. I stroked Pax's unruly hair and comforted, "Of course, darling. Would you like to go see Mama?"

The kids nodded, deep yearning evident in their eyes.

"Well then," I stood and took each child's small hand, "let's go right now."

Soon after, we walked through the palace's winding corridors, past tapestried walls and arched windows that let in streams of afternoon light. The children's excited chatter echoed softly off the stone walls as we made our way toward the eastern wing.

"Aunt Addie, why does Mama have to stay in the healing wing?" Nova asked softly, her small hand clasped in mine as we climbed a spiraling staircase.

Pax chimed in, "Yes! Why can't she live with us in the main chambers anymore?"

I took a deep breath, choosing my words carefully. "Your mama hasn't been feeling well lately and needs the healers close by. The healing wing has special herbs and medicines, and the quieter atmosphere helps her rest better."

"When will she get better?" Nova asked quietly, worry in her voice.

I gently squeezed her hand. "Some illnesses take time to heal, sweetheart. But your visits make her very happy, and that helps her condition greatly."

A flicker of sorrow passed through Pax's eyes, quickly masked by deliberate cheerfulness. "When I grow up, I'll become the strongest warrior and protect Mama!"

I smiled and nodded, though bitterness rose in my heart. These children didn't yet know what their mother would soon face.

We finally reached the healing wing's entrance, where soft light filtered through crystal-paned windows and the air carried the gentle scent of medicinal herbs. I guided the children through hushed corridors and entered a spacious room filled with afternoon sunlight.

There, on an elegant white chaise lounge positioned near tall windows overlooking the palace gardens, Thalia Blackwood, the mother of the twins, reclined gracefully. Her golden hair shimmered softly in the sunlight, and though her face was still beautiful, it was worryingly pale.