In the Shadow of the Crown

Chapter 52

Raen sat at the head of the long table in the throne room, his gaze calm yet filled with authority. Before him stood noble representatives, advisors, and envoys, listening intently to his decree. Everyone understood that from now on, he alone determined the fate of the Empire.

"For the prosperity of the Empire," he began, his voice echoing through the hall, "new laws will be enacted to ensure stability and order. As loyal servants of the crown, you must support these changes."

The nobles exchanged glances, but no one dared to object. They understood that they had no choice. One by one, they bowed their heads in agreement. The new king had won, and his word was now law.

***

Later, Raen met with Elric to discuss the terms of dissolving his engagement with Countess Eliza.

"I propose an annulment of your engagement," Raen said calmly. "You never loved her, and I am certain this is the right decision."

Elric hesitated for a moment before nodding.

"You're right. I never had feelings for her. This is the correct course of action."

"Tomorrow, you will send me the parchment with your seal, confirming the annulment," Raen clarified.

"Yes, I will do so," Elric agreed.

Raen smirked, knowing everything was falling into place.

When he finished his affairs, a satisfied smile played on his lips. He knew Eliza was waiting for him in his chambers, with a love poem written solely for him.

***

When he entered the room, Eliza immediately fell to her knees before him, her voice soft and filled with devotion.

"My beloved Raen, please, allow me to read you a poem," she whispered.

She began speaking, her voice carrying pure adoration:

"You are the sun in my sky, the air in my chest, The voice that whispers, the eternal melody. A world without you is darkness and sorrow, I cannot live if you are not with me."

As soon as she finished, her eyes momentarily clouded, and she instantly forgot the poem as if it had never existed. Then, she raised her gaze to him again, her voice meek.

"My beloved Raen, will you eat with me? Can we spend time together in the garden?"

Raen only smirked, waiting for her to plead better. He enjoyed her submission, her need to please him. Eliza could think of nothing but him and was ready to beg for even the smallest favor.

She crawled closer to him, her eyes filled with desperation.

"Raen… please… let me be with you… let me share a meal with you… let me sit beside you in the garden…"

He remained silent, watching her squirm, savoring her desperation. Minutes passed, turning into an agonizing eternity for her. She continued pleading, her voice trembling with devotion.

"Please, my beloved… I need nothing but to be with you… please, let me be near you… I'll do anything…"

Raen still did not answer, prolonging her suffering, pushing her deeper into submission. Tears welled in her eyes, but not from sadness—only from overwhelming love and desire to please him.

For thirty minutes, she begged, her voice breaking, her body trembling from the effort of proving her devotion. Only when her entire being radiated pure desperation did Raen finally nod.

"Very well, Eliza. You have earned it."

A radiant smile lit up her face. She had succeeded in pleasing him. They would dine together, and they would walk in the garden—just as she wished.

Later that night, when they returned to his chambers, Raen approached her, his fingers gently unfastening the collar around her neck, releasing the chain and the cuffs that had bound her wrists. She remained motionless, her expression one of pure adoration, waiting for his next command.

She then presented him with her love poem, written in delicate script on fine parchment, a piece of her soul dedicated to him. Raen took it without a word, his smirk never fading.

Eliza had forgotten everything—her begging, her suffering, even her own poem. All that remained in her heart was her love for him, her submission, her unwavering devotion. She would never say no to him. She would never leave him.

She belonged to him entirely. Forever.