In the Shadow of the Crown

Chapter 53

The sun had barely risen when Raen left his chambers, but not before pressing a soft kiss to Eliza’s forehead. She stirred slightly, her body instinctively leaning toward him, but she did not wake. Even in her sleep, she belonged to him completely.

Before leaving, he placed a note on the bedside table. "Prepare a romantic evening for me tonight, my love. In the morning and afternoon, eat well, dress beautifully, and take a walk in the garden. I want to see you glow when I return."

With one last glance at her peaceful form, he departed for the royal palace/

***                                                                                                         

At the palace, the first matter waiting for him was the official document: the annulment of Countess Eliza Valienne’s engagement to Elric D’Arcy, Lord of Varemon.

A smirk played on Raen’s lips as he took the quill and signed the parchment without hesitation. She is mine. She was always meant to be mine.

But making her Empress? No, not yet. The empire still needed to flourish under his rule, and rushing such matters could cause instability. He estimated it would take a month—perhaps less, if he pushed hard enough.

For the rest of the day, he attended meetings, issuing decrees that solidified his power and shaped the empire’s future. Noblemen bowed to him, agreeing to his every word. His laws would bring prosperity, and even those who might have opposed him dared not voice discontent. His rule was absolute.

By the time evening approached, his thoughts drifted back to his mansion—back to Eliza. What kind of evening had she prepared for him? He anticipated her eager devotion, her desperate desire to please him.

But tonight… he would push her further.

***

The moment Raen stepped into his chambers, he saw that everything was prepared perfectly. Candles cast a warm, golden glow across the room. The scent of flowers and wine lingered in the air. The table was elegantly set for two, and soft music played in the background.

And then, there she was.

Eliza, dressed in a delicate gown that clung to her body in all the right ways, her eyes shining with nothing but love and longing. When she saw him, she moved toward him, reaching up for a kiss.

But Raen took a step back.                                                     

Confusion flickered across her face, quickly turning to deep concern. Had she done something wrong?

"Raen…?" Her voice trembled slightly.

His expression darkened. "You lied to me, Eliza."

Her heart clenched in panic. "No! Never! I—"

"You played with me," he continued coldly. "You do not love me as you say. You were ready to become another man’s wife."

Tears welled in her eyes. No, no, no. This wasn’t right. He was everything to her. The only one she ever loved, the only one she existed for.

She dropped to her knees instantly. "Please, Raen, I swear to you—there is no one else! There was never anyone else! I love only you!"

He watched her, unimpressed. "Prove it."

Her breath hitched. How? How could she possibly prove something that was as natural as breathing?

And then, an idea formed in her mind.

Her hands reached for the black collar resting on the nearby table—a symbol of her absolute devotion. She fastened it around her own neck before looking up at him with wide, pleading eyes.

But it wasn’t enough. She needed to show him more.

Slowly, she crawled forward until she reached his boots. And then, without hesitation, she lowered her lips to them, pressing soft kisses against the leather.

"I belong to you," she whispered between kisses. "My body, my heart, my soul. I will never leave you. Never betray you."

Raen watched her, his eyes dark with satisfaction, but still, he remained silent.

Eliza’s desperation grew. She needed to hear his words—needed his approval.

"Please, Raen," she pleaded, looking up at him. "Tell me what to do. Anything. I will do anything for you."

Finally, after a long moment, he reached down, his fingers tilting her chin upward. His voice was low, commanding.

"Then show me how much you belong to me."

And Eliza, lost in her unwavering devotion, obeyed without question