Mayor's Library

👑 RUTHLESS BOND 👑🔞
{. . . Bloody vow . . . }

By 🌺Mayor🌺

Chapter 79💕80

By 🌺Mayor🌺
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NOTE: THIS STORY IS SIGNED, SO STAY THE F^CK AWAY IF YOU'RE HERE TO COPY 🧐

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See you all, when I see you all...✍️

ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠･⁠｡ﾟ☆ﾟ⁠.⁠*⁠･⁠｡ﾟ
✷THE SUCCESSION✷
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Theron’s expression darkened the moment the words slipped out her lips. His aura shifted as he took a step closer. His eyes a storm of fire.

“You will do no such thing”

She stared right back at him without flinching. Then took a step closer.

“You and I know he is not fit to be king” she said.

A warning growl rumbled his chest.

“Tarianne”

"Don't tell me you haven't seen it yourself, Theron” she cut him off. “The sickening obsession with the throne he has. Your friend is becoming a monster, and you know it deep down. Weather he was bought up with iron fist, and cruelty, doesn't mean he is exactly sane for the throne"

Her voice dropped lower. “He is just a broken son, punishing others for a wound he'd never heal”

His hand went for her throat.

“Stop talking” his growl was lethal. “You know nothing about Kallias and what I know about him. You’ve always wanted to survive and there you have it. Do not provoke me with your words”

She staggered as his hand loosen then gasped for air. Then something flashed in his eyes, his hand mid froze as if realization hit him. Guilty and something she couldn't recognize.

For a moment his mouth opened and Eryndra could swear she heard him apologized.

Perharps she heard wrong.

“Why do I even think you'll get me?” She straightened, tone cold and low. “You're the same as him. Perharps you shouldn't have saved me after all”

Then a cold smirk formed her lips.

“You and the prince will be the reason why this realm will burn”

His face went back to the usual stoic one, then without a word, he spun and left.

~~~~

It was the first time since the full moon Eryndra was seeing Kayara again. The exhaustion was clear in her eyes, but she was still that elegant female who's barely fazed by anyone.

Kayara has no idea what happened to Eryndra on that full moon. She was absent.

And due to prince struct instructions, words didn't travel to reach her ears.

“You're oddly quiet” Kayara noticed. “Was expecting you'd tell me how your days went without me. Did you get closer to the prince like you wanted”

Eryndra paused reading and looked at her.

“Yes, we became very close” her voice was flat. “Due to what happened to the North and your mother, words failed me”

“Do not let it. My mother's death is tragic, but the North suffering is what baffles me these days”

Eryndra shut the book. “Why is that? People may misunderstand you want her gone. Don't you have a pang of grief?”

A shadow fell over Kayara's face.

“Maybe I do” she whispered. “But a memory keeps eating that grief up”

Kayara rose and sat beside Eryndra.

“My mother became the ruler of the North after the death of my father. She was faced challenges but never gave up. I and mother was close once, she showers me with extra care as I was her first daughter. This attracted attention of our small council, but…

I wanted to be unseen, invisible in the eyes of people but my features never allows it” Kayara started. “At the age of ten, males began to notice me. I mistook it as kindness at first until I caught one jerking off at the mention of my name. I avoided them afterward.

However, when I turned fourteen, my mother offered to marry me off as a mistress to the Grand King. I was reluctant, because the king's violent act to the queen was not a mystery, but our home needed power and protection. So I agreed.

I was transported to the palace the next day. The king took liking. I'm to be his official mistress after I turned eighteen, but a month before that, someone lost control.

Aeris.

I barely escaped him that night. As a chosen mistress, I was never to leave the Citedal until the king bed me, but I broke the rule and got dethroned.

Mother was upset.

She said so many hateful words, regretting to send me instead of one of my twin sisters. I felt sad and relief at the same time, because if Aeris have had me, I would have been killed or be his toy for life.

On my eighteen birthday, I was summoned in court to witness the impossible. My mother was officially courting Aeris.”

“What?” Eryndra’s eyes widened. “You didn't tell her what he tried to do?”

“Of course I did. But my mother only looked at me blankly and ignored me. I begged over and over but ended up seeing them marry each other. I left as soon as they did, in hopes my mother will change her mind.

While I waited for them to spilt, I build myself outside my home. Own a brothel and became the most sorted modiste in the realm. Thrifty five years passed, I heard they had a son”

“Jerik” Eryndra whispered.

“It took me eight years to finally go see what he looks like. I never thought my mother would bear another child. But my return was a big mistake.

Aeris seems to have been waiting for my arrival. He acted pure and changed, apologized for his mistake, making me believe he truly loved my mother. But I was wrong.

I fell deep into his lies, obvilious of the trap he set. He veiled me, after a heavy drugging. He did it until his son caught him. I escaped during his distraction and reported him to court, using Jerik as witness.

But my step brother denied seeing anything”

“No he didn't” Eryndra shook her head.

“He was a eleven years boy, threatened by his own father. I may have hate him back then but I hated my mother even more for ignoring the truth she knew. She chose her legacy over me and ever since then, I never saw her again”

“That is horrible” Eryndra fists clenched. “A parent shouldn't be that cruel to her own child”

“It's politics marriage. It's the greatest dangerous power combination in the realm. Mate bond doesn't even beat it. Love barely happens within the nobles, all that matters is the benefits that comes with it. Yes, mother was cruel to marry such a devoius male that hurt her daughter, and I never want to understand it. But I know it greatly harm her from inside, and that enough punishment for her”

Eryndra lowered her gaze. The marriage part landed heavy somewhere in her gut.

“Thanks to Ash,” Kayara continued. “I was able to gather back my pieces. I know I fell for the right male. I would still be broken if not for him”

Eryndra ignored the tightness in her chest.

“But how is the succession going? IS Aeris still the possible successor?”

“The court will decide this evening” Kayara replied. “He is last person I'd let take the North from us”

A knock echoed, a soldier announced the prince summoned her for dinner.

Eryndra almost refused, but the last thing she wanted was to let Kayara know what happened.

On her way, she spot Zarin around a corner, he quickly shifted his attention somewhere else.

Did Theron ask him to stalk her?

Once she was out of sight, Zarin sighed in relief.

“Stalking someone?”

Zarin almost jumped at the voice. He turned to see a familiar male.

“Lord Cassiel?”

“Hi. It's been a while, friend”

“Friend? I don't think you and I are…”

Cassiel suddenly threw his arm around his neck

“Hey come on. Do you forget things easily?”

Zarin yanked his arm away.

“Stay away from me” he hissed and left.

Cassiel smirked and left, but a hand grabbed him on the next corner, slamming his back to the wall.

“Hello baby” Cassiel smirk at Jerik’s glare.

Jerik slammed his back again.

“Stay the hell away from Riri, or I'll gauge your eyes out”

“Riri? I didn't know the Grand Marshal’s squire has such a cute nickname”

“I'm fu***ng warning you” Jerik growled. “I don't know what the f**k you are still doing here but if you do as much as touching a strand of his hair, I will fu***ng ruin you”

Jerik released him harshly and walked away.

Cassiel chuckled as he straightened. He licked his lips, staring at where he'd just left.

~~~~

The dinning room was cold, tension shrouded the air like second skin as Eryndra didn't touch her food, but the prince lips was busy chewing.

She could feel the prince’s eyes boring into her from across the whole time.

They haven't said a word for the past few moments, and Eryndra wanted nothing but for this uncomfortabiity to be over.

Not only Kallias was present in the room, but Da’Gaint also.

His presence bought unwanted memories that made her stomach twist with disgust.

“You're losing weight little queen. Do you miss me that much, you could barely touch food recently?”

Eryndra’s eyes met with his, for a moment, she imagine snatching the knife off the table and sinking it deep into his throat.

“Perharps his highness eats enough for both of us.”

Silence settled.

And then, he smiled.

“There she is. I beginning to think the full moon broke you. That would have been boring, would it not?”

Eryndra forced a herself not to react.

The mention alone made memories crawled her skin.

A sharp thud echoed as he dove a knife to the table.

“I wonder how you manage to softened the heart of my friend” he rose from the chair and began to approach in a very slow predatory manner. “This is the first time in many years he was upset with me. You…”

His voice dropped dangerous.

“I underestimated you to the extend I almost fell for your act. You heard about Lyria and decided to try to be her, however” he paused behind her. “You can never be her”

His hands settled on her shoulder.

“As we know, our wedding is happening in a month” he leaned to her year. “This is a careful moment, so I'll go easy on you, little queen”

Eryndra’s eyes met Da’Gaint’s briefly. Her wolf whimpered at the memories again.

Come on Eryn, you promised not to break.

“We are supposed to have a royal hunt together on the coming full moon, but due to the rogue attack, we'll have to cancel that and do our Oath of rite instead. It’ll happen a week before our wedding”

Eryndra stiffened. “Shouldn't that be a week after our wedding”

Kallias drew in a breath through his teeth.

“I want the realm to know you'll be mine no matter what rumor spread. At this point, my enemies do anything to destroy your reputation. I want them to see unity, and strengthen the houses, that way, all will be in place before our marriage”

Eryndra’s mind raced at the thought of it, but her mouth reluctantly opened and spoke.

“As you wish, your highness”

Kallias silently studied her briefly.

“Get up”

Eryndra rose to her feet and slowly turned to face him.

His cold finger trailed to her neck, ear then to her hair, digging there before titling to the side and pressed his nose there, scent marking her.

Tears stung her eyes and her wolf whimpered.

‘For a little while.’ Gia, her wolf whispered. ‘We’ll find a way to be free’

~~~~~~

By evening, a few gathered in court for the succession of the North.

A heavy silence swallowed the grand court as the nobles settled into their seats.

Aeris stood near the front in dark silver robes, his expression composed like a grieving husband, the ambition subtly simmering beneath it.

Kayara sat opposite him, posture elegant and unshaken despite the tension hanging over the hall.

Jerik remained beside her, jaw tight.

Eryndra remained seated beside the prince silently ignoring another stare making her skin tingle.

She haven't looked at him since.

“Let the matter of succession begin,” one of the elders announced.

Murmurs echoed softly.

Aeris stepped forward first.

“As husband to the Lady of the North, protector of her heirs, and blood tied to House Vantaris through lawful union, I formally request temporary succession over the North until my wife either recovers…” he paused carefully. “Or the Moon Goddess calls her home.”

Several lords nodded immediately.

Of course they would. Aeris had allies.

Powerful ones.

Kayara slowly rose to her feet.

“And I formally oppose it.”

Aeris sighed.

“Kayara—”

“You lost the right to speak my name years ago.”

“It's pointless doing this, knowing right well this matter won't go your way. I am the rightful owner of this succession. Let by gone be by gone, the North need power to keep standing. Not some emotional females clinging to old hatred. The North needs strength, not sentiments”

Silence settled first then the nobles whispered, they looked at her with pure hidden contempt.

The murmur grew wild.

‘That bastard’ Eryndra thought.

“Silence” the elder called out at the rise of the prince’s finger.

Now that that Eryndra thought of it. Why is Kallias calm with what was happening.

One thing she knew was, he won't let Aeris take the North.

Even Aeris noticed and was visibly quite unsettled.

Kayara rose slowly, her voice cutting through the murmurs like a blade.

“You speak of strength and protection, Aeris Dreagan, yet you offer nothing but the same poison that has already weakened our house. You speak of grieving as a husband, but I see only a man who has waited years for my mother to fall so he could finally claim what was never his.”

She stepped forward, eyes blazing with quiet fury.

“The North does not need another ambitious lord who preys on its daughters and discards its honor. It needs loyalty. It needs someone who has bled for it, not someone waiting to drink its blood. I am my mother’s daughter. I have carried her legacy all my life, securing its name in the shadow. If the North must stand, it will stand with me. Not with the man who once tried to break it.”

Aeris chuckled. “What are you talking about. If it isn't for the marriage between I and your mother, the North would have fallen a long time ago?”

“Oh would it?” Kayara raised a brow, the drew out a ledger. “This proof says wrong"

Aeris gaze landed on the ledger, his jaw slacked.

“You paid a fortune to those bandits tormenting our land, just so you could force her into marriage. You twisted our soldiers and Knights, planned for years and have my mother trapped in your hands”

“This is nonsense!” Aeris snapped. “She is lying”

“She is not” Theron rose to his feet. “I confirmed it myself”

Aeris laughed. “You. This is fake! This is absurd. I helped the North, and this is how you pay?!”

Old lady Vantaris glanced up at Kayara, those eyes told the words.

Ruining Aeris won't help their land.

Kayara noticed it to, not much Noble reacted to it.

After all, this was Aeris…

“You think this will save your people?” Aeris scoffed in a low voice. “I am still tied to the North, whether you like it or not. I am still your mother's husband. The more you ruin me, the more you endanger your people. However…”

He drew closer, lowering his voice for her to just hear..

“If you're worried to lose your home then, I should take you as my wife”

Kayara's hand flew straight to his face.

Aeris hissed but a cold warning echoed.

“Touch her and you die Aeris”

Aeris gaze shifted to Theron. He adjusted his clothing.

“She has no power to claim this succession. She barely appears to her people, how can someone as incompetent as her rule”

“Then I shall marry” Kayara’s muttered. Her voice was low, but clearly many heard.

Old Lady Vantaris sat up.

Kayara gave her a smile before stepping out and facing the crown.

“Recently,” her voice echoed calmly, “many have questioned my capability because I chose to remain unseen.”

Her gaze swept across the nobles.

“And perhaps that was my mistake.” She continued. “I spent years believing strength meant survival.” Her eyes sharpened slightly. “I built businesses beneath shadows, gathered wealth without inheriting titles, and protected my house from afar while many of you laughed at the thought of a woman working beyond silk and marriage.”

A few lords visibly stiffened.

Kayara continued anyway.

“But while you called me invisible…” a cold smile touched her lips. “The North continued eating from my coin.”

Murmurs erupted instantly.

Eryndra’s eyes widened slightly.

Even Kallias looked mildly intrigued now.

“The ports of Nashira?” Kayara spoke smoothly. “Half restored through my merchants. The famine three winters ago? My trade routes fed thousands before court funds ever arrived. The western brothels many of you secretly crawl into at night?” her gaze swept across several nobles. “Mine.”

Some noble flexed their jaw. Apparently most of them satisfy their beast because of her achievements.

Kayara straightened, head held high.

“If the North requires a ruler bound through strength, then I shall provide one.”

Old Lady Vantaris’s smile tugged.

Eryndra was deeply curious because it seems Kayara wasn't going to back down.

It was inspiring to see a lady like this fight so head high in court.

This could be her someday.

A smile tugged her lips, but they immediately disappeared when she began to walk towards someone.

Her eyes was unmistakably locked to his.

The moment, Kayara stopped in front of Theron, Eryndra’s beast whimoered painfully.

It felt like the world had just titled.

Kayara hooked her arm around his and faced the court with a smile.

Jerik’s brows pulled together slightly.

Even Kallias stopped lazily spinning the ring around his finger.

Then Kayara finally said it.

“I, Kayara Vantaris, formally announce my courtship to Lord Theron Ashrendel.”

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