Queen of Revenge - Chapter 47

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 47
* * *
Since Kairon Winterbark had a limited time to remain at the Elovis Command Tower, the wedding date was set for just three days after the discussion began.
A small chapel beneath the Command Tower served as the venue. A clergyman from a nearby village would officiate, and the guests would serve as witnesses.
The guest list was modest—Marcel, a few Guard Knights from the Command Tower, several nobles who had purchased mining rights in the Unregistered Territory, two of Kairon’s subordinates, and Bara.
Kairon seemed troubled by the unexpectedly modest ceremony.
“It’s rather sparse, isn’t it? Though given the circumstances, there’s no helping it.”
“I dislike grand weddings anyway. This is actually perfect for me.”
Even in those happy childhood days when my mother was alive, my dreams had always been modest.
On a clear spring day when blossoms were in full bloom, I wanted to walk down a flower-strewn aisle, hand in hand with someone I loved.
In that fairytale scene, I was truly a princess, and my prince was—.
“Your Highness.”
I snapped back to reality at the sound of his voice.
I was in the middle of a fitting for the dress I would wear tomorrow at the wedding. Behind me in the mirror stood Lucian, looking distinctly uncomfortable.
“Forgive the late hour, Your Highness. Commander Lefebvre has brought word that someone wishes to see you….”
Lucian trailed off in a most uncharacteristic manner.
“Who?”
“…From the Capital.”
A sinister premonition struck like thunder.
“Duke Valer has arrived. He requests an audience with you at once.”
* * *
When I descended to the reception room, the man stood before a window where snow swirled beyond the glass.
A thin layer of frost clung to his hair—evidence of days spent riding hard.
“It seems I haven’t arrived too late.”
Benedix murmured, watching me carefully. He had clearly noticed the pure white wedding dress beneath my fur wrap.
“Is that child outside the door Bara?”
Bara, who had been peering intently through the gap in the door, jumped at the sound of his voice.
Recognizing the familiar voice, she bounded into the room like an eager puppy.
A hint of warmth crossed Benedix’s face.
“It’s been a long time. You’ve grown so much.”
“Don’t come in, Bara.”
My voice cut through the air, sharp and commanding.
Bara swallowed hard and quickly retreated behind me.
“Go outside. Don’t come back in until I call for you.”
After coldly dismissing the girl, I walked slowly to the sofa and sat down.
I had instructed Lucian not to leave my bedchamber. There was no benefit in letting it slip that a knight rumored to be on death’s door was in perfect health.
“What brings you here?”
“You and I don’t need business as an excuse to see each other.”
I let out a small, bitter laugh. What were we to each other, really?
“Did Elder Sister send you to verify that I’m not feigning illness?”
“No. It has nothing to do with the Crown Princess….”
Benedix swept his hair back with a weary expression. Ice shards crumbled between his fingers.
“Well, I can’t exactly say there’s no connection.”
Self-mockery tinged his voice.
“In any case, she didn’t orchestrate it. I heard you were badly injured. I came because I was worried.”
“As you can see, I’m perfectly fine. So your business is concluded, then? These sudden visits are most unpleasant, so next time—.”
“You said you’d come find me wherever I am.”
“What?”
“When we last spoke.”
Three months ago, on the day I encountered Benedix in the Garden of the Main Palace, I seemed to recall hearing something like that.
“Let’s talk about it later. Once Founding Day is over, I’ll come find you. Don’t turn me away, alright?”
“I did give you advance notice. I never said you couldn’t come.”
“I didn’t know you could be this stubborn.”
I let out a small scoff.
“You’ve seen my health with your own eyes, so you know well enough. Is there anything else? I’ll give you ten minutes to settle it. I don’t have time to waste talking with you beyond that.”
Once I’d composed myself, the reason for Benedix’s visit became obvious. He’d confirmed who had conceived the Dedication Prohibition Law.
Benedix had witnessed my entire life. He’d heard the advice I gave Catherine from right beside me.
So I knew he would discover that I was vying for the throne.
My enemy who knows me better than anyone in this world.
That’s precisely why he is the highest wall I must overcome.
“I don’t want to discuss politics with you. I didn’t come to quarrel or to accuse you of anything. I just…”
Benedix paused mid-sentence and stepped toward her with long strides.
Sensing danger, I rose urgently from my seat, but his grip on my shoulders held me fast.
Blocking my escape route, Benedix spoke through gritted teeth.
“I don’t understand why you’ve changed.”
“You know better than—.”
“I’m not talking about your actions. I mean your attitude toward me.”
A faint musk scent, tinged with cold, drifted from his collar.
Benedix pressed the question that clearly tormented him.
“Iolet, why are you so cold to me?”
“Why…?”
When someone has too much to say, words often fail them.
I was seized by the urge to expose everything he’d done in his previous life. But Benedix was faster.
“I broke our engagement, sided with the Crown Princess…. I stood by and allowed your marriage. Yes, if you resented me for those things, I’m sorry. I myself thought it didn’t matter who became your husband, yet here I am, feeling this displeasure.”
“What?”
I was momentarily stunned.
He thought it didn’t matter who I married?
“You didn’t know you’d feel displeased…?”
I asked incredulously.
“Did you…ever love me? As a friend, family, lover? Or even as a pet dog you were raising!”
“I love you as a friend, as family, and as a lover.”
Benedix spoke while meeting her gaze directly—just as he had been, writing her letters every day and whispering words of love in his arms each time they met.
“Of course I’ve never thought of you as some mere pet.”
“But did you really not know that I would feel displeased watching you marry another man—whether an elderly stranger or a foreign commander, whoever it might be?”
“That’s all pretense.”
Benedix countered calmly.
“Charlotte and The King weren’t bound by love either. My own parents are the same. Most nobles with titles live that way. It’s common for husbands and wives to keep Royal Concubines on the side.”
“So you’re asking me to become your Royal Concubine?”
Unfortunately, his composure did nothing to convince Iolet. She felt as though someone had struck the back of her head without warning, leaving her utterly stunned.
Iolet’s cheeks flushed crimson with agitation.
“You’re asking me to commit adultery with you? You actually think that’s possible right now?”
“I only just realized it’s impossible.”
Benedix bit his lip hard. His voice was beginning to grow heated.
His gaze, now rough and sharp, raked across the pristine white dress she wore. The eyes of a man stained with thirst and hunger.
“Only after seeing you do I understand.”
Iolet noticed that his body temperature was remarkably cold.
Now that she looked closer, strange details became apparent. Benedix was not a man who typically failed to maintain himself like this.
This was the first time Iolet had seen him raise his voice and speak so sharply. He seemed like someone who had fled here.
Yet with such a look in his eyes, Benedix cupped both her cheeks and whispered.
“Iolet, will you come with me?”
“What….”
“I’ll make you the Queen of Elovis.”
“….”
“So cast off all of this and come with me. It’s not too late yet.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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