CHAPTER 255: _SIDE BY SIDE

Elian’s POV

*****

[So, on the bright side... You were officially proposed to with the most heartwarming gift in Lunaria. Literally.]

Elian rubbed his neck when the aether craft got to the palace grounds. He and Lucian stepped out simultaneously. The latter was busy looking through holographic screens, each one displaying information about the Dark Hand attack that had occurred a few minutes ago.

The palace grounds were dotted with guards. The sound of boots clicking on the cobblestone walkways was heavy.

"What do they mean they can’t pinpoint the portal coordinates?" Lucian grunted with frustration, swiping one of the holographic screens out of existence.

His eyes flicked to another while Elian could only watch with an odd feeling of guilt.

[On the not-so-bright side, you’ve got confirmation that the Dark Hand and Kyren’s psycho parents are after you. While simultaneously spiking your fiancé’s blood pressure... In a not so fun way.]

[Who said your life was boring?]

’No one ever.’ Elian rolled his eyes.

He finally decided to approach Lucian, wrapping an arm around his. The latter flinched for a moment before swerving his head, a wry smile stretching his lips.

"Sorry..." He sighed, dispersing all the screens with a wave. "I contacted the Delta. She’s reached out to the Arcadian council."

Elian arched his brow. "No word from the High Matron, I guess?"

Lucian shook his head. "Nope. The woman’s always been elusive. Even more than Kyren. People rarely see her in public, and she usually only speaks to my father through the council representatives."

Hmm... That’s odd.

Elian’s mind trailed off, pondering deeply on all Lucian just said.

’Hey, system. Remember that beginner’s guide to magic book? The one Kyren gave us in the Dark Lands?’

[Yep. I scanned and stored its content before you returned it. Why?]

’Run through everything. Is there anything that mentions the High Matron? Even in an author’s appreciation note?’

[Oh, I like the way you’re thinking. Standby. Loading through the book database now...]

"Anyway," Lucian wrapped an arm around Elian’s waist, pulling him close. The Alpha Prince’s warm breath hit his face, making heat crawl up his neck. "We’re getting too lost in the chaos again. What do you want to do next today?"

Elian’s eyes squinted against the sunlight reflecting off the massive golden palace up ahead. What to do, what to do...

[Loading complete! There are no mentions of the High Matron in the over 400, 000 words of that book.]

Elian’s eyes widened. ’Nothing at all?’

[Not even a misspelling lost in translation. But I guess it’s because it’s a beginner’s book.]

"Solara to Elian..." Lucian shook him lightly before he could dive deeper. "You’re doing that thing again."

"Which thing?"

"The thing where you space out during a conversation. I’ve always been curious about what goes on in your head."

"You and me both." Elian gave an awkward chuckle to change the topic. "I really don’t have any more ideas. Unless..."

His eyes lit up, something striking his mind. "We literally have a wedding coming up. And we aren’t making any plans—at all."

Lucian slowed down his walking pace, forcing Elian to follow suit.

"Gods, you’re right." He clicked his tongue. "But we have access to the best event planners in Evaros. Don’t worry. Even if the weddings—"

"Heck no!" Elian pushed off his hold slightly, craning his neck to stare at him. "If I’m getting married, it’s not going to be a last-minute thing."

Lucian’s lips pursed at first. But then he smiled.

"So you’d want a grand event? Maybe one broadcasted through all of Evaros?"

Usually, Elian would’ve said no. He wasn’t big on public appearances or being at the centre of attention.

But after all they’ve been through within the span of a month—it wouldn’t hurt to come out of that carefully made shell for a change.

"Yes." Elian nodded once. "Yes, I’d want that."

A sly grin lit up Lucian’s features.

He placed his focus back on the palace which was already a few meters away.

"Then your wish is my command, sweet buns." He traced his palm down Elian’s back, landing a soft smack on his ass.

The latter nearly evaporated from embarrassment, hiding his face away from a few guards standing in front of the main entrance.

[Fruitcake, little flame and now sweet buns. You keep on stacking nicknames. And something tells me this one will stick.]

Dear gods...

.

.

Lucian and Elian arrived at the throne room which was empty save for a few guards positioned close to the pillars.

When Elian spotted the steps leading to the thrones, his face heated up violently. He still remembered what Lucian did to him on those stairs yesterday...

"Come." Lucian grabbed his palm, silver eyes glinting with a teasing light.

To Elian’s surprise, the Alpha Prince led him up the steps of the dais. Toward the thrones.

The thrones meant for the Alpha king and his consort!

"Uhm..." Elian glanced over his shoulder nervously when they got in front of the golden thrones.

The guards were all stiff, their expressions and postures firmer than stone.

Yet Elian couldn’t help feeling judgment radiating off them.

[That’s just your schizophrenia making you imagine things. You’re good.]

"What?" Lucian frowned, following his gaze. "You don’t want the guards here? I can send them away if—"

"No—no, it’s fine." Elian stuttered, shaking his head. "I’m just... Nervous at the idea of sitting here. Before we’re even coronated. Isn’t that a breach of some ancient rule or something?"

Lucian blinked a couple of times.

Then he shook his head with a wolfish grin. "And who’s going to stop us? I’m the future Alpha king and you’re my Luna King."

Elian’s lips parted at the title Lucian gave him.

Luna King.

Two kings. He and Lucian side by side, bringing much-needed change to the Empire and maybe all of Evaros.

The idea was equal parts exciting and nerve-racking.

"Well...when you put it like that—" before those words could roll out completely, Lucian dragged him to the thrones.

He made him sit on the more slender one, parting strands of his hair when he settled. It felt... Comfortable. Soft. And fucking hell, it felt right in every way!

"Get used to it, sweet buns." Lucian winked, sitting on the throne of the Alpha King.

Elian grimaced. "Please tell me ’sweet buns’ isn’t the best nickname you could come up with."

"What’s wrong with it?"

"Other than everything?"

Lucian laughed, crossing one leg on top of the other. But before they could get down to business—

BEEP!

Lucian’s communication ring pulsed, cutting their gentle moment short. He frowned, raising his fingers. When a holographic screen blinked out of the ring, Elian almost couldn’t believe who they saw on it.

"Aurora?"