Published at 1st of July 2023 10:30 am

Chapter 396 Enchanted Elegance

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

As the meeting came to a close, Aditya graciously accepted Daxton’s invitation to spend the night at the opulent Royal Palace. Currently, Aditya and Spencer found themselves engaged in an earnest discussion, with Alicia, Aditya’s wife, enjoying a bath in the privacy of her chambers.

Aditya, dressed in regal attire, donned a majestic robe of deep crimson, adorned with golden embroidery that traced intricate patterns along its edges. His presence exuded authority and power, befitting his role as the Emperor of the Istarin Empire.

Beside him, Spencer, the Prime Minister, wore a tailored coat of midnight blue, accentuated with silver accents that shimmered under the moon’s gentle glow. Their attire reflected their status and the grandeur of the occasion.

“The ice elves possess a spirit of resilience and selflessness that deserves recognition and protection,” Spencer continued, his voice filled with admiration tinged with concern. “Considering their background, I question whether the bustling city life will truly suit them. Perhaps it would be wiser to seek an alternative, such as relocating them to a more suitable island.”

Aditya nodded, acknowledging the validity of Spencer’s observations. The welfare and adaptation of the ice elves were of utmost importance, and their well-being needed to be carefully considered. Determined to make an informed decision, Aditya made up his mind.

“Tomorrow, let us meet with Sam, the Leader of the Ice Elven Tribe, and discuss this matter further,” Aditya proposed. “I wish to hear his thoughts and consider the best course of action for their future.”

As they stood on the balcony, the starry night sky spread out above them like a breathtaking tapestry. Countless stars twinkled brightly, casting a serene and ethereal glow over the city. The air was still, allowing Aditya and Spencer to appreciate the beauty that unfolded before their eyes.

Aditya noticed a sense of contemplation in Spencer’s gaze as he stared into the vast expanse of the night sky. Something seemed to trouble his loyal advisor, as his focus appeared momentarily distant and preoccupied. Concerned, Aditya gently broke the silence, seeking to understand the cause of Spencer’s unease.

“Spencer, what occupies your thoughts?” Aditya’s voice carried a note of genuine curiosity, his concern evident.

“Your Majesty, forgive me, but I find myself troubled by an incident that unfolded during our escape from the small island,” Spencer confessed, his voice tinged with a touch of vulnerability.

Intrigued by Spencer’s words, Aditya leaned in, his interest piqued. “Please, share with me what happened.”

Taking a deep breath, Spencer began to recount the shaken event, his voice filled with sorrow and determination.

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Scene change______

As chaos ensued on the island, with the urgent need to evacuate, Spencer, along with the ice elves and soldiers, raced towards the sea, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and determination. Amidst the flurry of desperate footsteps, Spencer’s keen eyes caught sight of a familiar figure lying on the ground. It was Aria Windrider, her delicate form marred by the injuries sustained in the explosion. While others hurried past her, Spencer’s heart compelled him to pause and offer aid.

Without a second thought, Spencer knelt beside Aria, his gaze filled with concern and compassion. Aria, unable to move due to her injuries, had resigned herself to the inevitable. Her expression conveyed a mixture of pain, vulnerability, and a flicker of surprise as Spencer appeared before her, offering a lifeline amidst the chaos.

“Are you alright?” Spencer asked, his voice filled with genuine worry as he assessed the extent of her injuries. The urgency of the situation faded momentarily as his attention focused solely on her well-being.

Aria’s cheeks flushed a rosy hue as she met Spencer’s concerned gaze, her heart pounding with a mix of gratitude and admiration. Aria had a big crush on Spencer. Though her introverted nature and lack of experience in matters of the heart made it difficult for her to express herself. In this vulnerable moment, her admiration for him deepened, overwhelmed by his selflessness and the tenderness with which he approached her.

“I… I’m… I’m hurt,” Aria stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, her eyes unable to meet Spencer’s gaze directly. Her embarrassment heightened as he lifted her gently, cradling her in his arms with an instinctive care that spoke volumes of his nurturing nature.

Unaware of his actions’ effect on Aria’s heart, Spencer focused solely on ensuring her safety. “Don’t worry, Aria. I’ll carry you to safety,” he reassured her, his voice carrying a warm and comforting tone.

As Spencer carried Aria towards the shore, their steps became synchronized, their journey becoming an intertwining of destinies. The soft rustling of the wind mingled with the rhythm of their breathing, forging an unspoken connection between them. Aria’s heart fluttered with every step, her admiration for Spencer blossoming into something deeper, something akin to love.

As Spencer carried Aria in his arms, their eyes occasionally met, and a silent understanding passed between them. Aria’s cheeks flushed with a mixture of embarrassment and affection, and she mustered the courage to break the silence.

“Spencer, thank you… for saving me,” Aria whispered, her voice barely audible above the sounds of their hurried footsteps.

Spencer glanced at her with a soft smile. “It was the least I could do, Aria. I couldn’t leave you behind.”

Aria’s heart fluttered at his words, her admiration for him growing stronger with each passing moment.

As Spencer swiftly carried Aria in his arms, their eyes occasionally met, exchanging unspoken emotions. Aria’s heart pounded in her chest as she gazed at Spencer, her feelings for him growing with each passing moment. Spencer remained focused on their escape, his determination shining through.

Aria’s mind raced with a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, but she couldn’t find the words to express herself. She watched Spencer’s every move, grateful for his strength and bravery. Her heart beat loudly in her ears, and her cheeks flushed crimson as her feelings for him deepened.

Silence enveloped them as they navigated through the chaos of the island. Aria’s gaze remained fixed on Spencer’s determined face, unable to tear her eyes away. She marveled at his selflessness, his unwavering commitment to protect others.

Spencer, unaware of the torrent of emotions brewing within Aria, focused solely on their safety. His mind raced with thoughts of escape routes and ensuring Aria remained unharmed. Every step he took was fueled by his determination to see her safe.

Aria’s feelings for Spencer intensified with each passing second. Her admiration for him had grown into something more profound, something she struggled to put into words. Her heart danced with a mix of affection, longing, and a newfound vulnerability.

As they finally reached the safety of the shore, Aria’s mind was in a haze. She couldn’t find the courage to speak, her emotions swirling within her like a tempest. The chaos around them seemed distant as she found solace in the warmth of Spencer’s presence.

Spencer, his focus finally shifting from their escape, noticed Aria’s dazed expression. He met her gaze, his eyes searching for any signs of distress. Unbeknownst to him, Aria’s heart was captivated by him, her face flushed with the intensity of her emotions.

They stood in silence, the weight of unspoken words hanging in the air between them. Aria’s heart yearned to express her feelings, but her voice failed her at that moment. She hoped that her gaze conveyed the depth of her affection, the unspoken truth lingering in her eyes.

As Spencer carried Aria in his arms, her heart swelled with a realization she couldn’t deny. “I love him,” Aria whispered softly to herself. The depth of her feelings for Spencer had taken hold of her, but her introverted nature made it difficult for her to vocalize those three simple words.

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Spencer’s mind was consumed by thoughts of Aria, his heart and focus wavering during the lengthy meeting that seemed to stretch on endlessly. The Prime Minister of the Istarin Empire was troubled by the intensity of his feelings. Since their encounter, his emotions had been in a constant state of unrest, tugging at his thoughts and distracting him from his duties.

Upon hearing Spencer’s confession, Aditya observed his friend’s face intently. “So, you’re in love?” he asked, his gaze steady and understanding.

Spencer’s eyes widened in surprise. “Me? In love?” He mirrored Aditya’s astonishment, the realization sinking in slowly.

Aditya turned his gaze towards the starry night sky, taking a moment before speaking again. “Have you ever felt like this for any other girl in your life?” His question hung in the air as Spencer shook his head, his attention fixed on Aditya’s words.

“Let me ask you this, Spencer. Imagine if tomorrow Aria were to marry someone else because you hesitated. How would it feel to see her slip a ring onto another man’s finger and share a kiss with him?” Aditya’s words pierced through Spencer’s heart, stirring a storm of emotions within him. He looked troubled, his breath quickening.

“I don’t want to lose her,” Spencer replied, his voice filled with a profound sense of longing.

“This is love, Spencer,” Aditya continued, his tone deep and contemplative. “It is a double-edged sword, capable of either harming you or transforming you into a stronger and better person. Love has the power to rebuild and destroy, to give you purpose, ambition, and happiness. Life has presented you with an opportunity to create a family, to find fulfillment.”

Aditya placed his hand gently on Spencer’s right shoulder, offering him a warm smile. In that moment, he wasn’t speaking as the Istarin Emperor but as a true friend, genuinely invested in Spencer’s happiness.

“It’s time for you to discover a life beyond your work,” Aditya advised his words resonating deeply within Spencer. The emotions in his heart grew stronger as he nodded in agreement.

“But according to the customs of the Ice Elven tribe, the tribe leader has the right to choose any woman from the tribe to marry. Sam’s son has already chosen Aria, and he warned me to stay away from her,” Spencer confided, his face displaying the conflict within him.

Amidst the turmoil, Aditya erupted into laughter, surprising Spencer with his reaction. The Prime Minister looked perplexed, unable to fathom the reason behind Aditya’s amusement.

“You’re concerned about such trivial matters?” Aditya chuckled, his laughter echoing through the air. He reassured Spencer with unwavering confidence. “Leave everything to me. It is the least I can do for my friend.”

With those words, Aditya left the balcony, knowing that Alicia would have finished her bath by now. Spencer smiled gratefully, feeling a weight lifted from his shoulders. He continued to gaze at the star-studded sky, a sense of hope and anticipation blooming within him.

“Thank you, my friend,” Spencer whispered, his gratitude filling his heart as he admired the captivating night sky, knowing that his path had been altered by the power of love.

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Scene change________

“Where have you been?” As Aditya stepped into Alicia’s lavishly adorned bedroom, his gaze immediately fell upon her. Two maids were attending to her, delicately assisting in the process of getting dressed. Alicia sat gracefully in front of an ornate mirror, the soft glow of candlelight casting an ethereal radiance upon her porcelain complexion.

Draped across the room were exquisite silk fabrics, shimmering in various shades of gold and crimson, hinting at the opulence that surrounded them. The air was filled with the delicate fragrance of jasmine, a scent that seemed to perfectly complement Alicia’s presence.

Alicia herself was a vision of regal beauty, emanating an aura that captivated Aditya’s attention. Her ebony locks cascaded down her back in elegant waves, accentuated by a jeweled hairpin that held a single crimson gem, reflecting the light and adding a touch of sophistication.

Her attire was a work of art, a Sakura-patterned kimono carefully selected to highlight her grace and allure. The fabric flowed gracefully around her, its intricate patterns depicting blooming cherry blossoms, their delicate petals dancing across the silk canvas. Every stitch and brushstroke seemed to tell a story of beauty and nature’s ephemeral wonders.

Adorning her ears were crimson diamond-shaped earrings, their vibrant hue mirroring the blush that graced her cheeks. The gems twinkled as they caught the light, radiating a subtle, captivating brilliance that further enhanced Alicia’s charm.

As Aditya took in the sight before him, he felt a rush of admiration and awe, realizing once again how fortunate he was to have Alicia as his wife. Her mere presence exuded elegance, grace, and a captivating allure that transcended mortal beauty.

With each meticulous detail, from the delicate braiding of her hair to the choice of her kimono and the sparkling earrings, Alicia embodied a timeless enchantment, captivating the room and leaving Aditya momentarily breathless.

“My apologies for my delay,” Aditya finally managed to speak, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “You are a vision of extraordinary beauty, my love.”

Feeling Aditya’s intense gaze upon her, Alicia couldn’t help but blush, a small smile playing upon her lips, a reflection of her joy in being praised by him.

“You two may leave us,” Aditya instructed the maids, who promptly bowed to Alicia before gracefully exiting the room. With their departure, a sense of intimacy and privacy enveloped the space.

Unable to resist his emotions any longer, Aditya approached Alicia, enveloping her in a warm embrace. She appeared breathtakingly beautiful, her emerald eyes drawing his soul towards her in an irresistible manner.

“Aditya, please control yourself. We will be having dinner with His Majesty shortly,” Alicia gently admonished, a soft smile gracing her lips. She welcomed his warmth but reminded him of the need for propriety.

“How can I resist? You are simply too radiant,” Aditya confessed, pressing a gentle kiss to her nape.

“Aditya… please, not now,” Alicia responded, her cheeks tinged with a charming blush. She averted her gaze, feeling a mix of embarrassment and longing.

Undeterred, Aditya showered her cheeks and lips with affectionate kisses. “Very well, my love. Let us proceed then,” he said, extending his hand to her.

Alicia, still blushing and with a sparkle in her eyes, placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her toward the dining hall. The anticipation of the evening’s festivities mingled with their shared affection, creating an enchanting atmosphere as they embarked on the next chapter of the night’s celebration.

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This chapter is almost 2,500 words. My apologies for not uploading yesterday. I was too tired to write anything.

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