"What? I don't want to get married to you. I will tell my parents they will never force me-"
Elion was cut off by Anteros.
"Of course, they will never force you since you're their beloved youngest son. But..."
Anteros paused with a crazy smirk playing on his lips.
"But?"
Elion looked anxious.
"If Azurdraycen company will not collab with Grimalkin's then it will meet its end, don't you think?"
Anteros arched his left eyebrow still smirking.
Elion fell into a deep thought with that.
"There are only two options for you... marry me and live a hellish life or don't marry me and all of your family will become beggars on the streets. The choice is yours, I'll give you five minutes to think and the time is ticking."
Anteros sat on the chair and started playing with the paperweight again.
Elion's mind was full of thoughts...
Why was this happening to him? He always wanted true love in his life and was waiting for it... he wanted to love, date, marry the person he loved have children, and grow old with his love.
But realizing that this sweet dream of his could no longer be achieved and was shattered into pieces, he couldn't take it anymore, his legs became weak he fell to his knees and tears started flowing down his cheeks to the floor.
Elion cried silently.
What should he do... he couldn't see his family's downfall he would rather die than see that happening.
So, there was only one option for Elion to choose.
"I... I..."
Anteros lifted his eyes hearing the soft voice of Elion but he spotted him on the floor kneeling. He was a little taken back,
"What?"
Elion collected all his strength, and stood up,
"I... will marry you."
Hearing that Anteros smirked and was about to say something but he was cut off by Elion.
"But I have three conditions, only if you accept them... I will agree to this marriage."
Anteros lifted his left eyebrow with a smirk still playing on his lips.
"Huh, do you think you are in any position to put conditions, little kitten?"
Elion clutched onto the hem of his shirt tightly feeling anxious.
Seeing that Anteros stepped forward,
"Alright, let's hear what you gotta say. Tell me, what are your three conditions."
Elion felt relieved that at least Anteros was ready to listen to him.
"First, after our marriage no matter what happens, neither you nor any of the Azurdraycens can betray us Grimalkin's."
"Dragons never betray anyone who takes shelter under their wings. Next."
Anteros proudly voiced out.
Elion sighed in relief now that he was assured that Grimalkins had the back of Azurdraycens.
"Second, I... I want to continue my studies even after our marriage and you will never ask me to discontinue."
Anteros chuckled.
"How silly of you. Why would I ever ask you to discontinue your studies? Little kitten, if that's what you're afraid of then don't worry. I will even provide all the aid necessary for your studies since I will be your husband. Then the last condition...?"
Elion was shocked to hear that cause most husbands don't like their partner continuing their studies after marriage in Ice-dragon province.
"T-Third..."
Elion became a little skeptical about mentioning the third condition.
"What is it, little kitten? Why are you hesitant?"
Anteros moved forward making Elion hit his back to the wall.
"I...I..."
Elion started stuttering as he became nervous with Anteros so close to him.
"Go on. Speak out your third condition. I am not gonna eat you, what are you afraid of?"
Anteros asked fully knowing that his presence so close to the little mainecoon was what made him nervous.
"Y-You will never touch me without my consent."
Anteros became silent for a minute with that and then started laughing.
"Why are you laughing?"
Elion became scared as the Ice-dragon looked like a lunatic to him at that time.
Anteros stopped laughing and suddenly became deadly serious, his gaze at the little Maine Coon was unwavering.
"Um... I have no problem with the first two conditions as I have already agreed. But the last one... I don't think I can agree with that."
"W-What... b-but... you..."
Elion was cut off by Anteros as he placed his index finger on the smaller's lips and whispered,
"Shush! The last one... I can't agree on it 'cause..."
Anteros paused observing the anxious expression on Elion's face and enjoying it to the fullest.
"I am not a fucking gay, got it? So, stop daydreaming. I am not gonna lay my hands on you, like ever, you get that?"
The Ice-dragon squeezed Elion's chin tight.
"Also, it would be only fair for me to agree to your conditions if you agree to mine, don't you think so?"
"W-What are they?"
Elion tried to push Anteros's hands away but couldn't.
"Well. First, you will be my husband in name only. Second, you will never interfere in my business whether it's personal or professional. Third, you have to obey my every word without saying no, understood?"
"But that's-"
Elion wanted to say something but was cut off.
"No Buts."
Anteros whispered in a dark tone sending shivers down Elion's spine.
"Agreed?"
Anteros's eyes were cold and dangerous.
"Y-Yes..."
Elion gulped down his saliva getting scared feeling chills seeing the ice dragon's cold glare.
"That's like a good kitten."
Anteros gently brushed the fluffy cat ears of Elion making him close his eyes and purr unknowingly.
The smaller was surprised himself by that, he immediately pushed away Anteros all flabbergasted.
The elder's lips rose high as he saw the reaction of the little mainecoon.
>>>Um... interesting.
"Let's make a contract with these conditions or wait, I will give you some more time, by tomorrow think carefully and come up with some good conditions that will save you from me, and then come to my office we will make a prenuptial contract with those conditions, okay?"
Anteros suggested.
>>>It will be better this way and he will have some time to think about what he wants from this marriage or after our marriage ends... Like some diamond mines for his alimony or something.
>>>He seriously came up with such lame conditions... the last one such a-ugh, and why does he think I will touch him without his consent anyway?
>>>Oh, maybe because of that lion bastard yesterday?
Anteros sighed and then looked at the little mainecoon,
"What happened? Answer me, okay?"
Elion Grimalkin just nodded with pursued lips.
"Then let's meet tomorrow. Give me your Mavtos."
Anteros extended his hand.
Without much thinking, Elion took out his Mavtos from his pocket and handed it over to the elder.
Anteros pressed some things and then gave it back to Elion.
"I have registered my name in your contact list, when you come to the office tomorrow give me a call, okay?"
Elion blinked his eyelashes for a moment continuously and nodded in a trance.
"Good," Anteros praised again and patted the smaller's head.
"Then, I will go tell our parents that we both agree to this marriage, and by the way about our prenuptial contract... keep it a secret from them, they don't need to know about it,"
Anteros spoke and then left the meeting room without hearing Elion's response.
Elion's fluffy golden-silver cat ears dropped as he pouted, he fidgeted through his fingers.
He felt everything was unfair towards him.
After Anteros informed their parents about their agreement they became happy and started planning the wedding.
They decided that the marriage would be held next week and they would hold a press conference right after that announcing the whole Ravenire kingdom about the merging of their companies.
After discussing and deciding everything they went back to their respective homes.
The Next Day...
Elion couldn't sleep all night as his thoughts were running wild the whole time. He woke up, did his morning routine, and came downstairs to fill up his little stomach to feel better.
He was having breakfast when his stepmother came and sat beside him after sorting out and giving precise directions to the maids and servants in the kitchen.
Mrs. Nymeria Grimalkin was a kind woman even though she came from the dominant Whale-shark clan which was the most powerful clan in the water realm and the only clan on Gallerath planet to rival the Dragons.
Even though she was the step-mother of Elion she never treated him like her step-son.
To her Elion and her son Evius were the same and she never showed any differentiation between them.
Though she cared for Elion more than her own son, to her the little mainecoon needed more of her love and affection than her strong bratty whale-shark son.
Elion too loved and respected her very much though he always longed for his late mother in his heart.
"Elie, yesterday was so disastrous that I didn't get to talk with you personally. I know we had pushed you into this arranged marriage forcibly and I very well know it is not what you wanted. I am sorry son, for being such a useless mother."
Nymeria put her hand on Elion's and squeezed it feeling guilty as she apologized.
"No, mother. Don't apologize," Elion immediately spoke.
"It was your father's decision so I couldn't refute but I also think this marriage is good as Ice-dragons are known for their loyalty and seeing Anteros yesterday I know that young man will make a perfect spouse for you, son."
Nymeria glanced at Elion who was looking down and getting no response from him, she sighed.
"But, I want to know your thoughts on him, Elie. What do you think about him? What do you think about this marriage?"
Elion didn't look up,
>>>What's the use of asking now, I had no choice in deciding the most important decision in my life.
He gulped his saliva along with his pain and plastered a smile on his face which was his biggest weapon... to smile when he was hurting the most and no one knew about his this quality except for his best friend Evander Pantherun.
"Honestly, I don't know Mother but I'm happy that my marriage can help our company in such a crisis. I am happy that I could do something to help you guys."
"My son, although I'm not your real mother I love you and wish for your happiness. Even when I am from such a powerful clan I became useless when you have to face such problems by yourself."
"No, mother. Don't think like that, I know you have always tried to give me the best and this time it's my turn so let me give my best too."
Nymeria smiled with a sigh.
"Elie, I think it's fate that chooses life partners no matter how much we try. Maybe Anteros will prove to be your destined partner, who knows, right?"
Elion faked his smile,
>>>My destined partner who wants to make my life hell just because I slapped him and wants to write a prenuptial contract to make me his slave who obeys all his words...
Seeing the melancholic expression on Elion's face Nymeria became even guiltier.
"I wish we had another solution... other than forcing you into this arranged marriage. I never wanted to do your wedding like this, I am really sorry, son."
She had tears in her eyes.
"Mom, you don't have to be sorry and you're my mother, you loved me more than father. You always supported me... you're both my parents and it's my responsibility to fulfill your wishes. I am grateful to you both for everything you have done for me and now it's my turn to show my gratitude."
Elion comforted his mother more like with those words he was comforting himself.
Nymeria smiled wiping her tears.
"Alright, let's end this sad talk, your marriage is in a week and we have plenty of work but to lift your mood today we'll go shopping, okay?"
"What, what marriage? What shopping?"
Suddenly a voice was heard from behind them.
Elion and Nymeria got up from their chairs instantly.
The little mainecoon's eyes widened, his lips smiled with joy, and he jumped and hugged the man tightly.
"Brother Evius, you are back! You know the other day we couldn't even talk properly as you were so tired and left for another business trip again."
"Oy, you brat! When did you learn to walk like a cat without making any sound? Even my sharp ears couldn't hear your steps. I thought my heart was gonna pop out of my chest just now."
Nymeria hit Evius's back.
"I am a Whale-shark, Mom. Not a cute little cat like my little brother here. Also, you both don't change the topic. What and whose marriage?" Evius interrogated.
"Ah, nothing Evy. Your cute little brother is going to get married in a week and it's such perfect timing all your business trips are also finished for this month."
Nymeria smiled as she patted Evius.
"WHAT? WHO IS GETTING MARRIED?"
Evius screamed his lungs out and stared at his baby brother for a long time in suspicion and then spatted,
"Did someone knock you up, Elie? You are not pregnant, are you?"
Elion was stupefied hearing such a nonsensical question from his elder brother.
"Of course, not! Brother Evius, what the hell are you talking about? I am still a virgin, for crying out loud!"
"Then what's the rush? Why marry in a week?" Evius queried again.
Nymeria shook her head and explained everything to her eldest son.
"Mom, are you guys serious? He's still a little kitten and for our company you are having him get married to our biggest rival's son?"
"No listen to me-" Nymeria was cut off.
"My little brother is not some fucking land or a project that you will exchange him for the sake of money. What if that Ice-dragon is not good to our Elie?"
"Brother Evius-" Elion was also cut off by a frustrated Evius.
"You know what, this is not called marriage. It's a fucking business deal! I won't let this happen to my Elie, there will be no marriage happening in a week, tell those Azurdraycens to search for someone else."
Evius yelled all vexated by the situation.
"Evy, we don't have any other choice. Tell me, instead of Elie will you marry the Azurdraycen's son? You will never and we all know the reason."
Nymeria reasoned out.
"But mom-,"
This time Evius was cut off by a dominant voice of a man who entered the hall just now.
"It's the best decision for now and Azurdraycens are not our enemies, they're just our competitors in business. Dragons are known for their benevolence. They will be good to our Elie, and if in case something happens we will still be there to watch his back."
Mr. Lorcan Grimalkin who just heard his eldest son's yelling as soon as he entered the hall, expounded.
Evius couldn't talk back to his step-father and he couldn't marry in place of Elion due to his dark past which led to his Gamophobia- fear of commitment or marriage.
Got nothing to say, Evius defeatedly downcasted and walked into his room, silently.
"I will talk to him," mouthing that to his parents Elion ran behind Evius who was sulking in his room.
"Brother Evius," Elion called and saw his elder brother being upset.
"Sorry for being such a useless elder brother, Elie."
"Ai, what's with you and mother? Stop blaming yourself, brother Evius. You are the best elder brother I could ever ask for. You have got nothing to feel guilty about, this is just my destiny."
"But, Elie-" Evius couldn't complete his sentence when,
"Brother Evius, please don't. I am happy to help our parents. I have to get married someday anyway, what's so wrong about getting married now for the sake of our company? So, stop condemning yourself and be happy for me. Promise me that you will not oppose this marriage anymore."
Elion extended his palm looking at Evius cutely, fluttering his fluffy golden-silver cat ears and tail.
Evius sighed as he lost to his brother's cuteness.
"Then Elie, you too promise me that you will be happy in this marriage and will immediately tell me if there is any problem or if that jerk of an Ice-dragon hurts you in any way, okay?"
>>>Happy... I think I can't promise that brother Evius...
As Elion remembered Anteros's words.
"Let's get married Elion. With you, I don't think I would be bored anymore. For this slap, I will take my revenge slowly... um how about I make your life a living hell, what do you think? Should I do it?"
"Come on, promise me Elie," Evius insisted.
"Alright, I will."
Elion nodded his head after coming out of his thoughts and continued,
"Okay, now let's stop all this serious talk and take me shopping, brother Evius. I am getting married in a week."
Elion faked his excitement with a cheerful voice to brighten up the mood but inside he was hurt, terrified, and was hoping that this was all just a bad dream and that when he opened his eyes all this pain would vanish.
But sadly, it wasn't a dream... It was reality and destiny started its game of 'Flames of love' which had so many twists and turns, who would be hurt, and who would end up happy?
Only destiny itself knew... what it had planned.
｡☆✼★✼☆｡
[★Mini Theatre★]
Evander Pantherun: Hey, little Deathtraps! Today, I am here on the ending screen to introduce myself to you all officially.
Drystan Dracentes: Me too!
Evander Pantherun: Oy! Get lost today it's my intro.
Drystan Dracentes: So, what? I will introduce myself too. (¬_¬)
Evander Pantherun: ( ╬◣ 益◢)
Villainess-san! Where the hell are you? Drag this sea serpent out of here before I lose my mind and kill him!
Drystan Dracentes: Who the heck are you calling a serpent, you snow kitten? I am the great sea dragon.
Evander Pantherun: Who is a snow kitten, you serpent! I am from the snow leopard clan (ಠ益ಠ) Villainess-san where the heck are you?
Drystan Dracentes: Ms. Villainess, tell this snow kitten to calm the fuck down or I am gonna fuck him-ahem! Rough him up!
Ms. Villainess: *Disappeared silently to avoid confronting two grown-up kids*
****