The week had finally passed, and the day had come when King Niklaus of Emberlyn set foot in Aquarion once again. He sat across from King Albert in the royal chamber, the tension palpable. Both men knew what was at stake, and the air was thick with the gravity of what was to come.
Niklaus's gaze was fixed on King Albert, his posture relaxed yet brimming with dark confidence. "So," Niklaus began, his voice steady and measured, "what is your decision, King Albert?"
King Albert took a deep breath, preparing himself for what he hoped would be the end of this dreadful matter. "I am sorry, King Niklaus," he said, his voice calm but resolute. "Before you asked for Princess Emily's hand, we had already agreed upon her marriage to Prince Griffin of Eldoria. The wedding is set for next week."
He forced himself to meet Niklaus's gaze. "I trust you will leave the matter here."
For a moment, there was silence, and then a dark chuckle escaped Niklaus's lips. His smirk deepened into something dangerous as he leaned back in his chair. "I knew it wouldn't be easy," he said softly, his voice carrying an edge of amusement. "You really are as stubborn as your daughter. It's no wonder she's such a challenge."
King Albert stiffened. Something about Niklaus's tone sent a chill down his spine. "I've made my decision," Albert said, more firmly this time, though a sliver of doubt flickered in his mind.
Niklaus's eyes darkened as he stood, pacing the room with slow, deliberate steps. His voice dropped lower, thick with menace. "You've made a grave mistake, Albert," he warned. "Griffin? The man can't keep his hands off women. He changes them like he changes his clothes. And once he touches your daughter…" Niklaus's gaze sharpened, his jaw clenched as if the thought itself ignited a deep, uncontrollable fury within him.
Albert's eyes narrowed, trying to remain calm. "Prince Griffin is an honorable man—"
Niklaus cut him off, his voice dark and mocking. "Honorable? I've heard Griffin has already fathered children with more than ten women across the kingdoms. Fine choice, indeed." His hand hovered dangerously close to the hilt of his sword, his eyes flashing with a barely contained rage.
King Albert faltered, his heart pounding. Had he made a fatal mistake in choosing Griffin to escape Niklaus's wrath? Niklaus's words weighed heavily on him, and he couldn't help but feel the first pangs of doubt.
Niklaus lit a cigar, his expression calm but menacing, the smoke curling up around his copper hair, casting him in a devilish light. "Start your countdown, Albert," Niklaus said, his voice low and full of promise. "Because it's only a matter of time before you regret this."
With that, Niklaus turned on his heel, his cloak swirling dramatically behind him as he stormed out of the room, leaving King Albert alone with his thoughts—and a growing sense of dread.
Meanwhile, Emily and Elara were returning from the royal tailor, where Emily had been fitted for her wedding gown. The carriage rattled through the rain-soaked streets, the atmosphere inside as heavy as the storm raging outside.
Elara, noticing her sister's distant expression, asked softly, "Are you happy with this marriage, sister?"
Emily sighed, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't have a choice, Elara. It's like a do-or-die situation."
Elara turned her gaze to the window, watching the dark clouds swirl above. "It looks like a hailstorm is coming."
Emily nodded, lost in her thoughts. Her dark gray gown, intricately embroidered with gold and silver, felt like a shroud. Exhaustion pulled at her, and before long, she drifted into an uneasy sleep.
The carriage came to a halt at the castle gates, the rain pouring down relentlessly. Elara stepped out first, drenched within seconds. She glanced back at her sister, still asleep in the carriage.
"Sister," Elara murmured, waking as her sister shook her gently. "We're here."
Elara nodded and quickly ran toward the castle, trying in vain to avoid the downpour. Emily lingered, watching her sister disappear into the castle's warmth. She sighed and stepped out into the storm. The rain instantly soaked through her gown, the cold biting at her skin.
As she moved to step away from the carriage, the hem of her dress caught on the footrest. She bent down, fumbling with the fabric, her hands shaking from the cold and frustration. When she finally freed it and stood up, she froze.
Niklaus was standing just a few feet from her, his copper hair plastered to his face, his dark eyes locked on hers. He looked like he had stepped out of the storm itself, his presence commanding and terrifying all at once.
"You," Emily whispered, her voice trembling, though she quickly masked her fear with anger. "What are you doing here?"
Niklaus didn't answer immediately, his gaze traveling over her, lingering in a way that made her skin crawl. "So," he said softly, his voice dark and mocking, "Prince Griffin it is."
Emily swallowed hard, her pulse quickening. "Yes," she replied, lifting her chin defiantly. "He is better than you."
Niklaus's smile was chilling, devoid of warmth. "Bad choice, princess." He took a step toward her, his movements slow, predatory.
Emily's heart raced as she reached for the dagger at her waist, pulling it free and pointing it at him. "Don't come any closer," she warned, her voice trembling despite her attempt to sound fierce.
Niklaus's smile only widened, amused by her defiance. "A dagger?" he mused, his voice dripping with mockery. "Do you really think that will stop me?"
He stepped closer, unfazed by the blade she held between them. Emily's breath hitched, but she stood her ground. "Stay back," she said more firmly, her hand tightening around the hilt of the dagger.
Niklaus reached out, his hand brushing her wet blonde hair from her face with a gentleness that belied the danger in his eyes. The touch sent a shiver down her spine. "You're braver than I thought," he murmured, his voice low, dangerous. "But bravery won't save you."
Emily's breath caught in her throat as his fingers lingered near her face, his dark gaze never leaving hers. She wanted to move, to push him away, but she was rooted to the spot, her fear and anger warring within her.
"See you soon, princess," Niklaus whispered, his voice sending a chill through her. With a snap of his fingers, the cigar in his hand reignited, its glow casting a sinister light over his face.
He turned and walked away, disappearing into the storm, leaving Emily standing in the pouring rain, the dagger still clutched in her hand. Her heart pounded in her chest as she watched him go, her mind racing.
She turned and ran back toward the castle, her gown dragging through the mud, her thoughts a whirlwind of fear, anger, and confusion. What is he going to do now?