His Majesty's Devious Sins

Adeline raised a brow. These women thought they were better than her. She could see it in their gloating stares and faux smiles. Or perhaps, they needed something to encourage them of who was in charge here.

"And what makes you ladies think you're more suited for the Queen?" Adeline mused. "Perhaps one of you here has a higher prestige than a Princess?"

Instantly, their arrogant smiles dispersed. They glanced at each other, uncomfortable with the fact she might've not been a Pure-Blood, but her bloodline was pure royalty. 

Adeline Rose was more suited for the Queen than any of these women here. And she knew it. 

"W-well, Your Grace, it's just, by tradition, the Queens of Wraith have usually been Pure-Blooded Vampires," Miss Baybrook quickly explained. She twisted her lips into a polite smile that was more welcoming than her previous one.

"Pure-Blood Vampires, pure blood royalty, I don't see a difference, Your Grace," Minerva stated. She had a larger smile than previously, but this time, less entertained, and more focused on the conversation. She tightened her hold around the Queen's arms.

"I'm sure you don't," Adeline lightly said with a slight grin. She kept her expression pleasant, knowing anger and irritation will lead to nowhere. These women needed to know their place, and her royal status alone was rough for them.

To trade ranks was useless. Even if Adeline was a runaway Princess, she was nonetheless, the daughter of a Crown Prince.

"There's my beloved Queen," a voice wryly said.

Adeline turned around, but the women beat her to the chase.

"Your Royal Majesty!" The women quickly greeted, bowing their heads deeply, whereas Minerva elegantly nodded, tilting her head just a bit. She was graceful in every nature, from her red lips to her perfect makeup.

Despite all the beautiful vampires that surrounded Adeline, she didn't feel an ounce of jealousy towards them. Not even for Miss Baybrook who seemed to have a history with Elias.

All that Adeline knew and cared about was her own confidence and her confidence in Elias. When their gaze met, his burning with annoyance, and hers warm with humor, her grin widened a bit.

"Elias," Adeline murmured, hearing quiet gasps from behind her.

"Everyone always seems to enjoy stealing the attention of my wife," Elias mused. "I can never get you to myself, can I?"

Elias lightly grabbed her hand and pulled her towards him. He eyed the arm that Minerva had touched. He'd be surprised if Lydia wasn't fuming and plotting the downfall of the aristocrat. In the corner of his eye, he could see her haughty figure quickly crossing the dance floor, a vicious look on her face.

Before anyone could take Adeline away from him, he quickly wrapped an arm around her hip. He ignored the excited murmur of the ladies who saw his possessive grip upon her waist. 

"I believe it's my turn to get your time," Elias said in a low, alluring voice. She naively peered up at him and blinked once, curiosity dancing in her evergreen eyes.

"Come, my Queen," he mused.

Adeline turned her head towards Minerva and the group of ladies. Minerva's smile remained, her expression less fake than before. Adeline realized all of this was just a test, and they wanted to see what kind of woman she was. A pushover human? A useless crybaby? Or, perhaps, a head-strong woman who could hold her ground?

"Ladies," Adeline finally addressed, before allowing Elias to guide her away. She could feel Elias's pressing stare on her skull, but when she looked up, his attention was elsewhere. He was so tall that she wondered if the air up there was much different. He could see almost everyone in the room, whereas she could only see what was in front of her.

"What are you looking at?" Adeline asked. "And where are you taking me?"

"Just trust me, darling." Elias hid his cunning smile from her. He noted the pointed looks from the twins, urging him to not do what he was about to do. But the celebration had gone on for hours now, and it was coming to a conclusion anyway.

Couldn't he have his dear wife to himself? Today was her coronation, but today was just another day for him. It had been a while since he viewed her as a Queen. At first, he viewed her as a stuttering little Princess, but her transformation in his castle told him otherwise.

"You didn't stutter today. I'm quite proud of you," Elias murmured to her. He skillfully guided her through the crowd of people that paused and greeted them. Everywhere they went, the people parted for them.

"I only stutter when I'm nervous or anxious. Lately, there hasn't been much that provokes this behavior from me, well except for you—"

"You stammered when I first met you, when you were under the guidance of the Mardens. Did they make you anxious?"

Adeline's spine went rigid. She glanced up at him, but his grip on her waist didn't loosen. When her feet couldn't walk for her, he continued guiding them through the crowd. Her legs were moving, but mainly because of his pressure on her body.

"Y-yes," she reluctantly said. "Very."

"Why?"

"You know why. The contract—"

"Ah yes, your lack of freedom and the illegal contract. Now that you're in my care, you've learned to talk back and tease me," Elias said in a quiet, seductive voice. He could feel her bewildered stare on his face. He smirked. She's captivated by him now, and he intended to keep it that way.

"I don't talk back… or tease you," Adeline whispered, though she glanced away.

"Yes, yes you do. You—"

"Your Grace!" Lydia Claymore didn't think she would ever address Adeline by a title, especially because of their dear friendship. Even when Adeline was the Princess of Kastrem, Lydia would refer to her with that same, affectionate nickname. 

"And Your Majesty," Lydia added on, with less excitement in her voice.

"Lydia!" Adeline gushed, instantly turning around to see her beloved friend. "I'm so glad you could make it. I was so worried, since you've been so busy with the upcoming shareholder meeting."

Lydia waved her hands and rolled her eyes. "Oh please, I can skip a day of convincing people just to see you. Besides, I've yet to ask you if you heeded my tip that day."

Adeline blinked. Tip? 

Lydia came closer and cupped her hand, whispering into Adeline's ears. "You know, my advice about how a man's tip is his most sensitive spot and—"

"Once again, someone lacks manners," Elias gritted, tugging Adeline closer to him. Her face went red with embarrassment and as much as he wanted to tease her, he'd rather show her where his most sensitive spot was. 

"And you, darling," Elias said to his wife. "Shouldn't worry about Miss Claymore's wellbeing."

"But—"

"Being seen with you this intimately is enough publicity for her for days to come. Once her shareholders receive word of how close she is with you, the Queen of Wraith, she will have more supporters to take over Claymore Conglomerate," Elias deadpanned. He wore a bored expression on his face, even amidst Lydia's scalding glare.

Lydia vehemently shook her head. "You make it seem like I'm using my dear friend, Your Majesty."

"Am I making it seem that way? I'm just pointing out what I notice," Elias deadpanned.

Adeline felt like she was witnessing a dog and cat fight. She glanced from left and right, oblivious and confused as to why they despised each other. She hoped her closest friend and her beloved husband would be amiable with each other. What an impossible dream it was…

"Just for the record, Addy," Lydia spoke up. "I'm not using you, I—"

"She is."

"Your Majesty," Lydia gritted out. "You mustn't tease your poor, devoted citizen like this."

"Hah, teasing? More like I'm telling the truth," Elias scoffed.

Adeline realized they were gaining more attention with each passing minute. "There's people watching, Elias," she mumbled.

Elias's irritated glare softened upon seeing her. He smiled at her question, fondly shifting the hair away from her eyes. He loved her eyes, vibrant like leaves under sunlight. 

Looking at her was like a breath of fresh air. He had never seen such an  earnest, clear, and sharp gaze until he met her. Not to mention, her soft, pouty lips—

"Addy, there's something I must tell you," Lydia spoke up, noticing how deeply Elias was looking at Adeline. 

"Oh, what is it?" Adeline said, tearing her eyes away from Elias. He was staring intently at her, as if she was the only woman in the room.

"In two days, let's meet at the cafe we spoke about last time," Lydia suggested.

Adeline quickly nodded before Elias could even speak up. "I'd love that."

Lydia arrogantly smiled. She made eyecontact with a glaring Elias and widened her devious lips. "Alright, I'll see you in two days time then."