The great hall of Eternal Castle thrummed with resplendent beauty and eternal elegance. Its domed roof reached high into the heavens, carved from starry glass that glimmered like a galaxy caught in motion. Glows of blue and gold from enchanted crystal chandeliers illuminated the hall, and silken banners displaying the sigil of Mytheria—a solar eclipse over twin swords—flowed like rivers off the walls. The floor, mirror-polished obsidian, caught every flash of light and every step, like the night sky catching stars.
Outside the castle walls, even the skies themselves rejoiced.Legendary dragons adorned in gold harnesses soared above the towers, weaving across the sky in formation, exhaling silver and blue flames that danced like cosmic auroras. Their flight was more than majestic—it was ceremonial, a living declaration that tonight belonged to the one true ruler of the cosmos.
Within the grand hall, nobles and dignitaries from countless dimensions stood frozen in awe. Their voices died down as a hush swept across the chamber. Even the most refined of women gasped, their hearts skipping as their gazes were drawn to the entrance.
And then—
The golden doors opened.
Arinay entered.
He didn't just walk—he descended, like a god returning to his realm. Draped in a robe stitched from threads of fallen stars and dusks long forgotten, he moved with silent confidence. The air shimmered around him, bending subtly to his power. His golden eyes held depth like twin suns, and the faint pulse of the Ring of Rebirth hidden beneath his sleeve whispered timeless strength.
The room trembled in reverence. People bowed—not because they were expected to, but because their hearts demanded it.
Yet, amidst the admiration, whispers began to stir among the noblewomen.
"He's even more divine than the stories...""Just one night… if only I could have that...""That face… that aura… it's too much."
Some clasped their hands to their chests, others dared to dream, imagining impossible moments under moonlight with the King of the Cosmos.
But Arinay's mind was elsewhere.He walked with poise, but his heart was uneasy. His gaze combed through the crowd with quiet desperation.
"Where are they?"
No matter how many stars bowed before him, he longed for only ten—his wives. The ones who had stood by him, laughed with him, shared the burdens of the cosmos.And yet… not one of them stood among the crowd.
His divine aura dimmed slightly, troubled by their absence.
Then—
"You're right on schedule, Your Majesty."
The voice was smooth as velvet and sharper than any blade.
Valtheria.
She emerged beside him, not in her typical plated armor, but in an elegant, seductive black dress woven with violet threads of starlight. The high slit traced her thigh with every step, and her silver hair flowed like moonlight cascading down her back. Her violet eyes sparkled with mischief and something far deeper—something dangerous.
Gasps rippled through the crowd. Together, Arinay and Valtheria were a vision of divine balance—power and grace, sun and moon, king and sword.
Arinay turned slightly, his concern still lingering."Valtheria… where are the Queens? None out of ten are here."
Valtheria smiled playfully, eyes narrowing."They're just taking their sweet time, my King. Dressing up… maybe to be your ultimate gift tonight."
She leaned closer, her breath brushing against his ear. With a low, sultry voice, she whispered,
"But if you want… I can join your bed tonight instead."
His heart skipped. His cheeks flushed as he pulled back a little, flustered."S-Stop teasing me like that." He looked around nervously. "We're in front of everyone. You always flirt like this—but we're just friends, Valtheria."
She pouted mockingly, pressing a hand to her chest.
"Ouch, friend-zoned again. And here I thought this dress might finally earn me a title upgrade."
"Valtheria…" he sighed, voice soft.
She circled him slowly, tracing a light finger along his shoulder."How many times have you asked why I reject every man who throws himself at me?" she asked.
He blinked. "You always avoid the answer."
She stopped in front of him and leaned in again, voice low, trembling with emotion beneath the teasing.
"Then let me answer now…"Her lips brushed his ear."Will you marry me, Arinay?"
His body froze. Time felt like it held its breath.
"Y-You always say that to throw me off. You don't mean it."
Her smile faltered, just for a second. Something in her gaze shimmered—was it pain?
"I mean every word I've ever whispered to you," she murmured. "I've been by your side longer than anyone else. I know your battles, your scars, your dreams."
He looked at her, speechless.
Before the moment could spiral further, a noble cleared his throat.
"Your Majesty," the elderly man bowed deeply, "I bring urgent matters about the southern trade gates. May I request an audience?"
Arinay exhaled, regaining his composure. "Of course. We'll speak."
Valtheria stepped back with a graceful bow, the smile returning to her lips—though now it was strained.
"I'll go check on the Queens," she said softly. "Wouldn't want them to miss your grand moment."
"Thank you, Valtheria," Arinay replied gently. "You're always someone I can count on."
She paused, her back to him.
"Yes…" she whispered. "More than anyone else…"
Her voice no longer flirted.It trembled with quiet rage, with heartbreak too long buried.
As she walked away, her clenched fists trembled at her sides.She felt like the air itself was crushing her chest.
"Why won't you ever look at me that way?""Why do you chase them… when I've been right here all along?""They don't deserve your smile… but I do."
Tears did not fall, but her violet eyes burned with possessive fury.Her heartbeat screamed with longing and pain and something darker—something that was now slipping through the cracks.
As she disappeared into the corridors of the palace, her whisper was lost to the crowd.
But in her heart, the words echoed like a curse:
"They'll never love you the way I do… and if I have to prove it—""Then I will."