The Crown's Seduction

Chapter 79: Coupling Bond

Mineah had no choice but to be strong despite everything that had happened. Seer Beirut's words written in the letter echoed in her mind. He was already gone and there was nothing she could do about it. He was so serene with his words that he even assured her that he had found peace and was prepared for the afterlife.

Sitting beside Nikolai on her throne during the royal court session, she resisted the urge to slump her shoulders.

As each person in the throne hall introduced themselves and stated their positions, Mineah maintained a polite smile and nodded to greet the officials before her. Although a majority of them were strangers to her, Mineah felt like she knew them enough thanks to Nikolai's thorough briefing while they were at Valcrez.

Once the meeting started, Mineah's mind wandered all over the place despite her calm and composed facade in front of the court officials. They discussed many topics before eventually talking about the passing of Seer Beirut.

"What will happen to Ebodia now? They lost their Seer in the midst of their war with Helion. They were able to prepare and safeguard their kingdom for centuries only because of the Seer's vision.  This is the first time in history that the Seer died without a successor," Minister Rory pointed out.

Mineah would have loved to read this older man's mind but she felt drained of energy after everything that happened.

"Ebodia is the only kingdom blessed with a fated Seer amongst all human kingdoms. It's like they were chosen and favored by the heavens. So I'm sure another Seer will appear sooner or later," Aunt Alexa hummed.

Mineah smiled at her. She was wearing a uniform together with the rest of the Exordium Royal Council including her mother-in-law, the Queen Dowager Rania.

Every eye turned to her as if waiting for her confirmation. 

"Exordium Alexa is right," she began, her voice steady and resolute. "A new Seer will ascend at Ebodia Camp in a few days, as foreseen by our Seer Beirut in his letter to me. He saw the vision of his own death and accepted his fate without regret," she informed.

Murmurs cascaded through the hall, filling the air with a buzz of conversation. Nikolai immediately called for their attention, delving into more pressing matters at hand. Mineah remained quiet during the discussion and would only comment if asked by Nikolai.

[Do you want to get away from here?] Nikolai asked after noticing her silence.

[Can you sense my emotions?] she questioned back instead. She wondered if Nikolai could feel it since he had been checking on her from time to time.

[Unfortunately, the Coupling Bond we share is not as strong as the Mate Bond possessed by werewolves. Their marking and matebond also bind them emotionally which isn't the case with ours. So I won't be able to feel what you feel, but I can sense whenever you're in danger, Mine… Also, the mark I gave you will make you stronger in time. Its effects usually manifest slower in humans compared to a Scion.] Nikolai lengthily explained.

[I see,] Mineah hummed. She honestly felt it when Nikolai marked her last night. It was as though something inside of her was awakened but she was unsure what it was.

[Just tell me if you want to be excused from these boring discussions with the officials… I will let you go back to Amaranth Palace where you can rest instead.] Nikolai offered.

Mineah unknowingly smiled at his thoughtful gesture.

[I'm good Lai. I'd rather stay here and have you by my side than go back to Amaranth Palace. Your presence alone brings me comfort,] Mineah genuinely replied.

"Your Majesty…"

[Lai, Minister Marlon has called you twice now,] Mineah reminded him.

"Oh, right, Minister Marlon. Pardon me, what is it again?" Nikolai asked with a frown.

Mineah suppressed a chuckle. She and Nikolai were so engrossed in their telepathic conversation that he was getting distracted, often missing the conversations among the officials.

When she shifted her gaze, she noticed the stern from the Queen Mother which made her gulp lightly. She probably knew that she and Lai were engaged in their own mental conversation. The look the Queen Mother gave her felt like a scolding as if telling her to behave.

As soon as Nikolai was done talking, he once again reached out to her, [Let me know if you want to postpone the Clans' visitation to your residence later.]

[Please don't worry too much about me, Lai. I'm alright… There's no need to delay any scheduled activity for me. In fact, I could use the distraction. And please focus on the court meeting. Look at Mother… She's practically saying we should stop our telepathic communication.]

Nikolai chuckled, drawing the attention of everyone in the room.

Mineah bit her inner cheek and shrugged innocently.

"Oh, I apologize. I suddenly remembered something funny that happened during the previous national civil service examination that Minister Marlon was discussing. How about we involve the Queen in this event?" Nikolai suggested.

"The Queen?" Minister Marlon uttered, clearly surprised by the proposal.

"Yes, would you like to oversee the upcoming national civil service examination, my Queen?" Nikolai asked, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

Mineah blinked, taken aback for a moment, but her lips quickly curved into a radiant smile as she responded, "It will be an honor, my King."

[There… It will be a great opportunity for you to go outside Amaranth Palace more often. This way you'll get more comfort from me as well as enjoy the sight of my face.] Nikolai proudly declared through their bond.

[Oh… How gracious of you, Your Majesty. Thank you for this benevolent act of yours. I'm looking forward to receiving more of your comforts!] she retorted, struggling to contain the urge to roll her eyes in front of the officials.

[Focus now, Mine.  Don't distract me… Mother is glaring…] Nikolai murmured.

How unfair! It was he who initiated the telepathic conversation, not her!!