20. Aftermath

Theodore's existence felt like sunlight. His bright and confident smile, his easy-going nature as a friend yet charisma as a king, the way he would move his spear elegantly even while facing the enemy, his walk, his talk, his eyes and gaze, his lips as he called my name... but that light was the thing I hated most in this world, which is filled with darkness.

My heart longed for his warmth, and yet I wished for nothing more but for him to disappear. I was never good at rationalising my existence, I knew better than anyone that I was born to suffer and harm others, but he made it all look so easy, as if life is just a tea party, or a fun game to play.

The built-up emotions I hid throughout my life were suffocating me, yet he walked around with that smile on his face that I wished to wipe away with a punch.

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"Why don't you take a seat, my dear?"

Theodore said with a hand gesture as he laid back on a chair. His smile told me that nothing serious had happened during breakfast with his family, and his sister didn't just attack me or talk about our marriage.

I sit as far away from him as I can and keep my mouth shut till he speaks his mind. After all, my crumbled position as a queen was a heavy disadvantage.

"I heard you were having trouble using your husband's healing power... and that you're not the only one who can't use their partner's powers freely."

A servant brought tea and refreshments, and the room becomes silent till he leaves.

Theodore takes a sip of his tea with his eyes closed, waiting for my reaction.

"... Your majesty seems to care more about rumours than facts."

He blinks slowly unknowingly, showing off his long eye lashes, still not raising his head.

"I believe wherein lies numerous rumours. There's a hidden truth."

I gently take a sip while calculating my next words.

He wants me to admit that there was no love or affection between me and Fredrick. It doesn't seem like he wants to accuse me of not heeding the gods' words:

"Marry only with love, not for greed. Only then shall you be granted your companion's powers fully."

"...is that what your majesty is worried about?

Whether one use their companion's magic without any affection between the two?"

He smiles warmly while putting down his cup on the table.

"You seem to have already figured out my plan."

He leans forward, joining his fingers in front of his face.

" As a ruler, you must have been under the pressure of finding your other half by traditions that won't allow a political marriage too. The beliefs my parents hold are nowhere near mine, I don't feel obligated to marry for love, or more precisely, for more magical power. My abilities are more than enough to cover that part well, yet it's not enough to silent nobles who oppose me."

What he spoke of was indeed true... my generals also disagreed with my marriage for the same reason. The words of gods are not to be taken lightly. The shared magical bond between lovers is what makes their love long-lasting while allowing them to hold more than one kind of ability. The stronger the bond between the two, the more they can effectively use each other 's powers.

Of course, I also thought I didn't need any more power and ended up doing the opposite by marrying the biggest mistake of my life (Fredrick).

During my many battles, i could hardly heal a scratch, and Fredrick could hardly shatter a wine glass. That was one of the first red flags I should've paid attention to. But i convinced myself that perhaps it was because of the gap between our strengths.

I also put down my tea cup.

"And a political marriage can...?"

"That's a question only a political marriage can answer... i thought about many possibilities, from marrying a commoner to marrying Anna, who is a dukes daughter...

However, by our kingdom laws, my partner will almost hold equal authority as me. So she should at least know the basics of ruling a nation and not be swayed by the nobles' oppositions, opinions, and bribery...."

I sigh, knowing fully well how long his list of demands for the queen's position is and stop his babbling.

"Then wouldn't this lady Anna be the best candidate?"

Theo stands up and walks towards me.

"Even though her liking me makes thing easier...She belongs to the kings faction, meaning the noble faction will oppose her crowning and later on she would have no control over them, as for the ladies of age from the noble faction.... Let's just say that their favour could easily be bought..."

He kneels in front of me, holds my hand, and places a gentle kiss on it.

"However, I'm certain that you are more than capable of silencing every living being that tries to use you."

I'm annoyed by his flirtatious actions and fail to uphold my usual composure.

"Yet here you are. Trying to use me as your shield."

He gives me a pretty smile and puts my hand on his chick. Rubbing in his victory.

"Won't it be fine if you use me too? Sure, It won't be easy after being a nobody's sword for so long, but don't you want revenge? If you become my shield, I will be your spear too... so Scarlet Velverosa... will you be my queen?"