CHAPTER 559: LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR

A month later.

Sunlight streamed through the tall arched windows of Lara’s chamber in Hevenfort Palace, gilding the room in a soft golden glow. Freya’s hands trembled slightly as she placed the delicate tiara upon her daughter’s head. The crown gleamed with the same quiet brilliance as Lara’s eyes—eyes that shimmered with a mixture of joy, nerves, and disbelief at the day that had finally come.

Lara’s wedding gown was a masterpiece of silken lace, its intricate patterns catching the light like threads of spun starlight. The soft fabric cascaded to the floor in gentle waves, and when she moved, it whispered like the hush of a prayer.

Today was not only Alaric’s coronation as the new Emperor of Azurverda, but also the day he would take Lara’s hand as his empress. The weight of that truth settled heavily—and tenderly—on both women.

Freya’s throat tightened as she looked at her daughter—the little girl who once ran barefoot through palace gardens, now a woman about to walk into a destiny that would shape nations. Tears welled in her eyes, spilling freely as she drew Lara into a trembling embrace.

"My beautiful girl," she whispered, her voice breaking with pride and sorrow. "You are so radiant... Alaric is so lucky to have you."

Lara clung to her mother, breathing in the familiar scent of lavender that had always meant comfort. For a moment, she wasn’t a soon-to-be empress or the bride of an emperor—just a daughter saying goodbye to one Chapter of her life.

"I’ll make you proud, Mother," she murmured, her voice soft but certain.

Freya smiled through her tears, brushing a strand of hair from Lara’s face. "You already have, my love. You always have. I am so honored to be your mother. I am sure that your father and brothers feel the same way."

"Madam, please don’t cry," Reya said gently, her tone wobbling between affection and worry as she offered Freya a lace handkerchief embroidered with tiny silver lilies. "You’ll ruin your beauty, and today of all days should be a joyous one."

Freya gave a shaky laugh as she dabbed at her tears. The corners of her lips trembled, caught somewhere between pride and sorrow.

But the moment of composure didn’t last long, for when Reya turned to Lara, her expression crumpled entirely. Her voice rose in a dramatic wail. "Miss! You’re going to be married! Married! Please—please let me still serve you, even after today!"

Lara blinked, caught between amusement and exasperation as Reya threw herself at her, clutching her skirts as if the ceremony itself might snatch her mistress away.

"Reya," Lara sighed, rolling her eyes though a small smile tugged at her lips. "Stop being ridiculous. Once I’m married, you’ll be free to live your own life. You deserve that. You can’t keep waiting on me forever."

"But I want to!" Reya sniffled, still clinging to the hem of the shimmering gown. "What if the new servants don’t know how you like your tea? Who will take care of you?"

Her words, meant in jest, stirred something tender in the room. Freya’s tears returned, softer this time—born not of grief, but of affection for the two young women before her.

Lara laughed lightly, the sound bright and wistful. "Reya, you’re impossible. But if you keep crying like that, I’ll need another handkerchief for you, too."

Reya sniffed and stood, trying to compose herself, but her lips still trembled in a half-smile. "Then I suppose we’ll cry together, Miss," she said, voice thick with loyalty.

And for a fleeting moment, all three women stood close—mistress, maid, and mother—bound not by duty or title, but by love, laughter, and loyalty.

Outside Lara’s chamber, the grand hallway of Hevenfort Palace had transformed into a fortress. Dozens of men stood guard before the bride’s door, their formation so precise and unwavering that one might think they were defending the palace itself rather than a young woman preparing for her wedding. The air was thick with tension—and mischief.

Three rows deep, the living barricade gleamed with lavish court costumes and grim determination.

At the vanguard stood the elite soldiers of the Phoenix Legion, their crimson cloaks draped like fire over their shoulders. The unit’s commander, Aramis, stood tall and astute. For the ceremony, he shed his identity as a noble prince of Estalis, but the loyal comrade sworn to serve Alaric... and today, his most formidable obstacle. His eyes glinted with mischief.

"Not even an emperor will pass easily today," he grinned, tightening his grip on his sword hilt.

Behind them, the second line was a chaotic tangle of ropes, pulleys, and faintly glowing wards. Master Jethru, Logan, and the Zen Warriors had outdone themselves. For three nights, they had worked in secret, crafting traps intricate enough to confound even the sharpest mind. Hidden snares waited to spring, and faint trails of incense marked areas best avoided—unless Alaric wished to be doused, tangled, or very possibly levitated.

And finally, guarding the last approach to the chamber door, stood the most fearsome defenders of all—Lara’s brothers. Asael, Galahad, Bener, Gideon, and the inseparable twins Percival and Peredur, shoulder to shoulder in gleaming formal armor, each with an expression that screamed over my dead body.

General Odin stood before them, arms crossed, his thick brows furrowed into a scowl of disbelief.

"Hey, you lot," he barked. "Why do I get the feeling none of you actually want my daughter to get married?"

The men straightened instantly, though a few exchanged guilty glances. Then, in perfect unison, they shouted:

"Of course we don’t!"

Their answer echoed down the corridor, bouncing off marble and silk-draped walls. Odin groaned, dragging a hand down his face.

General Odin, wearing his military court attire, muttered. "It’s supposed to be a wedding, not a siege."

But the twinkle in his eyes betrayed his own amusement. After all, if Alaric wanted his bride, he’d have to earn her—one trap, one duel, and one stubborn brother at a time.

Alaric, who was approaching Lara’s chamber, almost stumbled. He was accompanied by King Aragon, his brother Alderan, Duke Kasmeri, and a few of his secret guards hidden in the shadows.

How dare they!