Chapter 215: The Water Portal
Upon making it to the court of celestial Valor, Samantha could spot Maurice amongst the trainers, and she wasn’t surprised when she saw Alain with him. Maurice had crouched on his knees with his palms set forward, and Alain was sending playful blows into Maurice’s palm, while imitating the sound ’hyah! Hyah!’ as he simultaneously turned Maurice’s palm into his own punching bag.
The sky was darkening, and the lamp torches set on the court burned brightly, illuminating the whole arena.
A subconscious smile graced Samantha’s lips at the cute interaction, but she averted her gaze when Ivan gently pulled her with him as they moved past the pillars. They went to meet Queen Lucinda who was sitting at the far end of the court, playing the chess game with Viktor who for once, seemed to be in a dilemma. Lucinda’s blue eyes moved to gaze at the couple who approached her table, and with a little twitch at the corner of her mouth, she dropped the porcelain cup in her hand on the table.
"It’s a good thing you two are here, I needed an audience to witness Lord Viktor lose to me in a game of chess." Lucinda gestured at the board, showing how she has all of Viktor’s players cornered by her White Queen. Viktor’s crimson eyes reflected his disapproval, but he could not refute as she was, disappointedly right about him losing.
Not like he’d openly admit it anyway.
"You have not wished me and my soon-to-be bride congratulations on our alliance, Lord Viktor. Are you not happy that I have found happiness with the woman I’m going to spend eternities with?" Ivan pointed out, facing Viktor, and the vampire, who seemed stressed enough about what was going on, released a soft sigh before pausing in the game he was playing. He has heard the announcement, and although he wished to be happy, he could not.
"That is not the issue," Viktor finally answered truthfully before reclining against his seat, and then he stated, "you came to me the other night, we discussed, and I warned you of what is likely to happen if you carry on with this alliance. I am not trying to discourage you, neither am I in disapproval of your relationship with her, but if she is destined to be with someone else–"
"When marked, she becomes bound to her partner, even in death." Ivan interrupted him, his eyes darkening upon hearing his little lamb belonging to someone else. "She’s marked by me, and that makes her my woman. Saying she has someone else when the lady in question isn’t aware of it, I take it as an illusion."
"You won’t listen, you’re as stubborn as your Father." Viktor carefully moved another piece, and Lucinda stepped into the conversation.