INDULGENCE - KILLER X READER (Medieval AU)

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: King Consort

"It's good to see some excitement on your face, Your Grace. Far better than that pout you wore earlier."

I chuckled at Killer's observation as we approached the doors to the throne room, where we would be making the big announcement.
"How could I not be excited? I no longer have to worry over who I may be married off to. Finally, some relief!" With a step and a twirl, I paused at the doors, looking back to my knight in shining armour. "Perhaps when this is over we can celebrate at that quaint little tavern again?"

Killer lifted his hands almost defensively, shaking his head.
"Uh, for both our sakes, I think it would be best to avoid copious amounts of alcohol for a while, Your Grace..." I hadn't the faintest clue why he would think that, but I just shrugged it off, brushing off my dress as he moved to open the doors for me.

Lords and Ladies were still filtering in, but the King and Queen were already seated, and I hurried myself to join them. Lucci made a beeline to escourt me himself, directing Killer to stand far off to the side, much to my dismay.

"Beautiful, Your Grace, as always. Excited for the momentous occasion?" He questioned, dusting off my smaller throne before I sat down.
"Of course I am. I know, without a doubt, who I wish to marry. Who would not be joyous?"

The look Lucci gave me in return was a little confusing. A quirk of a brow, and thinned lips, but I didn't think much of it. Even if I had, the clearing of my father's throat took all of my attention away.

He needn't be standing to dominate a room, but he chose to anyway, taking several steps towards the court, chest out.
"Suitors! Step forward!" As instructed, my group of suitors moved to the front of the crowd, lining up and bowing to their King. I briefly caught Marco's eye and smiled.

Brilliant. This shall be a piece of cake.

"On behalf of my daughter, I wish to thank you for your efforts and shows of affection. You have each proven yourselves as strong, capable Lords, and potential King Consorts." I knew my father hated giving speeches, but he did, however, thrive off the undivided attention.

If only you were a kind man. Things could have been different.

"After much deliberation, one of you has been chosen to win the privilege of taking my daughter's hand in marriage. Come, (Y/N)." The second my father called for me, I stood up and made my way over, allowing him to welcome me under his arm. "What have you to say to these fine Lords?"

Dipping into a curtsey, I lowered my head as respectfully as possible, trying not to make eye contact with anyone.
"I am so very touched that you all came to Marineford on my account. Thank you, My Lords. I wish all of you nothing but good fortune."

That was true, at least for a few of them. Marco, Koby and Trafalgar, mostly. I could not have cared less about whatever would happen to Doflamingo or Perospero in the future.

"Let us not drag this out any longer! From early on, it was obvious who would be best suited as husband to the Princess! Congratulations, Lord Donquixote! You will make a fine King Consort!"

Wh..what..?

Every fibre of my being froze, even as the crowd began to cheer. My eyes snapped up to meet Marco's, and he seemed just as shocked as I was. With my father's arm over me, I could do nothing but stand there as the beastly Lord of whom he chose approached, lowering himself down to one knee and seizing my hand.

"I thank you, Your Majesty! Ah, Your Grace, my dear, sweet (Y/N)...Nothing could have ever made me happier! I swear to you, I shall be all that you need and more!" I tried to snatch my hand away as he went in to kiss it, but he had it in a vice grip. There was no way he couldn't tell I was horrified, but I was helpless.