beyond the veil

chapter 17

As Iris caught sight of Dorian, her breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening in awe at the sight of him. She couldn't help but be impressed by his striking appearance, with his chiseled features and regal bearing that exuded an aura of power and authority. To her, he seemed like a figure out of legend, with a physique reminiscent of a Greek god and eyes as molten gold that held a captivating intensity.

"Wow," she murmured under her breath, her gaze lingering on Dorian as she drank in his commanding presence. "He's... breathtaking."

Feeling a surge of admiration, Iris found herself drawn to him like a moth to a flame, her every movement and gesture aimed at catching his attention. She straightened her posture, adjusting her attire to appear more presentable in his presence, her heart fluttering with excitement at the prospect of being noticed by him.

As she approached Dorian, a nervous energy coursed through her veins, her mind racing with thoughts of how to impress him with her charm and wit. "Your Majesty," she greeted him with a smile, her voice filled with warmth and admiration. "It's an honor to be in your presence."
 
Dorian only nodded ..

As Iris continued her relentless attempts to flirt with Dorian, he found himself increasingly bothered by her overt advances. Despite her efforts to entice him with her revealing attire and suggestive gestures, he remained steadfast in his resolve to marry Neon, his heart already set on the fiery-haired princess.

One evening, as Iris entered Dorian's room half-dressed, a seductive smile playing on her lips, Dorian's expression remained impassive, his gaze unwavering as he watched her approach. "Iris, what are you doing here?" he asked, his tone tinged with irritation as he struggled to conceal his discomfort.

Iris sauntered closer, her movements calculated and deliberate as she poured drinks for both of them. "I thought we could spend some time alone together, Your Majesty," she purred, her voice laced with thinly veiled desire as she attempted to capture his attention.

Dorian resisted the urge to roll his eyes, his patience wearing thin with each passing moment. "I appreciate the gesture, Iris, but I'm afraid I'm not interested," he replied firmly, his tone leaving no room for misinterpretation.

Iris's smile faltered for a brief moment, a flash of frustration crossing her features before she quickly masked it with a coquettish grin. "Surely you can't resist me, Your Majesty," she teased, moving closer to him in a blatant attempt to seduce him.

But Dorian remained unmoved, his resolve unshaken as he gently pushed her away. "I'm sorry, Iris, but my heart belongs to another," he stated firmly, his gaze drifting to the door as he longed for the presence of the one woman who held his affections.

Iris's expression darkened with anger and frustration, her attempts at seduction falling on deaf ears as Dorian's rejection became increasingly apparent. With a huff of annoyance, she turned on her heel and stormed out of the room, her pride wounded by Dorian's refusal to succumb to her charms.

Alone once more, Dorian breathed a sigh of relief, grateful for the opportunity to escape Iris's persistent advances. As he thought of Neon, his heart swelled with longing, knowing that she was the one he truly desired above all others. And with renewed determination, he vowed to do whatever it took to win her hand in marriage, regardless of the obstacles that stood in their way.

King of infernia talked to Dorian like sly old man he is ,your majesty he addressed to Dorian I was wondering if you prefer marrying my elder daughter iris she is more intelligent and her demantor is royal better thn my daughter neon she is dimwit and spoiled by her brother, and iris also show interest in marrying you king Dorian,

Dorian's jaw clenched slightly at the king's words, his patience wearing thin at the thinly veiled insult directed towards Neon. Despite the king's attempts to undermine her, Dorian remained composed, his regal bearing unwavering as he maintained his outward demeanor of calm authority.

"Your Majesty," Dorian began, his tone measured but firm, "I appreciate your consideration, but I have already made my decision. Neon is the one I have chosen to marry, and I stand by that choice."

The king's expression faltered for a moment, a hint of frustration flickering in his eyes at Dorian's refusal to entertain his suggestion. "But surely you must see the advantages of aligning yourself with a more suitable match," he persisted, his voice tinged with persuasion.

Dorian's gaze hardened, his resolve unwavering as he met the king's gaze with steely determination. "I am well aware of the political implications," he replied evenly, his voice carrying a note of finality. "But my decision is not solely based on political alliances. Neon possesses qualities that I value, and I will not compromise on matters of the heart."

The king fell silent, his attempt to sway Dorian unsuccessful in the face of the king's unwavering commitment to Neon. With a curt nod, Dorian signaled the end of the discussion, his gaze shifting to Neon with a silent promise of his steadfast loyalty.

As the festivities for Iris's birthday continued, Neon was enjoying the celebration, unaware of the treacherous plot unfolding behind the scenes. Little did she know that Iris had nefarious intentions lurking beneath her seemingly innocent demeanor.

As the night wore on, Neon began to feel dizzy and disoriented, her senses clouded by the effects of the drug Iris had slipped into her drink. Before she could fully comprehend what was happening, she found herself being led away from the party by a stranger, her steps faltering and her mind foggy with confusion.

"Dorian," Iris approached him with a concerned expression, her voice dripping with false sincerity. "I need to speak with you about something important regarding Neon."

Dorian furrowed his brow, sensing the urgency in Iris's tone. "What is it?" he asked, his gaze narrowing with concern.

Iris glanced around cautiously before leaning in closer to Dorian, her voice low and urgent. "I'm sorry to say this, but Neon's character is not suitable to marry you," she whispered, her words carefully calculated to plant doubt in Dorian's mind.

Dorian's expression darkened with disbelief and concern as he processed Iris's words. "What do you mean?" he demanded, his voice tinged with anger and confusion. "Neon is a kind and honorable woman. Why would you say such a thing?"

Iris shook her head, her expression filled with feigned concern. "I've observed her behavior tonight, and it's clear that she lacks the grace and poise expected of a queen," she explained, her words dripping with venom. "I fear that she will bring disgrace upon our family if she were to become your queen."

Dorian's mind raced with conflicting emotions as he struggled to make sense of Iris's accusations. Though he wanted to believe in Neon's innocence, a seed of doubt had been planted in his mind by Iris's insidious words.

Meanwhile, Neon stumbled through the garden, her head spinning and her vision blurred as she struggled to maintain her composure. Unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows, she fought to stay upright, her mind reeling with confusion and fear.

Dorian's steps quickened as he made his way through the garden, his mind preoccupied with thoughts of Neon. However, his concerns turned to fury when he caught sight of a man attempting to kiss his betrothed.

Rage surged through him as he stormed over, his aura crackling with barely contained fury. He grabbed the man by the collar and forcibly pulled him away from Neon, his grip firm and unyielding. "What do you think you're doing?" he growled, his voice dripping with menace as he glared at the intruder.

Neon's dazed expression only fueled Dorian's anger, his protective instincts kicking into overdrive. His eyes flashed with a dangerous intensity as he turned his attention back to the man, his voice laced with icy fury. "Who sent you?" he demanded, his tone brooking no argument.

The man trembled under Dorian's intimidating gaze, fear etched into every line of his face. "I-I was paid to do it," he stammered, his voice quivering with apprehension. "Someone offered me money to kiss her, to create a scandal."

Dorian's jaw clenched with fury at the revelation, his fists tightening at his sides. Whoever dared to target Neon in such a despicable manner would face his wrath. With a steely resolve, he vowed to protect her from any and all threats, no matter the cost.

Turning his attention back to Neon, Dorian's expression softened with concern. He reached out to steady her, his touch gentle yet possessive as he guided her away from the scene. "Come, let's get you somewhere safe," he murmured, his voice filled with quiet determination. "I won't let anyone harm you, not while I'm here."