THE KING'S POSSESSION

Chapter 103

Chapter 103: The Wooden Ring

Later that day, the palace was abuzz with anticipation, yet the throne room remained a sanctuary of serene silence. Tristan and Lucian knelt before Empress Ilyana as the weight of the moment became heavy on their shoulders. Both men who were poised and awaiting judgment, could feel the gravity of the final trial pressing upon them.

Empress Ilyana with her regal and composed demeanor, surveyed the two suitors with a discerning eye. Her gaze moved to the rings adorning their fingers.. The wooden ring on Tristan's finger and the golden one on Lucian's were complete differences that spoke volumes.

"I see one of you has passed the final trial," Ilyana said with a subtle smile, her eyes flickering between the two rings. Her tone was calm, yet there was a hint of satisfaction in her voice as she continued to observe the suitors.

Lucian who felt confident and self-assured, allowed a small, almost imperceptible smirk to grace his lips. He saw the wooden ring on Tristan's finger and assumed his own golden ring signified his success. It seemed clear to him who had failed, and he felt secure in his anticipated victory.

When suddenly, Empress Ilyana stood gracefully, her gown flowing as she moved with purpose. "We now have a victor," she announced, her voice echoing with authority through the hall.

Lucian's anticipation grew. He was ready to be declared the winner, ready to step forward and remove his mask to claim his prize. But before he could make a move, Ilyana's words took a different turn.

With a thoughtful expression, Ilyana continued, "In life, we often find ourselves faced with choices that seem simple, yet are profoundly significant. Just as gold is admired for its luster and value, wood is cherished for its strength and endurance."

Lucian's smirk faltered slightly while his confidence wavered as he listened intently.

"Gold is often seen as the pinnacle of worth," Ilyana continued, her gaze resting on the golden ring. "It shines brightly and commands attention. But wood, while it may seem humble, has qualities that are equally valuable—resilience, adaptability, and a timeless presence."

The Empress's words hung in the air as she turned her gaze towards Tristan. "And so, it is with great deliberation that I reveal the true meaning behind these rings."

Lucian's heart raced as he felt a shift in the atmosphere. He knew the Empress was about to make her final proclamation, and the stakes were higher than ever.

Ilyana's eyes locked with Lucian's, and she said with deliberate calm, "The ring of wood represents more than just a test. It signifies a heart that has endured, one that has shown strength in the face of adversity. While gold may shine brightly, it is the qualities of wood that reveal the true worth of a person's character."

With that, she turned to Tristan and smiled gently. "You, you have shown a heart that endures, a spirit that aligns with the qualities we hold dear."

Lucian's face fell as he realized the implications of the Empress's words. The confidence that had once buoyed him now felt like a distant memory.

"The victor," Ilyana announced firmly, "is not the one with the golden ring, but the one who embodies the virtues we value. So you, have proven yourself worthy."

Lucian's world seemed to tilt as he processed the revelation. The golden ring he had worn with such pride was now a symbol of his failure. The Empress's words echoed in his mind, leaving him with the bitter realization that the final trial had been about much more than just appearances.

As Tristan remained kneeling, both relief and disbelief became evident on his face, while Lucian's shoulders slumped. The burden of his loss was palpable, and the reality of the final trial's true nature began to sink in.

Empress Ilyana's voice broke the silence once more. "Let us now proceed with the formalities and preparations for the future. Young man, you have earned your place." She spoke, referring to Tristan before she looked at Lucian. "And as for you, we thank you for your participation and commend your efforts."

Just as Ilyana was about to dismiss Lucian, he jolted up, his anger and frustration boiling over. With a sudden, decisive motion, he removed his mask, revealing his face to everyone in the room. Princess Isabel's gasp of shock echoed through the hall, and Tristan who still could not believe he had won, stood frozen in place.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Lucian demanded, his voice thick with anger and confusion. "How could I lose?!"

The imperial guards instantly marched in as they flanked Lucian, preparing to restrain him. Lucian's eyes darted around in disbelief, his face a mask of frustration and helplessness. The guards gently but firmly held him in place.

Empress Ilyana's lips curved into a gentle, almost amused smile. She gestured for someone, and with a rustle, the large curtain behind her parted. Out emerged the two women who had been with Lucian and Tristan in their chambers. Their presence was met with wide-eyed astonishment from both men.

"These are my handmaidens whom I had designated to bed you," Ilyana began, her tone calm and untroubled. "But, of course, we won't let such thing happen. Instead, we mixed a potent concoction into the wine you drank yesterday. It was intended to sedate you and make you believe you were consuming an aphrodisiac."

As the words settled in, the first handmaiden stepped forward, her demeanor composed. Without glancing at Lucian, she spoke with a stern edge. "I was the handmaiden assigned to sleep beside one of the remaining suitors," she began. "It went well at first; the man did not touch even a single strand of my hair. Until the moment he woke up this morning." She paused.

The first handmaiden's voice wavered slightly as she recounted her experience. "But when he saw me, lying beside him with only the sheets for modesty, I was already awake but feigned sleep. Then, I heard the unmistakable sound of a sword being drawn. It startled me, and I opened my eyes to find the blade's tip pointed directly at me." Her gaze flicked nervously toward Ilyana before she continued. "He threatened me, saying, 'If you value your life, you will remain silent about what happened between us last night. You will tell them I never laid a hand on you.' So, fearing for my life, I handed him the golden ring and left."There was a heavy silence in the room as the second handmaiden curtsied, awaiting Ilyana's nod to speak. When the empress gave her the signal, she began, her tone carrying both respect and warmth. "As the empress commanded, I followed the same instructions. However, this man," she paused, smiling kindly at Tristan, "he responded very differently. Upon waking, he immediately fell to his knees, bowing low, and begged for forgiveness, believing that he had wronged me. He was prepared to take full responsibility for what he thought had transpired between us, even though nothing had happened. There was no threat, no anger—only remorse and honor in his actions."She glanced at Ilyana and then back at Tristan, her voice softening with admiration. "He handled the situation with a dignity that is rare. His genuine remorse and willingness to protect my honor, even at the cost of his own, showed the purity of his heart. And so, I gave him the wooden ring, knowing it was not a symbol of failure, but of his true character."