A Kingdom's Vow

CHAPTRE 4 -KAI

I close my eyes, feeling the burn of the liquid as it seeps into my wound. My brother’s eyes mirror his concern. He exhales deeply, running a hand through his hair.

“Mia, hurry. We mustn’t be late, or Father will have our heads.”
“I’m doing my best, Raph. Be patient,” she snaps.

A shiver runs down my spine. Once this dinner is over, I’ll deal with that hoe . I don’t care if she’s some Lord’s daughter—even though I respect Lord Downfork. He’s an honorable man, after all. But his daughter? I’ll make her life miserable before ending it.

Mia finishes cleaning the wound on my nose. It’s not broken, just bruised, but it still hurts. We leave for the dinner. The hall is lively, filled with laughter and soft music. My brother, his wife, and I take our places at the long table. Father sits in his throne at the head, exuding authority. We bow and sit next to him. He glances at me, his sharp eyes catching the redness on my nose. With a gesture, he beckons me closer.

“What happened to your face, son?”
“I fell,” I lie, forcing a smile. There’s no way I’m admitting that a girl hit me—not his beloved Lord Downfork’s daughter.

He gives me a skeptical look but lets it slide. The king rises, tapping his staff three times. The room hushes as men and women separate into their respective sides, following the ancient traditions of Ainsi. The men form a sea of black suits, save for a few in deep blue or brown, like Lord Downfork. I make a mental note to wear blue to her funeral.

The women’s side is a stark contrast—vivid gowns of every color, with intricate designs and extravagant hairstyles. The hum of chatter dissipates, leaving an expectant silence as Father begins to speak.

“Welcome, my esteemed guests! Tonight, let us set aside our cares and indulge in the finest pleasures this court has to offer. Dance, feast, and make merry, for you honor this hall with your presence. May this evening be one of joy and celebration for all!"

Applause and cheers erupt, but he silences them with a raised hand.
“I have an important announcement, one that concerns not only myself and my family but also this kingdom and all its people.”

An announcement? My brother and I exchange glances, equally confused.

“Lord Downfork, may I call upon you?”

My stomach churns as Lord Downfork steps forward, beaming with pride as he bows to the king.

“It is my honor, Your Majesty.”

Father turns to the women’s side.
“Elayla, daughter, may you join us?”

My pulse quickens as she steps forward. Elayla. The very girl I planned to ruin. She looks as confused as the rest of us, her expression mirroring my own. Our eyes meet briefly, and she rolls hers in disdain before looking away.

“Elayla,” my father says, “it is my honor to announce that you, Elayla Downfork, daughter of Lord Downfork, shall take my son, Kai Salvic, as your husband. Let this union bring prosperity to our families and the kingdom.”

The words strike me like a blow, leaving me frozen. Around me, applause rises, but all I can do is stare in disbelief. She’s equally stunned, her wide eyes filled with shock and indignation.

“We’ve planned this for quite some time,” Father continues. “Kai, come forward.”

I step forward hesitantly, my mind reeling. Anger and frustration bubble beneath my skin, but I can’t object—not in front of everyone.

“You, Kai Salvic, shall take Elayla Downfork as your bride,” Father declares.

Before I can respond, Elayla’s voice rings out, firm and defiant.
“With all due respect, Your Majesty, I do not accept this marriage.”

Gasps ripple through the room. Her father looks mortified, his face red with embarrassment and fear.

Father chuckles, assuming she’s joking. “And why not? Do you not find my son handsome? He’s quite a catch, I assure you.”

Laughter follows, but her stern expression doesn’t waver. She steps closer.

“It’s not the groom that’s the problem, Your Majesty. It’s the marriage itself.”

The room falls silent. Father’s smile fades, replaced by a sharp glare.
“Are you refusing my decree? This is not up for discussion.”

Her eyes burn with defiance. “With all due respect, being a royal does not give you the right to control our lives. We are capable of making our own decisions.”

The tension in the room is palpable. Lord Downfork tries to intervene, but she shrugs him off.

“I’m certain your son feels the same, but he’s too afraid to say it,” she adds.

All eyes turn to me. My mouth opens, but no words come out. She smirks, shaking her head.

“He can't even say his opinion and you think he is ready for a marriage ?
A man who is afraid to express himself for fear of judgment or disagreement cannot truly be called a man."  she says.

Her words sting, igniting a fire within me. I finally muster the courage to respond.
“I remained silent out of respect for my father—something you clearly lack.”

She arches a brow, unimpressed.
“Respect shouldn’t come at the cost of your dignity. You let yourself be silenced under the guise of obedience. I won’t.”

Father’s face hardens. “Enough! This is my decision, and it is final. Lord Downfork?”

“Yes, Your Majesty! It’s an honor. Elayla is simply overwhelmed,” Lord Downfork stammers.

As Elayla storms out, I can’t shake the image of her fiery gaze. The celebration continues, but my mind is elsewhere.

---

Later that night, I lie awake, my thoughts racing. Marriage. To her. A stubborn, bitch -a pain in the ass- who just humiliated the king. I should hate her, but instead, her words keep replaying in my mind.

"A man who is afraid to express himself for fear of judgment or disagreement cannot truly be called a man."

Was i offended because she insulted me ? Or because she was right? I had no idea . But she was indeed bold . But that would only lead her to her gave . Maybe it led her to me . I will marry her and make sure to burn her in her own fire . Having one woman was never my thing , i had none . I had girls who i would flirt and play around with . Toy and fuck with . But never a woman . And i won't.