A Reluctant Submission

❤️ A Reluctant Submission ❤️

Principal Archmiagus continued pacing the floor of his office, his heart pounding with anxiety. He had no idea how long he had been following Emperor Tharros’s orders, but he dared not stop. The Emperor’s sharp command still rang in his ears.

He glanced at his chair once again, relieved to find Tharros no longer occupying it. A sigh of relief escaped his lips as he finally stopped and slumped into the seat. His legs ached, and his mind raced. He couldn’t help but wonder how many times he’d need to pace in the future for Emperor Tharros.

★★★

By the end of the school day, Dika and Nyxoria exchanged their goodbyes before parting ways. Nyxoria made her way to the Arcane gate, where her horse, Penelope, was already waiting.

Penelope neighed softly as Nyxoria approached, her elegant frame shining under the late afternoon sun. Stroking the mare’s mane, Nyxoria mounted her and began the journey back home. The day had drained her, and by the time she reached her chambers, she was ready for nothing but sleep.

★★★

A gentle knock on the door woke Nyxoria from her slumber. A female servant entered the dimly lit chamber, quietly tending to the room. She lit the oil lamps and candles, filling the space with a warm glow, then opened the window slightly to let in the cool evening breeze.

The servant approached Nyxoria’s bed and tapped her gently on the shoulder. The light touch stirred Nyxoria, and she blinked groggily, her eyes adjusting to the light.

"Dinner is served, and the King and Princess Nasa are waiting for you," the servant said softly.

Nyxoria groaned, reluctant to leave the comfort of her bed. The servant remained patient, repeating the message until Nyxoria’s eyes were fully open and focused on her.

"Tell him I’ll join him soon," Nyxoria said, her voice laced with sleep.

The servant nodded and left the room, closing the door quietly behind her. Once alone, Nyxoria hurried to the adjoining bathroom. She quickly freshened up, letting the warm water wash away the day’s exhaustion. After changing into a fresh gown, she made her way to the palace dining room.

As she walked through the grand halls, her thoughts wandered. Her uncle, King Vyr, had raised his daughter single handedly. Nasa’s mother had died during childbirth, and King Vyr had taken on the responsibility of raising her.

The palace dining room door came into view. She could already hear the faint chatter of her uncle and Nasa inside, and with a deep breath, she pushed open the doors and stepped in.

"You’re here, my sweet pie," King Vyr greeted warmly, a gentle smile softening his features.

Nyxoria nodded, offering a small smile in return as she took a seat at the table. She reached for a piece of meat from her plate, chewing it slowly, savoring the quiet moment.

"So," Vyr began, his tone light but laced with curiosity, "Nasa was just telling me about what you did at the Arcane today."

Nyxoria snorted softly, her lips twitching with mild amusement, but she kept her focus on her food, not bothering to respond.

"And," Vyr continued, his gaze sharpening slightly, "she mentioned that you refused to kneel when the Emperor asked you to."

At this, Nyxoria finally glanced up, her expression indifferent. "I don’t kneel for anyone, Uncle. You should know that by now."

King Vyr sighed, his eyes reflecting both affection and frustration. "I know you well, Nyxoria, but sometimes you shouldn’t feel the need to prove how stubborn you can be. There’s a time and place for defiance, but when it involves the Emperor, that’s a line you shouldn’t cross. Do you understand me, my sweet pie?"

Nyxoria nodded reluctantly. "Yes, Uncle, I understand."

"Good," Vyr said, his tone firm now. "Because tomorrow morning, you’ll go to the Emperor’s castle to seek his forgiveness. And you will kneel before him."

Nyxoria froze mid-chew, her fork poised halfway to her lips. Slowly, she set it down and turned to look at her uncle. Across the table, Nasa smirked smugly, clearly relishing the situation.

"Why should I go to his castle," Nyxoria said, her tone sharp, "when I can simply wait for him to return to the Arcane? I’m sure he will come again."

"Nyxoria," Vyr said, his voice low and serious now, "what you did today might start a war. And no one—no one—wants to go to war against the Emperor of Shadows. Believe me, child, no one would survive it."

Nyxoria’s jaw tightened, her gaze flicking between her uncle and the smirking Nasa. The room seemed to grow heavier with tension, her defiance clashing against her uncle’s authority.

"I don’t fear him," she finally said, her voice steady but quieter now.

Vyr leaned forward, his gaze intense. "You should."

For a moment, silence stretched between them, the weight of his words settling in the air.

Nyxoria’s jaw tightened, her gaze flicking between her uncle and the smirking Nasa. The weight of King Vyr’s words hung in the air, heavy and unyielding.

As much as her pride screamed at her to rebel, Nyxoria knew deep down she couldn’t risk it. The last thing she wanted was to spark a war between her uncle and that dark, commanding figure—the Emperor of Shadows. The thought of Vyr, the man who had raised and supported her, clashing with someone so dangerous, sent an unwelcome pang of guilt through her chest. It wouldn't kill her if she just agreed to his one quest.

With a reluctant sigh, she pushed her plate aside and looked back at her uncle. "Fine," she said, her voice subdued but still carrying an edge of defiance. "I’ll do as you’ve asked. I’ll go to the Emperor’s castle and… apologize."

Nasa’s smirk widened, clearly enjoying her cousin’s momentary defeat, but Nyxoria ignored her.

"And," King Vyr added gently but firmly, "you will kneel before him."

Nyxoria stiffened, her pride flaring one last time, but she nodded slowly. "Yes, Uncle. I’ll kneel."

Her words felt like swallowing fire, but she knew it was the right thing to do. She wasn’t doing it out of fear or submission to the Emperor—no, this was for her uncle. For the peace of their kingdom.

But in her mind, she made a silent vow: if the handsome demon thought for a second that her kneeling meant she was weak, he would soon learn just how wrong he was.