The King's Mistress

Chapter 151: A Choice

Alistair furrowed his eyebrows. He turned to Lord Wimbly. He was surrounded by a cold chilling aura. Lord Wimbly gulped as he hunched his shoulders and took a step back. Even the other ministers retreated a little.

"What treason? Sierra is not of our Kingdom, what treason do you speak of?" Alistair questioned.

Lord Wimbly hung his head low, unable to find a suitable counterargument.

"I’m sure Knightess Sierra has a reason for doing so. I think it’s only fair for her to share it with us, seeing as she deceived us for this long?" Alistair said carefully as he turned back to look at Sierra.

"Yes... yes. As a knightess of Cair, I was tasked by King Frederick to do so. Princess Felicity was betrothed to another and King Frederick feared retaliation should there be no representative from Cair. As such, I was sent on this mission."

In a lower voice, Sierra continued, "I didn’t expect to make it this far."

"I did not receive any further instruction on how to proceed, as such, I made my own decision to reveal the truth here and now. Once again, I hope Your Majesty would be able to forgive me for the lies I have spewed," Sierra was about to kneel again, to show her sincerity, but Alistair stopped her from doing so.

"I accept your apology, Knightess Sierra," he declared as he held her arm.

Alistair turned to address everyone as he spoke, "Your honesty is what I had hoped for and you delivered. I’m impressed, Knightess Sierra."

"But Your Majesty," Princess Cassandra spoke up from the crowd. Everyone parted way for her to come to the front, "Since Sierra is not a princess, is she not to be disqualified from the concubine choosing ceremony?"

She was clearly implying that Sierra could not be made a concubine in light of this situation, knowing full well Sierra’s name was likely to be on the list. Sierra stilled her nerves as she turned back to Alistair.

She remembered the time he asked if she would be willing to be his mistress.

Though she knew better than to openly admit it in front of everyone, deep down in her heart, she was ready. She had come this far, she was willing to do anything just to remain by his side. Even if she was to lay down her sword and pledge her loyalty to him, she would.

"You are right, Princess Cassandra."

"I... I am?"

"Indeed you are. The concubine choosing was only meant to be attended by princesses... which I found to be a little stale. That is precisely why I thought having Sierra participate would make things interesting," Alistair replied with a grin.

He scanned the room before looking back at Sierra, then at Cassandra, "From the looks of it, I was right."

"Despite the minor hiccup we’ve encountered, we still have the announcement to make. So as not to hold everyone in suspense any longer, I will pick up from where I last left off. Those who are chosen for the concubine choosing are...

"Princess Cassandra of Sumera."

The throne room erupted with applause. Some of the princesses already began to congratulate her. It was as if things went back to normal. Sierra stood there. A soft smile formed on her face as she gave Cassandra a nod, though she did not reciprocate.

"Princess Agnes of Haylon." freeweɓnøvel.com

There were still a few who clapped, while others gossiped amongst themselves. Princess Agnes did not attend the ceremony and despite what happened, she was still chosen.

"These are the two princesses who’ve been selected." Alistair declared, "But I’m not done."

His last statement got everyone’s attention. The chatter and gossip simmered down.

"Sierra, you’ve amazed us all. Outperforming most of the princesses who partook in the series of tests. I think it’s not a secret that I’ve been... smitten."

That moment belonged only to the two of them.

Sierra’s heart was pounding in her ears. It took all of her energy to concentrate solely on what Alistair had to say next. Everyone was curious to know too.

What did the King of Drakin have on his mind?

"I’ve decided to give you a choice."

"A choice?" Sierra asked, confused as to what he was trying to say.

"Would you like to stay in Drakin and be my paramount?"

Sierra’s eyes widened in surprise. Paramount, of greater importance above all else.

"Your Majesty... you can’t take her into your harem! She’s not of royal blood and we’re not even certain if she’s of noble blood either. This... this..."

"Lord Wimbly, I suggest you hold your tongue," Alistair snapped back at him as he glared at him, "I am your King. I am the King of Drakin. I make the rules of the Kingdom, not you."

"Your Majesty, I implore you. We implore you to reconsider your decision! This goes against all of our traditions..."

"There are no rules in Drakin that in order for one to enter the King’s harem, one has to be of noble or royal birth," Queen Roxine spoke from her throne.

"Wasn’t King Velkron of five centuries ago originally a farmer by birth? His wife, who eventually became Queen at his side, was not of noble or royal birth either," She continued, pointing out the facts.

"What Queen Roxine said is true," Alistair turned his attention back to Sierra as he spoke the next part, "Should Sierra agree, she will be awarded the title of Paramount and she will have the right to join my harem. So, Knightess Sierra, what do you say?"

All eyes were on her.

"Yes, I agree. I agree to the arrangement," Sierra responded without skipping a beat.

It was only after she had given her reply, did she realize what had just happened. freёwebnoѵel.com

Sierra stood there, stunned. With the announcements completed, everyone filed out of the throne room in an orderly fashion. Before they left, King Alistair made a final announcement. The official concubine title ceremony would take place in two weeks’ time.

There were lots to prepare leading up to it, hence the long waiting time.

Myra, Taita, and Ida came over to congratulate Sierra.

When she came to her senses, Sierra apologized to Myra and Taita profusely.

"I hope you can both forgive me. I couldn’t tell either of you the truth, I..."

"Sierra, Sierra, there’s nothing to apologize for. You must have your reasons and you owe us nothing. No explanation," Taita explained.

Myra supported her, "Taita is right. Furthermore, you’ve fooled us all! You’re more of a princess than some of us are. To be honest, it does explain a lot about you."

Before they could continue speaking, Myra noticed King Alistair coming towards them.

"Sierra, may I have a word with you in private?" Alistair asked.

Sierra jolted where she stood. She did not expect to see Alistair so close and so soon.

"Y... yes of course, Your Majesty," she quickly replied, although she could not bear to separate from her friends.

There was so much she wanted to tell them, things she had not been able to do.

"Don’t worry, Sierra. We can speak later," Myra cheered her up, knowing what was on her mind.