The King's Mistress

Chapter 152: New Role

Sierra turned to follow Alistair. He led them out of the throne room, and into a private room at the side. Ida was following them closely behind as they did.

"Ida, wait outside," Alistair said as he closed the doors on her.

Ida did not have time to react. When she realized what had happened, the doors were already closed on her.

Alistair turned around to face Sierra. There were only the two of them in that room. No one else. Before Sierra could even get a word out of her lips, she found Alistair’s lips on hers.

She closed her eyes as they quickly deepened their kiss. She did not resist his advances as they wrapped their hands around each other’s bodies, bringing themselves closer to one another.

"Don’t you ever scare me like that again, sweetling," Alistair warned when they finally parted lips, a little breathless.

He traced his thumb on her upper lip. Sierra was catching her breath.

She smirked, "I could say the same for you, my darling."

Both of them chuckled along with the other, still in each other’s embrace. They knew how close they had come to being separated forever. But fate seemingly pulled them right back into each other’s arms.

Sierra leaned her head on his chest, listening to his rhythmic heartbeat. She did not want to let him go, but she knew there was still much to be done before things became official.

"I’m sorry," Alistair apologized as he lowered his face into her hair, taking in her scent.

"What are you apologizing for?"

"Making you my paramount was the only way I could think of to keep you by my side. It was my last resort..." he confessed.

Alistair had intentionally kept it a secret from everyone. He had planned for the worst-case scenario long before everything that transpired today. He also did not realize that he would have put Sierra on the spot because of that.

Sierra looked up at him. She cupped his face with her hand, gently caressing his cheek.

"You have nothing to apologize for. I should be the one apologizing, for putting you on the spot. If I chose to leave, things-"

"It would not have been easier," Alistair finished her words for her while giving his own response.

Now, their only way was forward.

Both of them shared a smile, understanding what they had done for the other. Though it seemed like the worst was behind them, there was no telling what the future had in stored for them.

Alistair cupped Sierra’s face with both of his hands, bringing her close so that their foreheads would touch.

"Whatever happens next, let’s face it together," he suggested.

"That’s good with me," she whispered back in response.

A knock on the door got both of their attention immediately. But Alistair did not pull away from Sierra despite that.

"Who is it?" Alistair called out.

"Your Majesty, your presence is needed urgently," the messenger’s muffled voice could be heard through the door.

Alistair clenched his jaw. All he wanted was to spend time with Sierra. But even that he could not have.

"Duty calls, my King," Sierra smiled sweetly as she readjusted his collar.

"As per tradition, we won’t be able to see one another until the day of the official title ceremony," Alistair sighed as he clenched his jaw as he placed his hands on her shoulders.

Just as Sierra was about to speak, another series of urgent knocks indicated they had run out of time. Alistair’s expression turned dark, mumbling curses at the messenger who wanted his attention.

Sierra took the opportunity and planted a quick kiss on his cheek, hoping it would help dissipate some of his anger. The instant change in his expression indicated her success.

~

There was a lot to be done in preparation for the official title ceremony. Due to how important the event was going to be, royals from near and far were invited to attend. As such, the princesses who were originally part of the ten who participated in the concubine choosing remained in Celestial Lodge.

Sierra got to spend quality time with Myra and Taita, catching up on all that had happened in her absence while she had been locked in the dungeon and awaiting trial. It almost felt like it was all a lifetime away.

Also true to Alistair’s words, Sierra had not seen or heard from him since they parted ways days before.

"How are your preparations coming along, Sierra?" Myra asked, eager for details.

Sierra shook her head as she looked down at the cup of tea in her hands, "I... don’t know."

Ida, who was standing next to her, bit her lip. When she met Princess Myra’s eyes that were searching for answers, Ida confirmed her words.

"No instruction had been given, unlike..."

She did not have to finish her sentence for them to get the idea of it. Alistair had bestowed the title of ’Paramount’ to Sierra, a title that did not exist before. As such, there were no traditions attached to it.

"I can’t care less for these traditions. But I don’t want to look lost on the day itself either," Sierra sighed as she sank back in her seat.

"Why not just do what Agnes or Cassandra are doing? That way, at least, you’ll be prepared!" Myra suggested.

"Yeah!" Taita added her support.

"I guess you’re right," Sierra turned to Ida, "Do you know what they’ve been preparing?"

Ida nodded as she began to relay the information she had gathered from the others. Apart from all the dreaded ceremonial tasks they would have to do on the day itself, there were a few things they had been tasked to prepare in advance. freёwebnovel.com

First, was a gift that the concubine would have to present to the King. In exchange, the King would give one in return.

There were no specifications on what the gift had to be, but there were records from past ceremonies that served as a guide. Ida listed a few.

Sierra bit her lip, most of the gifts mentioned did not feel personal at all. She already had something in mind.

"What have you chosen, Sierra?" Taita asked, curious to find out.

"It’s a secret," she replied as she placed her finger on her lips.