The King's Mistress

Chapter 169: Paramount

For Agnes’ ceremony, she couldn’t care less. It was obviously less opulent compared to Cassandra’s. She was awarded the title of ’Noble Consort’. She too was given a residence of her own within the castle, along with some lands and titles in Drakin.

The crowd behind them was filled with whispers, wondering how they could have let Agnes become a part of the court. Sierra had wondered about it too. But she knew it was likely all a political play. As Agnes’ ceremony came to an end, Sierra held her breath.

She did not know what was going to happen next. No one told her anything about the preparations for the ceremony. All she was told was to turn up well dressed. Ida was standing by with the gift she was going to present.

But that was it.

"Come forward, Knightess Sierra."

The whispers behind her were difficult to ignore. They gossiped about what she was wearing, how she had done her hair, and how she was unfit to join King Alistair’s harem. What gave the knightess a right to do so?

Not to forget, her outfit of choice was most surprising. Especially to the foreign royal delegates who’ve gathered. But Sierra did not dress to impress them. On normal occasions, she dressed for herself. That day, she dressed for herself, and for Alistair.

She did her best to drown out the noise and gossip. She focused her attention on what the minister had to say.

As she walked up front, Alistair joined her. freēwēbηovel.c૦m

They held hands with tender loving care and gazed deep into each other’s eyes. At that moment, the world melted away. There were only the two of them looking at each other.

No words needed to be exchanged.

Alistair could feel Sierra’s hands trembling in his, while she could feel the comforting warmth of his skin. She did her best to maintain her smile while pushing the nervous energy to the back of her mind.

There were no vows for her to repeat. After all, the title of ’paramount’ came without any traditions attached to it.

"You both are joined under the watchful eyes of the royal court, and those who came before us. Take a knee, Knightess Sierra of Cair."

Alistair released her hands. She did as the minister instructed and got down before him on her knees. But to her surprise, Alistair did not leave her side. He stood there as the minister made the announcement.

"Knightess Sierra is no more. Rise, Paramount Sierra."

She got up on her feet, hearing the ringing applause all around her. No one chanted her title, but it did not matter. Sierra had not expected to feel Alistair’s arm wrapped around her waist.

She gasped as he kissed her on the lips.

Even the nobles in the audience gasped in surprise. Their King had not kissed his Royal Consort or his Noble Consort. He only kissed his Paramount. If that was not a clear enough message to all, they were blind.

Sierra melted into his arms.

She didn’t want that moment to end. Alistair knew it too, but everyone was watching. When he finally released her, they looked into each other’s eyes, both a little breathless.

Sierra straightened herself, the blush and heat in her cheeks were undeniable.

From the sidelines, Cassandra clenched her jaw. She didn’t care much for the romance between the King and his Paramount, but she felt disregarded, which only ticked her off.

"He’s a king, not a love-sick fool," she mumbled to herself.

On the other hand, Agnes was livid too. She gritted her teeth as she watched the affection on display.

’Have I not been disgraced enough?!’ She thought to herself as she folded her arms.

Her sharp-tipped nails were digging into her own arms as she fumed. To Agnes, she had done nothing wrong. In fact, she was the victim in this situation. How was she the villainess when it was Sierra who had everyone fooled?

Sierra’s identity being revealed as a knightess just served to show she was never a princess. In Agnes’ twisted mind, her attempt to pin the assassination on Sierra was justified.

She should not have gotten that close to the King. She should not have been part for the concubine selection process.

Even now, Agnes was still plotting. She did not like the fact Sierra got to remain in Vargos Castle. But a smirk returned to her face. There was one thing she could be happy about.

’At least she’s now in her rightful place,’ she mocked in her thoughts, ’Beneath me.’

She glanced over to Cassandra. She still did not dare to make any moves on her, knowing the princess had strong support internally and externally. However, her betrayal was noted. Agnes found herself surrounded by enemies.

All she wanted was to eliminate them all.

After the naming ceremony, it was time for the King and his Paramount to exchange their gifts for one another. Eager to show Sierra what he had prepared for her, he called for it to be brought forward immediately.

The nobles and ministers of his court were displeased, whispering amongst themselves. Their king was so eager to please his paramount, he had forgotten the rules of their court. For such a ceremony, the King should be the last to offer his gift.

Sierra could hear the whispers well. She leaned forward and whispered to Alistair.

"Shouldn’t I present mine to you first?" The blush she had from earlier was still on her cheeks.

"Oh right," Alistair realized what he had done, but it did not matter. He was the King, he called the shots.

He could care less about what others had to say about it.

Sierra got her own estate to live in, Vinedra Estate. Though it was comparatively smaller than the other two estates given to the princesses, it was surrounded by a large field that was part of the property.

Not to forget, a small vineyard and garden.

She did not get any additional lands or titles, but she did not mind. After all, she had no need for any of them. Just as she was about to bring forward her gift, Alistair had one more thing for her.