Chapter 1119: Sitting on the Frozen Throne: Part-2

Due to the overwhelming number of people pouring into the Arena—shouting Kaelen’s name as if he had just rewritten history—the decision was made quickly.

For the safety of everyone and to prevent what could turn into a dangerous uprising or chaos, the officials immediately moved the selection process to the Palace.

Inside the majestic halls of the royal palace,

At the centre of the room stood the Frozen Throne—the symbolic seat of Aeronis Zephyra’s ruler. The one Aether himself had sealed in ice long ago, waiting for the one worthy enough to sit upon it.

Around a grand round table sat Aether, his wives, and his mother-in-laws. Each of them wore a look of deep contemplation.

Already, rumours were spreading. The crowds were growing restless, trying to find where the rulers had disappeared to.

They wouldn’t be able to hide for long.

"I think you should just go with Kaelen," Helena said bluntly, her voice cutting through the tension like a blade. She leaned forward on the table, fingers tapping rhythmically. "It’s clear where the people stand."

Aqualina, however, leaned back in her seat with a frown. "No," she replied sharply. "They’re emotionally swayed. Right now, they’re confused—caught in the heat of the moment. But Aria is the logical choice. She passed every test flawlessly. She’s the one prepared. She’s the perfect ruler."

Selene sat quietly in her chair, nodding softly at Aqualina’s words.

In her heart, she too believed Aria would be the best option—especially for Aether’s future. With Aria busy ruling the Empire, Selene could stay close to Aether without interference. But she kept her thoughts to herself, smiling sweetly and sitting like the obedient, well-behaved wife she was supposed to be.

Raven exhaled, twirling a glass in her fingers. "Why not just let them rule together?" she asked, as if it were the simplest solution in the world. "Two rulers, balanced power. Done. Everyone wins."

Thalia’s eyes lit up at the idea. "Yes! Just like us, right?" she said, smiling brightly.

Emberlyn rolled her eyes and groaned. "Stop spouting nonsense, Thalia. You’re not Empress. Raven is." Her tone was cold, factual—delivered like a slap. "You’re only learning how things work right now, just in case Raven isn’t there. Don’t act like you’ve been ruling anything."

Thalia’s face fell slightly, shrinking under her mother’s brutal honesty.

Maelona and Liora remained silent through the exchange, their gazes fixed on Aether, waiting for him to speak.

Finally, Aether looked across the table—not at his wives—but at one specific person.

"Professor Delphine," he said calmly. "What’s your perspective?"

Delphine, sitting with her arms crossed, didn’t immediately respond. She hummed thoughtfully, tilting her head in Maelona’s direction. Her sharp eyes sparkled with meaning.

"Aria is the one the Throne chose," she said plainly. "But Kaelen... Kaelen is the one the people need."

Aether’s eyes lit up, nodding with visible satisfaction. "Exactly! You said it perfectly. That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking."

Delphine’s lips twitched ever so slightly. She flicked her aqua hair to the side and turned her head, feigning indifference—but behind the calm facade was a smug flicker she couldn’t quite hide.

Aether turned back toward Maelona now, his tone turning softer but firm. "I understand you’re trying to protect the traditions—the weight of centuries of structure, the sacred practices we’ve held onto for generations. And yes, breaking those could be dangerous..."

He paused, letting his words settle.

"But the world is changing, Maelona. Whether we like it or not, it’s evolving. You can’t lead an Empire forward by clinging to the past. If anyone understands that... it’s you."

Maelona clenched her jaw, biting her lower lip as her thoughts swirled.

She knew he was right. But still...

Aether leaned back and smiled gently. "Look... no one’s forcing your hand. These are just our opinions. What matters most now... is what

you

and

they

want."

His eyes met hers with sincerity.

"You both need to decide. Quickly. Because we don’t have much time before the people barge into the palace."

Maelona looked down at her hands.

She had never felt so torn in her life.

Meanwhile, outside the palace gates, in the vast marble courtyard, Aria and Kaelen stood side by side beneath the open sky.

They had been waiting for over an hour. No word. No decision.

Just silence.

The sky above them was fading into a soft orange hue. The sun had begun its slow descent behind the mountains, casting long shadows across the ground.

Aria let out a tired sigh.

"Honestly... I feel utterly defeated," she muttered under her breath. "Why is Mother even thinking about this so much? What’s left to decide? Just end it already..."

Kaelen glanced at her, confused. "What do you mean? You

won

, Aria. You passed every single trial. You did everything right. If anyone’s defeated here, it’s me," he said with a soft, almost broken chuckle. "I lost fair and square."

Aria shook her head slowly, her lips curling into a strange smile.

But only she knew how she had truly been defeated—not in scores or strength, but in something far deeper... by a single selfless act that had shaken the Empire.

Just then, a familiar voice called out.

"Aria!"

She flinched, blinking rapidly, then turned toward the source of the sound.

"Father?" she breathed out in surprise.

Kaelith Zephyr, her father, strode toward her, his silver hair flowing in the wind like a storm.

Aria ran forward with a bright smile, her exhaustion momentarily forgotten. "You came?"

"Of course I did," he said warmly, embracing her shoulders. "I would never miss a moment like this. My daughter... doing her best, standing tall in front of the entire Empire."

He looked at her with so much pride that it made her heart tighten.

Then, his eyes shifted to Kaelen.

"And you," he said, stepping forward. "I remember you. You used to hide behind your mother every time I visited. I barely even heard your voice back then..."

Kaelen rubbed the back of his neck, visibly awkward under the man’s gaze.

Kaelith’s expression softened as he studied the young man. "But now? You’ve grown into something remarkable, Kaelen Darkfang."

Kaelen gave a hesitant smile.

He didn’t know how to respond.

Kaelith looked at Aria, his tone warm. "Where’s your mother?"

"She’s in the throne room," Aria replied, pointing toward the massive, ornate door that stood tall at the centre of the palace. "She’s speaking with the others."

Kaelith followed her gesture and nodded slowly. His eyes lingered on the throne room doors for a moment longer than necessary. That place... once upon a time, it had been his too, before he passed the responsibility to Alaric. A hundred memories flashed through his mind like ghosts in a corridor, but he shook them off.

"Well then," he said with a calm smile, "I’ll go see her."

Aria didn’t respond right away, instead tilting her head slightly as she closed her eyes—sending a telepathic message to her mother. After a brief pause, she opened them and nodded. "Yes, Father..."

Kaelith smiled softly, then turned back around, pausing just before he stepped forward. "Come with me, darling," he called out warmly, his tone laced with affection. "I want to introduce you to the others."

Aria blinked in confusion and turned her head, only to find herself face to face with... a stunning woman.

Her breath caught.

Meanwhile, inside the throne room...

"I have decided," Maelona finally said, her voice carrying weight, her posture upright and steady. The entire room quieted as she looked at each face around the round table. After everything—the tests, the protests, the traditions—she had reached her conclusion.

Without words, she glanced at Liora.

Liora received the message through their silent link, then exhaled gently, lowering her eyes slightly. "If that’s what you’ve chosen... then go on," she said softly. Her tone was calm, but it carried a note of sadness hidden beneath. "I won’t object."

Before another word could be spoken—

Thud.

The heavy doors creaked open.

Aether turned, eyebrows lifting as he spotted the figure entering. "Oh? My dear father-in-law," he said with faint amusement. "Didn’t expect you here today."

Kaelith stepped inside with easy confidence. "You’re here too, Son-in-law. Good," he said casually. Then he turned to Maelona, his expression gentler. "How are you, Maelona?"

Maelona gave a light smile. "I’m fine. I hope you’ve been well too."

Kaelith’s eyes lingered on her for a second. He noticed it—the subtle shift in her tone. It was formal now. Distant. Detached.

As if she’d finally... let him go.

Still, his smile didn’t fade. "That’s good. I’m glad. It means you’ve finally started living for yourself."

Maelona didn’t respond. She simply offered him a small smile, though her eyes briefly flicked toward Aether—just for a moment.

"If you’ve come for Aria’s coronation," Maelona said, straightening her back, "then I’m afraid you’ll have to wait. We’re preparing to broadcast the announcement. If we don’t do it soon, the people will break down the gates."

Kaelith chuckled lightly. "I didn’t come just for that," he said, then turned toward the door.

He raised his voice gently. "Come in, dear."

The large doors opened once more.

And a breathtaking figure stepped into the chamber.

The entire room paused.

Even the air seemed to hold its breath.

The woman stood with an elegant poise, draped in robes that shimmered with soft blues and silvers. Her skin was flawless, glowing like moonlight. Her long, snow-white hair cascaded all the way to her knees. Delicate features. A small, pouty mouth. Eyes that looked down bashfully. Elven ears peeked through the silken strands of her hair, twitching faintly with shyness. She was beautiful—so much so that even women found themself blinking a few times in quiet awe.

Aether’s eyes narrowed slightly. His head tilted. He studied her carefully.

He glanced at Maelona and looked at the new woman... honestly, even if he didn’t want to say this... but that woman was indeed beautiful in everyone’s standards.

’She’s beautiful,’ Aether admitted inwardly, ’like, painfully beautiful... no wonder Kaelith made such a choice.... but thanks to that... I have Maelona!

I have Maelona rather than any beauty,’ He thought with a serious face, but still as a man he could agree at her looks, ’I mean, look at that hair, that skin, that adorable shy face—those soft little ears twitching red and those Flat---’

Wait a minute—

Maelona’s voice suddenly echoed inside his head, her tone dry and mocking.

/That’s a man./

Aether’s brain froze.

He slowly turned his eyes toward Maelona.

She was already staring at him.

Grinning.

Annoyed.

Knowing.

His pupils shrank.

"...Wait... what..." Aether mouthed silently.

And then his expression morphed. Slowly.

From curiosity—

To confusion—

To pure, unspeakable horror.

’

FUCK!!! TRAP!!!

’