Dragon King's Harem Chapter 439. I Woke Up and Chose Blood

Dragon King's Harem Chapter 439. I Woke Up and Chose Blood

Jyne, sitting across from me, laughed softly. "The mighty Dragon King can face entire armies but complains about a little snow?"

I rolled my eyes. "Laugh all you want. Dragons prefer heat—fire, volcanoes, lava lakes. Not endless ice and snow."

Maria tilted her head, a faint, playful smile appearing on her lips. "Then I appreciate your sacrifice even more," she said quietly, her eyes softening again.

Curtis shifted uncomfortably, clearly unhappy with the banter. "We will arrive at the palace shortly," he interrupted, his tone clipped, cool.

The carriage began to move smoothly forward with the muted crunching of snow under the wheels. Through the frosted windows, I caught glimpses of the city’s citizens lining the roads, heads bowed respectfully as we passed. Yet even through their gestures, curious gazes peeked through their parted fingers, stealing glimpses at me and my entourage.

"You’re quite the attraction," Al remarked with amusement, glancing out the window. "Looks like they're as curious about you as they are afraid."

"Good," I replied simply. "Curiosity is the first step toward respect."

"Or fear," Al added with a teasing grin. "And let’s be honest—fear has its benefits."

Sela shook her head slightly. "Not always. Respect without fear is far stronger."

Curtis raised an eyebrow, momentarily drawn out of his brooding. "Interesting philosophy. But sometimes a ruler must wield both."

Maria glanced briefly at Curtis, her voice calm but pointed. "Respect built on fear is brittle. It breaks too easily."

Curtis frowned but didn’t argue, sinking back into thoughtful silence.

The carriage turned a corner, giving me a clearer view of the capital itself. The city was impressive, with architecture that merged seamlessly with the surrounding ice and snow. Buildings glittered softly, reflecting pale sunlight, while intricate ice sculptures lined streets and walkways. Even the air here carried a faint, crisp aroma, clean yet sharp, carrying hints of distant pine forests and endless frost.

Still, as beautiful as it was, I couldn't wait to leave. Cold was one thing; politics was another. And right now, this place was dripping with both.

Maria leaned forward slightly, her voice dropping to a whisper, "I appreciate everything you've done, Argod. Truly."

Curtis immediately stiffened, his eyes sharpening at her use of my first name.

Maria seemed unconcerned, keeping her attention solely on me.

"You don't need to thank me," I replied quietly, meeting her gaze seriously. "It’s your wedding day, and I came. That’s what alliances are for, aren't they?"

She held my stare for a moment longer before nodding slowly. "Indeed. Still, it means a great deal."

Curtis cleared his throat sharply. "We’re here."

The carriage came to a gentle halt before the grand palace entrance, its crystal gates shimmering.

Maria stepped out first, graceful and dignified. As soon as her feet touched the icy steps, the crowd knelt respectfully, murmuring quiet greetings.

Curtis followed closely, maintaining a composed yet cautious stance, though his gaze kept flicking uncertainly toward the drake.

Al nudged me again, whispering teasingly. "Time to put on another good show, Your Majesty."

I sighed softly but stood with dignity, stepping confidently from the carriage. My gaze swept slowly over the gathered elves, and I noticed that many eyes were filled not only with curiosity but cautious hope.

I offered a small smile, inwardly satisfied. Politics or not, discomfort or not, it felt good to finally start tipping the balance in Maria’s favor. I stepped forward with measured confidence and the bowing deepened.

It wasn’t just the usual courtesy reserved for a visiting monarch. This was different. The air was heavier, more tense. The way their eyes refused to meet mine for too long, the way their backs curved lower than protocol required.

Respect? Maybe.

But fear? Definitely.

And then I heard it.

Soft whispers trailing from the corners of the entrance hall, tucked behind marble columns and icy statues. Their voices were quiet—barely audible to anyone else—but to my enhanced senses, they were clear.

“He’s the one who killed the Minotaur King…”

“And the Orc King too… They say he didn’t even flinch.”

“Right after his hibernation. It’s like he woke up and chose blood.”

“I heard he burned the orc capital down… alone.”

That last one wasn’t even true. Not fully. But rumors had power, especially when they carried a grain of truth and enough fear to feed the rest.

I didn’t mind.

Better they tremble when I pass than think they can manipulate me.

They let me in without another word, and my entourage followed. Jyne walked beside me. Sela trailed a little further back, her demeanor quiet, but I knew she was scanning every hallway and every energy signature we passed.

The palace was beautiful, sure—icy spires, glowing mana lines etched into the walls, and a floor so polished it practically reflected my soul. But beneath all the beauty, there was tension. Snow Elf nobles lined the upper balconies, watching us pass. Some nodded, others simply stared.

Curtis stayed a step ahead of us, guiding us like a polite jailer.

Maria had already gone ahead, likely preparing for the next part of the charade—whatever scripted ceremony they’d forced her to agree to.

But my eyes weren’t on her now. They were on the next piece of this game.

Maria’s son.

The prince.

That child was still too young to understand all this, too small to defend himself in a world full of claws and politics. According to Maria, Curtis had used the boy as leverage, threatening his safety to force the marriage proposal through.

That’s where Sela came in.

I slowed my pace slightly and let her catch up beside me. “We’re not sure how tight the security is,” I said under my breath. “But if there’s a way to reach him before the ceremony, it’ll be your window.”

Sela nodded once. “What’s his room like? Does he have any magical wards on him?”

“Maria said his chamber was heavily guarded. Standard snow elf protections, maybe a few low-tier binding spells if Curtis got paranoid. Nothing you can’t handle.”

Sela smiled faintly. “Nothing Sela can’t dissolve with Sela’s eyes closed.”

“Good. Just don’t get caught.”