The council of Crystalforge clan elders promptly rose and respectfully chimed in unison, "Yes, your majesties!"

.....

"Mr. Orion, I don't think we should be doing this," Elysia hesitated, her back against the bed. An uncomfortable sensation spread throughout her body, and her heart raced, making her feel weak.

Only a few days ago, she had intended to take advantage of the man before her, but she hadn't anticipated that he would overpower her and do the same to her.

To make matters more bewildering, she had become pregnant just a few hours later.

A few hours!

What kind of logic was that?

Were people from beyond the mountain this fertile?

As much as she was concerned about the baby she was now carrying, she understood the importance of keeping this secret hidden to avoid punishment from the queen.

She also had reservations about Orion's new position in the kingdom, fearing he might act harshly toward her, given her prior intentions.

Elysia's apprehension grew more intense as Orion's gaze remained fixed on her.

On the other hand, Orion observed Elysia's nervous behaviour, raising an eyebrow.

He shook his head, let out a sigh, and reclined on the side of the bed. Wrapping an arm around Elysia, he gently pulled her to his chest.

"You know, you're going to make me feel like the bad guy if you keep behaving like this," Orion said, sighing again as he held Elysia close.

Elysia averted her gaze, her body growing weak under his embrace.

After an uneasy silence, she took a deep breath to calm her racing heart and whispered, "I'm sorry."

Orion's ears perked up as Elysia's voice gently flowed into his hearing. Suspecting he might have misheard, he turned to look at her and asked, "What did you say?"

"I said, I'm sorry," Elysia repeated, making sure her words were clear for Orion to hear.

Sensing the arms wrapped around her tightened, Elysia's body stiffened further.

Leaning closer, Orion whispered in her ear, "What did you say? Speak up a bit louder so I can hear you better."

Elysia felt her heart pounding faster, causing her body to grow increasingly uncomfortable. In a sudden surge of emotion, she decided to release her feelings and opened her mouth to scream, "I'M SORRY!!" Her voice echoed loudly, and she began to heave heavily as if she had just finished running a marathon.

As her intense emotions subsided, Elysia felt another arm gently wrap around her waist, holding her close.

Just as she was about to speak, Orion's lips suddenly met hers, and she found herself locked in a passionate kiss.

Her eyes widened in surprise, but as her lips intertwined with Orion's, she gradually surrendered to the moment, relishing the warmth of their bond.

After a few minutes, Orion gently pulled away from the kiss and gazed into Elysia's eyes. He used his hands to sweep her hair locs back from her face and said, "Apology accepted."

A soft smile graced his lips as he looked at Elysia.

Elysia, too overwhelmed to argue or speak, simply slumped into his chest, taking in his comforting scent.

Just then, a series of knocks echoed from outside the door.

Elysia was startled out of her calm daze and looked at the door, her suspicion mounting. She turned her gaze toward Orion and asked, "Are you expecting anybody?"

Orion furrowed his brows, pondering who might be at the door. He dismissed the possibility of it being Princess Crystalia, having already arranged to meet with her later in the night. Similarly, Madam Seraphina was unlikely to visit today due to her preparations for the impending war.

Considering these factors, Orion suspected that the visitor could be Merida, who had perhaps arrived and needed to inform him of her presence.

He carefully set Elysia aside and rose from the bed, heading toward the door to discover the identity of the person outside.

Elysia, without needing any prompting, immediately concealed herself beneath the sheets, her curious eyes peeking out.

Orion silently approved of her discretion, recognizing that it wasn't the right time to reveal his relationship with the Queen's personal maid.

He reached for the doorknob and swung it open.

Before him stood a figure adorned in pristine, imposing armour. A massive sword was fastened to the figure's back, and a beautiful gemstone adorned their chestplate, lending an almost enchanted quality to the entire ensemble.

'Starforged Knight,' Orion thought, recollecting that only one person had survived the incident from the previous day.

The figure unexpectedly bowed, and a low, harsh voice emanated from beneath the helmet, "I came here to offer you my respects, Mr Foreigner. Though I'm aware that my teammates, the remaining members of the Starforged Knights, would have preferred a longer life...," the heavily armoured figure then clenched their gauntlet-clad hands together, "I'm genuinely grateful to be alive and to have made it through yesterday's ambush, so please accept my thanks."

Orion waved his hand dismissively at the figure, "Don't mention it. It was nothing. You don't need to thank me; I simply did what I believed was right," he replied.

"Thank you," the armoured figure immediately replied, straightening their posture to peer at Orion through the visor of the helmet. "Every elite group within the Crystalforge clan has already heard about the scout mission, and that you would be leading the expedition. That's why I'm here, to offer my services voluntarily. I want to help fend off the White Flame and assist in finding a way out of this mountain. I hope you'll consider my request, as this is the only way I know to repay the favour you've done me by saving my life."

Observing Orion's silence, the figure suddenly realized that the news of the scouting mission might not have reached him yet. Recognizing this as the reason for Orion's quietness, the figure cleared its throat and began to explain.

After a few minutes, she had finished explaining the information she had just received.

"Oh, I see," Orion responded with a thoughtful nod.

While he appreciated the volunteer's willingness to assist, he couldn't help but feel a bit concerned about the mission.

He doubted if his strength alone would be sufficient to contend with White Flame and guarantee the mission's success.