The Villianess story: A 100 ways to kill your husband Chapter 580: A new empire

In a moment of collective astonishment, all eyes were fixed on Cedric, who had evidently decided to cease concealing his features. The onlookers were utterly captivated by his appearance.

Far from bearing any disfiguring scar, his face was remarkably handsome, possessing a beauty that left one breathless. It was only his penetrating gaze and commanding aura that unequivocally identified him.

This was the genuine Cedric Von Drakkar, and Abrielle felt a sense of relief that he was finally choosing to step out from behind his mask, no longer needing to hide.

Upon reaching the front, Cedric, with evident reluctance, released Abrielle's hand and proceeded towards the altar, while Abrielle took her seat. "He seems a bit nervous," Alfonso remarked playfully to Abrielle as she settled beside him in the front row.

She offered a subtle nod, her heart overflowing with appreciation. "Who wouldn't be?" she murmured, watching as everyone settled down once Cedric reached the dais.

With a profound sense of emotion, she observed him taking his oath. Though not typically prone to sentimentality, witnessing Cedric stand before High Pope Mikhail, holding the sceptre, stirred unexpected feelings within her.

Following his coronation, Mikhail's voice resonated powerfully throughout the hall, "All hail the first emperor of the grand empire of Draconia..."

"All hail Emperor Cedric Von Drakkar..."

The assembled crowd rose in unison, bowing in deference to him. Cedric then raised a hand, signaling for silence, and motioned for Abrielle to approach.

Her eyes briefly met his, a faint smile gracing her lips as she moved towards Cedric. Accepting his offered hand, he guided her forward. "You shall never have to bow to anyone again," he stated, then gestured to the High Pope.

Abrielle directed a gentle smile towards Mikhail. He had never imagined that his spirited niece would ascend to the position of empress, nor that he would preside over her enthronement.

A crystalline box was presented, containing the queen's crown. The couple, dressed in matching attire, were to receive complementary diadems.

Abrielle inclined her head slightly towards Cedric. "Abrielle Von Drakkar," Cedric's voice was firm, "do you accept the role of empress of this cherished kingdom... to reign and to stand by my side?" he inquired.

She responded with a smile and a nod. "Yes, Your Majesty." A wave of applause erupted. Cedric then lifted the crown, placing it upon her head before handing her the sceptre.

He then led her towards Mikhail to receive the couple's final benediction. Abrielle found herself unable to suppress her smile. She recognized that Cedric, too, was in high spirits, though he had perfected the art of maintaining a stoic facade.

"You may now rise," Mikhail instructed. The newly crowned couple stood, facing the assembly hand in hand, as praises and blessings were bestowed upon them.

Abrielle was taken aback to see Evelyn in tears, never having perceived her as the sentimental type. She recalled how, after Abrielle's disappearance from Heliosa and the subsequent news of her demise, Evelyn had nearly lost her composure, yet ultimately, all had turned out well.

Rebecca's face wore a gentle smile, her eyes brimming with admiration. Abrielle squeezed Cedric's hand, encouraging him to smile. A subtle upward curve of his lips His already dazzling appearance was further enhanced.

Cedric officially became the most sought-after man in the empire, not merely due to his formidable power but also his unparalleled attractiveness.

The doors to the balcony, offering a panoramic view of the capital, were opened, and the new emperor and empress emerged. The commoners who had been awaiting their appearance erupted into cheers.

Despite the negative rumors circulating among the nobility, Cedric was highly esteemed by the common folk who knew him as the honorable general. They stood waving to the crowd, who responded by showering them with flowers in celebration.

*******

Music and acclamations filled the capital of Draconia well into the night, the streets of Vitalis alive with an unceasing vibrancy.

As night fell, a grand ball commenced to honor the new emperor and empress. Cedric and Abrielle, having changed into different attire, stood poised outside the ballroom doors.

The more she gazed at her husband, the more distinguished he appeared. "I wonder if our son will resemble you," she mused aloud, causing Cedric to freeze. His gaze snapped to her, his golden eyes wide with surprise.

"Are you expecting?" he inquired, his voice laced with palpable excitement. Abrielle blinked, processing his question before understanding dawned. She chuckled and shook her head.

"I am not pregnant. I was merely speaking playfully," she clarified. It was evident to her that he seemed somewhat disappointed.

Cedric forced a smile and took her hand. He realized he was perhaps getting ahead of himself. One step at a time; while he deeply desired children, he also felt a sense of trepidation. Cedric's immortality had been shed, yet he remained a divine being.

The previous instance of her pregnancy had placed an excessive burden on her, and he was unwilling to put her through such distress again.

Still lost in thought, Cedric was jolted back to the present as the doors finally swung open. He swiftly composed his features, and they entered the ballroom together, taking their place on a small dais.

A collective bow was offered to them. Cedric then turned to Abrielle. "May I have the honor of the first dance, my empress?" he requested.

"Your Majesty, of course." With elegant steps, they descended the stairs, positioning themselves at the center of the dance floor. All present respectfully parted to witness the imperial couple's waltz.

Cedric placed a hand on his wife's waist, while she rested hers on his shoulder. Their gazes met as the music swelled, and beneath the glittering chandelier, they began to sway.

Initially, Abrielle felt a flutter of nervousness, her movements somewhat stiff. "Do not think of them. I am all that matters," Cedric murmured into her ear. A soft laugh escaped Abrielle. "Forgive me if my steps lack grace," she replied, her voice tinged with playful amusement.

As the Emperor and Empress captivated all eyes with their synchronized dance, their subjects watched in sheer admiration. The conclusion of their first dance saw the couple exchange a graceful curtsy.

In mere moments, Cedric found himself surrounded by a throng of officials, while his wife was whisked away. "May I have this dance?" Alfonso inquired, having smoothly claimed her from Cedric's side.

Abrielle accepted with a smile, and they joined the swirling dancers. Meanwhile, Cedric was visibly occupied, attempting to navigate the persistent crowd of officials. Abrielle couldn't help but chuckle at her husband's seemingly overwhelmed expression.

Cedric made a diligent effort to maintain his composure. "From this moment forward, everything will change," Alfonso declared, drawing her attention. "Indeed, it surely will," she responded.

Alfonso appeared to have much on his mind. Owing to his support for Cedric, he had been bestowed the title of Duke, and Karissa's name was finally cleared with the revelation of the true instigator behind the sorcerers' actions.

"I shall not be accepting the dukedom," he informed Abrielle, leaving her utterly astonished. Before she could voice her confusion, Alfonso promptly clarified his intentions.