Chapter 266

In that place, hundreds of knights and soldiers were looking at her with disbelief. Just like the Croadins they had seen a while ago, they fixed their gazes on her without even a hint of movement.

“Knights, listen—–”

“Whoooaah!”

Apollonia tried to give some orders, but her words were drowned in a loud cheer. The people who were frozen in place erupted into joyful shouts.

“The princess defeated the demons!”

“The princess captured the Queen of Croadins!”

Everyone present joined in the cheers upon witnessing the Queen of Croadins’ defeat as Apollonia rode Freya while flying over their heads. Among the knights, a significant number belonged to the Grand Order, but the majority were part of the Royal Knights. They were all calling out to Apollonia with one voice. At that moment, she felt a warm feeling in her heart.

For over ten years, she had hidden in the shadows under the Emperor and Paris’ rule but in her heart, the Royal Knights were always her protectors. Even in this place where there was no Emperor, Petra, or Paris, she stood proudly in front of them for a brief moment but now was not the time to indulge in the spectacle.

“Princess!”

“We don’t have time for this. Hurry and go bring back the missing ones. With the Queen dead, the rest of the demons won’t pose a threat for a while.”

One of the knights, seemingly from Ephenhardt, was so moved that he started cheering ‘Long live!’ but Apollonia commanded them. Among the waiting crowd, a knight who seemed to be the captain nodded and immediately sent someone to do the task. After a while, Caelion and two of his escorts appeared, riding on horseback above the crowd. And there, walking a few steps ahead, was her beautiful lover. Apollonia took a deep breath and thought about Adrian’s concerns. What might the Emperor do if he found out about Caelion and their agreement? All the efforts to keep their relationship hidden could be in vain. No matter how much she was welcomed here, she couldn’t reveal the secret to hundreds of knights. She had other external motives for stealing Priyonix and coming here, apart from rescuing Caelion. She needed to put aside her excitement and play it cool.

“Uriel!”

Apollonia called his name affectionately and ran to him. The crowd murmured as it was uncommon for a princess to casually call a Vount’s name. But regardless, Apollonia ignored it all and ran towards him. As she reached Uriel, he looked surprised and gently held her shoulders.

“Your Highness? What are you think—-”

“Kiss me.”

Apollonia whispered.

“What?”

“Kiss me.”

“Here? How can I—-”

“Passionately.” Apollonia replied playfully. Uriel blushed, looking momentarily frozen. “Should I?” Apollonia asked.

Uriel’s innocent eyes widened as if taken aback. “Don’t regret it.”

“I understand, so… here I go.”

Before Apollonia finished speaking, Uriel pressed his lips against hers. And then. he held her tightly as if never wanting to let go. A few seconds, no, a few minutes had passed. Their breaths mingled, their saliva mixed, and an indescribable feeling surged through their bodies.

“That’s enough.”

” “Not yet,” Uriel said, pulling her, who was about to let go, back towards him and kissed her again. The sweetness of their lips and tangled tongues made her dizzy. After a while, Uriel finally let her go.

“Ahh.” Apollonia exhaled deeply and finally looked around. Apart from Caelion, who looked like he was about to cry, hundreds of pairs of eyes were watching the two in astonishment. Apollonia turned her gaze back to Uriel and smiled brightly as she spoke, loud enough for everyone to hear.

“My beloved Uriel, no matter what happens, you mustn’t do such risky things like this anymore.”

She spoke clearly and methodically.

“You said you wanted to fulfill your final loyalty to your former lord, but from now on, you must stay by my side forever.”

“Your Highness.”

Uriel’s shocked expression at Apollonia’s changed tone made him look around. He seemed to understand her intentions as he looked at the knights’ faces. Uriel quickly put on a natural smile and kissed her hand.

“I shall abide by your wishes, my love.”