Chapter 13: Chapter 13: Be mine (2) Chapter 13: Be mine (2) Sophie stared at Noah, her heart pounding. Now that she looked at him properly, she realized—he was beautiful. Not just in the way his silver eyes gleamed like frost under the morning sun, or how his purple hair shimmered with an almost otherworldly hue. It was the way he carried himself. The way he spoke. Calm. Commanding. A man who seemed to stand above the world rather than within it. ’What a beautiful man...’ [Sophie’s affection has reached 60%.] Noah’s lips curled slightly as he saw the notification. ’Just 10% more... and it’ll be settled.’ And he already had a plan. A girl aiming for the throne—what does she want most? Support. As a woman, she was already at a disadvantage against her brothers. She needed something to tip the scales. Someone who could stand beside her, someone who understood her ambitions. The Stonehearts? Useless. Their patriarch, Oliver, was a greedy man, constantly taking new wives and growing his house in numbers, and hardly strength. The Bloodhearts? Madmen obsessed with war and slaughter. She could never control them. The Shadowbounds? Too secretive. They refused to entangle themselves in political games. Which left only the Weaverhearts. His family. Okay granted, one day Elijah—the so-called Chosen One—would be able to have all 3 great families in his fingertips. And once he had them he will able to help more easily Sophie. But I won’t let that happen. Noah’s gaze softened as he looked at Sophie, his expression shifting into something gentler. Like he was looking at something precious. And in a way... she was. A precious talent to farm. "To prove my sincerity to you..." His voice was smooth, confident—dripping with promise. He let the words hang for a second, watching as Sophie’s red eyes locked onto him, curious. "...In my name, as heir of the Weaverheart family, I declare our full support for Princess Sophie in the battle for the throne." BADUM! Sophie’s heart skipped a beat. Literally. "You’ll have my backing... my mother’s backing. The full strength of the Weaverheart name," Noah continued, stepping closer. "And let’s not forget—" His grin turned sharp. "—I’m an SSS-rank holder." Sophie’s breath caught. She lifted her gaze to him, and that’s when she saw it. A smile. Not the cold, calculating smirk she had gotten used to. Not the one that hid secrets behind layers of cunning. But a gentle smile. A warm one. Her heart skipped again. A man who could be firm, commanding when necessary—yet soft and understanding when it mattered? A man who was offering her everything, even when she had pushed him away? Ah... She realized. He got me. It hit her then. He had been in control of this conversation since the beginning. Just like yesterday, just like with her mother. She had walked straight into his pace, step by step, without even realizing. And yet, despite knowing that, she didn’t resist. Because Noah wasn’t just a man with talent. Like her mother had said yesterday, He had the wit. The courage. And that was what she needed. The kind of man who would take the throne, not wait for it to be given. So, she surrendered. She stopped being stubborn. She accepted his feelings—and her own. And the moment she did— [Ding! Sophie’s affection for you has reached 70%.] "You got me," Sophie admitted, her voice quiet. She lifted her head, meeting his gaze fully for the first time. "We’ll marry." she said. "I’ll be your first wife, as you wanted." She exhaled. "I’m sure others will come after me... but as long as you keep your word—" her voice hardened, "—as long as my place is never challenged, as long as I am never overshadowed, as long as this empire becomes mine..." Her lips parted, a smirk playing at the edges. "I will follow you. To the end of this world and beyond, Noah Weaverheart." Noah’s smile widened. He stood, then extended his hand to her. Sophie hesitated—only for a moment—before taking it. As she rose to her feet, standing beside him, Noah turned his gaze to the distant horizon. "You will never be overshadowed by anyone," he promised. "You are the first. And the first always holds a special place." "You’ll have what you want—and more." "And I will have your back." Then, he raised his free hand. Frost gathered at his fingertips, swirling and twisting. Shapes began to take form—petals, layered atop one another in a mesmerizing spiral. When it was done, a flower rested in his palm. A lotus. Not just any lotus. An ice lotus. A blue lotus. Sophie’s face lit up. Her usual arrogance melted away, replaced with something... childlike. Excitement. "This is for you," Noah said, handing it to her. She took it carefully. The petals were cold—but a gentle, comforting cold. Not harsh like winter, but soothing. "...How did you know I liked lotuses?" she asked softly. Noah smirked. "It’s my job to know what my wife likes, isn’t it?" Sophie... blushed. [Sophie’s affection for you has reached 71%.] "Unfortunately with my current rank, this lotus will melt soon." Noah leaned slightly closer. "But don’t worry... when I’m strong enough, I’ll make you an ice lotus that will never melt. Even in the presence of the sun itself." His grin turned cocky. Sophie chuckled, shaking her head. She found herself wondering—how could a single man have so many faces? But, She likes it. ... Back in His Room Noah sat at the edge of his bed, his heart thrumming with excitement. ’System, show me Sophie’s profile.’ <<<<<>>>>> Name: Sophie Castria Race: Human Rank: E Titles: None Bloodline: Castria’s Bloodline – Favored by mana Physique: None Affinity: Lightning (S Rank) Talent: Arcane Synthesis (SS Rank) <<<<<>>>>> ’I can share her talent, right?’ [Yes!] Noah’s lips curled into a sharp grin. Do it. —End of Chapter 13—