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Dragon speech
Last Updated:
2024-01-05 06:50:53
KhaluchiHappy new year, everyone!
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The Emperor's Substitute Bride An expected guest
A continuous, annoying tap on Naomi’s left shoulder grudgingly roused her from sleep. “What, what, what? Can’t someone get five minutes to rest in this place?” she complained while rubbing her eyes and yawning simultaneously.“Look who said she was going to help with preparations?” Daegal teased, stifling a chuckle.The next instant, Naomi sat up straight, eyes wide and alert. “The ball! Shit.” When she turned her head and took a look outside, a shocked gasp escaped her mouth. “How is it already dark? It was just after noon some minutes ago!”Daegal leaned against the post at the foot of the bed, his arms folded and eyes alive with laughter as he watched the love of his life scramble out of the sheets. “Easy, love. Everything is ready. No need to rush yourself.” He gestured to his body. “As you can see, I am not even dressed. We have about an hour and a half.”However, Naomi wasn’t sated by the revelation. Pushing her hair out of her face, she let out a groan. “I’m sorry. I know I sai
Last Updated : 2024-01-10The Emperor's Substitute Bride A feud between siblings
Naomi chose not to answer the obvious taunt and glanced down at Nezetta’s outfit—a gown, tight at the bust and waist but with a flowing skirt made with the richest material in the darkest shade of black.“You look different,” she commented.“What can I say? Black is my color.” Nezetta raised her eyebrows and smiled teasingly.The music reached a crescendo so Nezetta spun Naomi and then dipped her. Upon being upright again, Naomi said, “Doom’s mistress? Really?”“Ah.” Nezetta chuckled. “You have heard of my sterling reputation. Wonderful.”Naomi sighed and interlaced the fingers they had held out. “Look, There’s something you have to know. I wasn’t myself… I haven’t been myself for a while. Daegal told me that you left after you supposedly had a conversation with me but it wasn’t me, Nezetta. It was Nerina.”Nezetta at least had the decency to look shocked. “Wh-what?” she sputtered.“Yes. I was under…” Naomi trailed off when she met Daegal’s eyes while he danced with one of the female
Last Updated : 2024-01-15The Emperor's Substitute Bride A Meeting
Ten days had passed since the New Year’s celebration which was not without drama. Though expected, the extent to which it occurred wasn’t properly thought out by either Daegal or Naomi.Yes, Nezetta was volatile and had deep-seated issues yet neither her former lover nor her brother foresaw the bitterness that radiated from her that day.Naomi and Daegal knew she would make an entrance but never anticipated that she would try to kill someone she claimed to love all because of jealousy and resentment.Ever since then, the days have been quiet, or at least as quiet as the castle could be. There was no news or more sightings of Nezetta as far as Naomi knew. Lately, though, she didn’t know so much.For some weird reason, Naomi was never aware of the proceedings during the war council and even normal council meetings that Daegal usually told her about.However, she chose not to think too much of it these past days and instead went for regulated flights around the castle on Aelyna, further
Last Updated : 2024-01-22The Emperor's Substitute Bride Live tensions
A heartbeat later, Naomi raised her eyebrows. “I do know some things about the impending war but my husband has been on the matter for a long time now.”Divya let out a whoosh of air and picked an invisible speck of dust off her skirt. “We appreciate the efforts of the emperor but the issues we came here for are more within your duties, Empress.”‘Why does everyone keep mentioning duty to me?’ Naomi groaned internally.“I am afraid that I do not understand,” Naomi said. Her words caused the women to exchange incredulous looks that made her feel incredibly stupid.Meriana sat forward. “Empress, everyone in the five kingdoms is your subject and you must make them feel at ease, especially in these troubled times. We are here on behalf of the women of our respective kingdoms to seek your guidance.”“My guidance?” Naomi repeated.“Yes, Empress,” Sera picked up. “The men are preparing for war so it is up to us women to provide some comfort to our citizens. There is only so much we can do in
Last Updated : 2024-01-22The Emperor's Substitute Bride Discoveries
The annoyance in Naomi’s heart dissipated the moment Daegal’s arms wound around her waist. He pulled her close till his face was nestled in the crook of her neck.Slowly, she snaked her arms around his neck and let herself fall into his orbit. Daegal’s familiar scent—luxurious jasmine, aromatic sandalwood, and the sweetness of the moments after a heavy downpour—filled her nostrils, making her sigh and hold on to him tighter.He smelled like home.A short while later, they both disentangled from the hug and Daegal’s lips brushed against Naomi’s forehead.“I just want you to be safe.” His voice was low but screamed the need to protect, protect, protect.“Daegal…” Naomi trailed off, her eyes pleading, beseeching for him to let her assist… To allow her to do something meaningful for him and the continent at large.His shoulders dropped as he released a heavy breath. How could he refuse when Naomi looked at him in such a manner that made his heart ache?“Fine. If it means so much to you th
Last Updated : 2024-01-24The Emperor's Substitute Bride Blood and inferno
Despite the agony she was in, Naomi managed to crack a smile. “Emperor, I never knew you were this wild. Where do you get your ideas from?”Daegal rolled his eyes but didn’t stop the smile from forming on his face. “Take off your clothes, Empress Naomi or do I have to do it for you?”Naomi shrugged. “I prefer your touch to mine.”“Very well.” With a snap of his fingers, Naomi’s clothes were off and she was naked before him, thighs tightly clenched together to avoid much blood staining the carpet.She frowned. “You know, when I meant your touch—ow!” A stab at her lower belly cut her off.“Shall I carry you now or do you want to keep talking? I am fine with either,” he teased.“Prick,” she mumbled in response, still bent over.“My apologies but I did not quite hear you love.”Naomi managed to send him a glare that could have melted him where he stood. “Please. Help me.”“Of course, my queen.”He swept her off her feet and to her greatest relief, she was lowered into the steaming bathtub
Last Updated : 2024-01-24The Emperor's Substitute Bride Training begins
The official proclamation of war threw the city of Asghavia into a frenzy. Day by day, male and female citizens poured into the castle barracks to volunteer for the army.With each person recruited, the number of able-bodied soldiers increased exponentially but with the reports Emperor Daegal received from Aesos and Alsayf, their numbers were not enough.Sejukgheim and Nebulos swore to provide their large armies but with the men Babatunde Alen previously amassed and certain Chiefs in Alsayf bending the knee to him as well as the entirety of Aesos declaring their open rebellion against the crown just the day before, the situation was not looking encouraging.Aesos' betrayal came as a shock to Naomi but Daegal received the news with minimal surprise. Magic was rarely practiced there—almost forbidden— and only a few people like Indah, the old priestess who came close to killing Naomi, and some diviners were able to wield magic though not as powerfully as the mages and witches of Nebulos
Last Updated : 2024-02-03The Emperor's Substitute Bride Training with Azriel
Chief Azriel might have been the epitome of courtly graces; pleasant smiles, compliments, and all but in the sparring ring in the training yard of the Unity Rock that afternoon, he was a grim-faced killer. And when he turned those deadly instincts on Naomi... She had to throw up a shield as fast as possible the second she stepped into the ring because Azriel seemingly decided it would be a perfect time to put her magical reflexes to the test and throw a ball of fire at her. An hour later, under her training leathers, Naomi's body was slick with sweat. Her breathing came out in ragged gasps as she barely managed to dodge Azriel's fist which came flying at her face. However, she used the opportunity to slam her right fist into his jaw before he could send another punch at her. Her vicious attempt stunned Azriel for a moment and also made her knuckles sing from the impact. Naomi took a step back and then focused her attention on flexing and relaxing her fingers to ease a bit of th
Last Updated : 2024-02-08
Latest chapter
The Emperor's Substitute Bride Vows
Naomi smiled sheepishly when Daegal praised her and laid her head against his shoulder. Suddenly, a chief threw a question at Daegal. "What happened to Empress Nerina? Where is she?" Everyone else in attendance nodded in agreement and began to murmur the question too. Naomi's eyes monitored everyone and made her observations about them. When they quieted down, Daegal took his time to explain every single event from the beginning till date with Naomi occasionally chipping in. And when he was done, the entire hall bowed down to Naomi and called her their empress. Naomi wiped the tears that formed under her eye. She didn't think she would garner such a support system from people who did not know her well enough but after Daegal's information, they looked at her and saw her. Her true self. A few days before, Naomi had Delia released from the dungeons and she was also very surprised to see the transformation but also knew that something was fish ever since Nerina started to be very ni
The Emperor's Substitute Bride Resurrection
"Are you just going to stand there gawking?" Naomi asked, her voice hoarse. Daegal was immediately by her side with water.After she took a few sips, she sighed and with Daegal's help, sat up against some pillows. "What? Why are you both staring at me like that?"Daegal only smiled at her in response. Love and adoration shone in his eyes in such a way that made Naomi's heart melt from the display.As he brushed her hair back, Naomi reached up to tuck a strand behind her ear but midway into the motion, she caught the color of her hand.Naomi blinked once. Then blinked again. She shook her head from side to side and looked at her hand again."Daegal? Azriel? Am I dreaming?"Azriel laughed and pinched her calf. Naomi let out a small yelp and glared at him."No, you are not dreaming."Naomi returned her gaze to her hand and then lifted her other hand too. Tears of joy streamed down her face as she took in the rich, cocoa color."Can you get me a mirror, please?" she said to Daegal and pro
The Emperor's Substitute Bride Work of art
Master Faizar's brow furrowed in confusion when he saw the grin on Naomi's face that made her look maniacal and downright terrifying.Naomi didn't know where strength came from or even understand what she was about to do but she just knew it was what she was destined to do.She slowly rose to her feet with her hands clamped over Faizar's. She stared deep into his hazel eyes and uttered the words that struck fear into his heart for the first time in his life."This is your end and my beginning, Faizar."She threw his hands down and then pressed her fingers against his forehead. Her eyes shone a bright white light as she threw her head back and opened the part of her mind where she had locked her dream-walking magic in.Fueled by hate, revenge, and anger, Naomi threw herself into his dark, twisted mind. She didn't pay attention to his screams of anguish but only focused on what she realized she had to do.Her magic rippled across the clearing and beyond but the airtight shield around th
The Emperor's Substitute Bride The war
Naomi could smell the saltiness of the sea way before she even sighted the battleground. A wide, grassy plain extended toward the shore of the sea, and about a mile inland, Babatunde's army awaited. Rocky hills that seemed very familiar to Naomi arose at their back with some of their soldiers standing atop it. Naomi and Daegal stood on top of a wide hill overlooking the plain ahead. Thalia and Azriel were close behind while Kabeer and Ser Tare, clothed in their dark armor, gave the order for their armies to halt below. They obeyed them and arranged themselves into predetermined positions. The threat they faced though... Naomi didn't even need to count before she knew how outnumbered they were. "They took every inch of high ground they could find. We have to stick to the lower levels instead," Azriel hissed. "At least we have air power. That will be our high ground," Naomi said. "Precisely," Daegal agreed. "I think I can fight on horseback, Daegal," Azriel said but Daegal shot h
The Emperor's Substitute Bride Speaking from the heart
After Naomi's rescue from Master Faizar's clutches, Daegal didn't let her out of his sight for a single moment. He always made sure she was within sight and hearing distance and would even enter a panic when she wasn't near.An evening later, while alone in her tent, Naomi had earlier sent for Thalia and she entered when Naomi was poring over a tome. "How is Azriel?" she asked upon noticing Thalia's entrance. "Better now, Empress. He bled quite a lot since the arrow went clean through his shoulder but I and the other healers managed to help.""Will he be able to fight?" Thalia bent her head for a moment then looked up. "Azriel is strong but he will need time to heal."Naomi cocked an eyebrow. "Time to heal? Why have you not used magic to speed it up?" "We tried but something is wrong. The process is painstakingly slow so we have to rely on nature this time."Naomi bit her lip and set aside the book that was on her lap. "Please take care of him. I will come to see him later.""Of c
The Emperor's Substitute Bride Rescue
Nightfall came swiftly. Azriel and Thalia were prepared as they had gone over their plan with Daegal almost a thousand times.They were to sneak through the enemy's camp without drawing attention. Since some might know Azriel, he would stick to the shadows and also wear the helmet and armor that their blacksmiths had created which resembled that of Babatunde's soldiers."Ready, Thalia?" Azriel asked and Thalia nodded in the affirmative.They bid Daegal goodbye and mounted their horses. The ride was silent as they were too focused on their mission to joke or say anything to each other.After thirty to forty minutes of hard riding, they arrived in a thick forest, stopping on a hilltop that overlooked the outskirts of the formidable enemy camp.Master Faizar and Nezetta had used the same kind of spells that Daegal put around their camp to shield it from wandering eyes but thanks to the information that Naomi previously collected from those captured and now dead soldiers, Thalia and Azrie
The Emperor's Substitute Bride Dream walker
"A dream walker?" Naomi echoed as Master Faizar placed the torch in his hand into a bracket. He circled her slowly like she was the prey and he, the predator. He stopped in front of her and ran a hand down her cheek. "Have you never felt the power of going into a person's mind and seeing all their deepest thoughts? Their fears, joys, and sorrows?" Naomi swallowed, her throat stinging from the dryness as she remembered penetrating Azriel and Meriana's minds. Amani's too. "Your eyes give you away, Naomi. So expressive. The magic that you hold is rare, ancient, and terrific. It lies deep within your soul," he said. Naomi scowled. "I don't find anything terrific about it. Sometimes I end up hurting people and other times, no one gets hurt. I don't understand it and I'm not sure I even want to."Master Faizar smiled softly but it did nothing to ease Naomi's worries. She continuously kept trying to access any part of her magic but she couldn't reach it. All she could hope was for Daegal
The Emperor's Substitute Bride Finding Naomi
"Nngh," Naomi groaned as she slowly came to. The last thing she remembered was hugging her parents and...When she fully opened her eyes, there was darkness all around her. She couldn't even see two feet in front of her."Fuck," she swore as she realized that her hands and feet were tied to a pole and as much as she tried to get free by using her magic, it was as if an oily sheen dampened it.'Where am I? Where am I?' Naomi thought to herself as she continued struggling against her binds.Suddenly, a gust of wind blew across her face as something ruffled. A bright light illuminated the space around her as someone stepped through the flaps of the tent.Naomi remained quiet, choosing not to speak but to gauge instead.Her eyes narrowed suspiciously as the figure stalked ever closer to her. Though her heart pounded in her chest, she kept a straight face to hide her terror.Finally, the person shifted the burning torch from his face and his features came into view. He vaguely looked like
The Emperor's Substitute Bride Reunion
Azriel spoke up. "This is them showing their appreciation and undying loyalty to you. Daegal opened their eyes and cleared their doubts."Naomi nodded slowly. "Okay..." Then to those kneeling, she said in a raised voice: "Rise."In seconds, they obeyed her command. Ser Tare gave her a short bow and a heartfelt smile before he returned to his legion. Then she climbed up the podium and whispered some things to Daegal. After a moment, he nodded once. "It is now time for these traitors to face the emperor's justice. Chief Azriel, bring them to me."Six of them were brought up to the platform, still chained. They each had identical haunted looks in their eyes. Naomi cleared her throat before raising her voice. "In light of ours and the creator's mercy, we will give each of you a chance to renounce your allegiance to Chief Topher and Babatunde Alen. Refusal to do so means you acquiesce to your execution."Some of the captured soldiers began to ask for mercy. However, Naomi cast them all
