Of course, the sight of Elion’s other beautiful women within the congregation drew many gazes.

Perhaps news of their identities had already begun to spread over the last day or so, and if those here were offended by the idea of the future monarch having a man with many women for a husband, then they certainly didn’t show it.

Aria was among those clapping enthusiastically, though her expression held a complicated mix of happiness and impatience.

She glanced toward the ring on Celeste’s finger before looking down at her own.

The ring Elion had given her was nowhere near as extravagant, but the memory attached to it still made her smile.

Even so, she had not forgotten the conversation he had promised her.

Isla watched the newly betrothed pair with a gentle expression, while Tessa attempted to appear indifferent despite clapping almost as loudly as everyone else.

Zenith had no such restraint.

She cheered openly, her voice somehow carrying above most of the crowd. "Congratulations, Hubby!"

The courtyard went quiet for half a second as several vampires turned toward her, and then their gazes moved toward Elion.

Then toward Celeste.

Elion closed his eyes, shaking his head at how clueless his demon woman was.

Dorian burst into laughter from his position beside Lucius. Celeste’s brow twitched, but she maintained her smile with impressive effort.

Zenith waved brightly from the crowd, seemingly unaware of the awkwardness she had caused.

Or perhaps she was perfectly aware and simply did not care.

Lucius cleared his throat, choosing to ignore the outburst from Zenith. "Let the celebration begin."

Servants opened the tall doors leading into the castle, revealing the grand hall beyond. Long tables had been arranged beneath floating crimson lights, covered with food, wine, and so on and so forth.

Musicians seated along the walls began playing slow, elegant melodies, led by a beautiful vampire woman who was playing a golden lyre.

The gathered vampires gradually moved inside, offering bows and congratulations to the newly betrothed couple as they passed.

Celeste remained close to Elion, one arm linked firmly with his.

"You appear pleased," Elion whispered.

"I am."

"Even after Zenith’s announcement?"

Celeste’s eyes narrowed faintly. "I trust that she will be reprimanded later?"

"She probably will not understand why."

"Then I will do it myself, and I will explain it very carefully." Elion wisely decided not to ask what that explanation would involve.

Lilith approached them first.

She wrapped her arms around Celeste, holding her daughter for several seconds before pulling away and looking toward Elion.

Her warm expression became slightly more serious. "You have made her happier today than I have seen her in many years."

Elion nodded. "I intend to keep doing so."

Lilith studied him for a moment before smiling again. "See that you do." She leaned forward and embraced him as well, catching Elion slightly off guard.

"Welcome to the family," she whispered.

"Thank you."

Lucius approached after her.

Unlike his wife, he did not offer Elion an embrace.

The two men merely stared at one another.

After several seconds, Lucius extended one hand.

Elion accepted it.

Their grips tightened.

Elion raised a brow.

Lucius’s expression remained perfectly calm, though a faint pressure began spreading through his arm.

Elion’s smile widened.

His own grip tightened in response.

Lilith looked between the two men, letting out a deep sigh. "Lucius, let go." The Vampire King released Elion’s hand immediately.

"I was welcoming him."

"With a contest of strength?"

"It was not a contest."

Elion flexed his fingers. "It felt like one."

Lucius ignored him. "You will be leaving for Silvergrove after the celebrations?"

"That is the plan."

Celeste’s grip around Elion’s arm tightened.

"You only just recovered."

"I feel much better now."

"You are still not fully recovered."

"I only need to attend a duel, maybe drop by Haven, and then I will return immediately." Elion smiled faintly. "Besides, the potion restored enough of my vitality for me to function properly. And I have already kept them waiting for a week; it’s rude to keep people waiting."

Celeste looked displeased, but she did not argue further. "Then I will come with you."

Elion glanced toward her stomach. "No, you will do no such thing."

Her crimson eyes narrowed. "No?"

"You said you need time to understand your bloodline, and you should stay where it is safe until after you have given birth, and I’m sure you know I’m not going to take no for an answer."

Elion kept a stern expression on his face. He was not going to compromise in this regard.

As much as Celeste wanted to remain beside him, there was no place safer for her than among her own people.

Technically, she could remain inside the Ark, but could she truly stay there the entire time?

He did not think so.

Celeste looked away, clearly displeased with having to be away from him once again.

Elion squeezed her hand. "I will return soon."

"How soon?"

"Before you have enough time to miss me."

"That is not a measurement."

"Two or three days."

Her gaze returned to him. "One."

Elion stared at her with a stupefied look. "Silvergrove is not next door."

"You have the Ark."

"That is unfair."

Celeste remained silent.

Elion sighed. ’Why is she suddenly so clingy?’

Not that he was complaining.

"Two days."

"One and a half."

"Agreed."

Dorian looked between them. "You negotiated that remarkably quickly."

Elion shrugged. "I know when surrender is the wiser option."

Celeste smiled faintly.

The group entered the grand hall together.

For the next several hours, Elion was introduced to an exhausting number of nobles, clan leaders, warriors, and elders.

Each offered their congratulations.

Some were sincere, but others were clearly assessing him.

A few attempted to subtly question him about his family, his origins, or the source of his power.

Elion answered most of them vaguely enough to reveal nothing useful.

Whenever the questioning became too persistent, Celeste’s cold stare was usually enough to send the offender away.

Mira remained nearby for much of the celebration, quietly remembering names and family affiliations.

Aria became increasingly bored and eventually began sampling every dessert she could find.

Tessa spent some time speaking with younger vampire warriors, several of whom had watched Elion’s fight and were eager to discuss combat.

Isla found herself surrounded by noblewomen interested in her clothing, accent, and background.

Zenith wandered freely through the hall, terrifying servants whenever she appeared behind them without warning and collecting an unreasonable number of sweet pastries.

At some point, Elion found himself standing near one of the balconies with Dorian.

The Grand Elder lifted a glass of crimson liquid. "You survived your first formal event within the Vampire Clan."