The Southern Palace features a traditional architectural design surrounded by chandeliers and statues of the Carlyle's and Astrid ancestors. Outside the Palace grounds, the statue of their great ancestor, Queen Rebecca Astrid Carlyle stands towering in the center as a symbol of honor for her contribution in abdicating her sovereign to her husband Duke Joseph Carlos Carlyle I. In the southern kingdom, it is known that the Carlyle's royal power was originated from Rebecca Astrid, the first and only female offspring of the Guardian's bloodline. For three centuries, their royal status remained stable due to the military and economic support from the Astrid Dukedom.

The southern kingdom's nobility and officials are crowded into the palace tonight. A banquet ball is being held for the wedding tribute to the Duke and Duchess of Astrid. Earlier today, the Crown Princess and Crown Prince got into a fight over her refusal to accompany him to the ball. Hugo is unable to comprehend Ara's change in behavior as her mood has gotten worse lately.

What's even strange was that Sebastian hasn't paid them a visit since they arrived in the capital. According to his spy, the Duke is busy catching the dark sorcerers since he made an agreement with the Demon King. From the time he married Rachel, Sebastian has changed and appeared distant. The rumors are getting out of control of Sebastian's affection for the Duchess.

Hugo is skeptical about it because he is aware of Ara's significance in his life. Isn't it the reason his father, King Joseph, let him to wed Ara, despite the fact that she comes from a lowly family background, knowing that the Great Guardian would always have their support? What will happen to the Crown Princess and especially the Carlyle royalty position if that affection is lost?

The Crown Prince is distressed and can't help reproaching the culprit responsible for this unexpected changed. He should have asked Sebastian to kill her earlier because she seems to have found a means to seduce him and cause political destabilization in the empire. Meanwhile in the Astrid Castle, Sebastian entered the chamber where Rachel was finishing up her makeup and getting dressed for the ball. He furrows his brow in recognition of her new gown, which shows more of her arms and legs. It's likely that his wife modified the design at the last minute and persuaded Oswald to change it for her. So, it seems like his wife is starting to disobey him a little more. In his twisted mind, her disobedience turned him on that his shaft began to react when he saw her legs.

Rachel was aware of Sebastian's assessment on her dress. In case he asked her to change it and punish the royal designer, she had already prepared her counterattack. Her husband looks at Oswald in contempt with a question stare on his face. The poor Baron knelt down, trembling in terror for his life.

She makes her way toward Sebastian while beaming sweetly. "My husband, how do you like my outfit? Your wife made a lot of effort to design this dress because I want you to like it". She then tiptoed and give him a peck on the lips.

Her husband grabbed her waist firmly and responded with a flush on his face. She must then put on her cutest smile for the last time and whisper in his ear, "And I obey your order to wear the inner garments, right now it suits very well in my gown. Shouldn't we give the Baron a reward, hm?".

Sebastian gulps because his wife knows how to activate his desire and pacify his anger. He concluded that she will be the death of him. He groans a sigh. "Wife don't go back on your words", and whispered dangerously in her ears, "Show your obedience when I roughly fuck you later." He then nipped the tip of her ears.

Rachel's eyes sparkle brightly as though she were aroused by her husband's lewd comments. While the Ducal couple is flirting, their staff are exchanging glances since the room has suddenly become warm.

Sebastian took the crown from the butler and place it on Rachel's head. The crown made of the finest gems fits his wife perfectly as she looks ethereal and empress-like.

His only problem with his innocent wife is that she has no greed for power and wealth, meaning she doesn't really need him in her life. This notion scares the shit out of him of not being needed and desired. Rachel is the only being who doesn't mind his status and power.

She gives him uncertainty and fear. This foreign emotion was never in his vocabulary because all the subjects in the empire feared and worship his sovereignty. Sebastian Nicholas Astrid was born with power and strength. It was given to him naturally and it's in his nature to rule above his subjects. But with Rachel, he is willing to compromise all of that just for her to stay by his side and perhaps, she will learn to desire him. How insecure he has become? Fuck his inherent pride for he is willing to abandon it just to see his wife linger by his side.

"Thank you, Your Majesty. This wife is grateful for your utmost care". Rachel kisses him on the cheek.

"Oh, and my husband is very handsome tonight. Your royal attire is stunning". Sebastian was in a daze until Rachel pinched his waist to wake him up. She then clasps his hand to head out of the room.

The arrival of the Astrid couple causes a lively commotion in the Carlyle palace. Their grand entrance made the people gasp in admiration. The most beautiful beings are walking with their crowns portraying their dominance over their subjects.

"Bow your heads, the Duke and Duchess of Astrid is entering". The dazzling couple walk in confidence and approached the King and Crown Prince in the center of the palace.

"We greet the King and Crown Prince of Carlyle." The couple nod in unison.

"Be at ease, Your Majesties. This King would like to congratulate you on your wedding". King Joseph observes the couple especially the Duchess while he nudges the Crown Prince to give his greetings.

"My sincere wishes to his Majesties, the Duke and Duchess of Astrid". Hugo performs his ceremonial bow while Sebastian just nodded his head and seemed to be bored by the long greetings.

"We accept the greetings and acknowledge the banquet ball preparation". Sebastian dismissed the awkward exchanged greetings and made his signal to the King to start the ball.

"Of course, I hereby open the banquet ball in honor to the Duke and Duchess of Astrid". King Joseph announces while being startled of Sebastian's behavior.

The ducal couple opened the ball by performing a royal dance. Hugo clenches his fist for he was greeted by Sebastian's indifference. Even his father notices the shift in his attitude. The odd thing was that Sebastian didn't seem to care that Ara, the Crown Princess, wasn't there to welcome him. He seemed to be bored of just talking to them while giving all his attention to Rachel. The witch must have done something to get inside Sebastian's head.

As he had noticed, Rachel's expression shows apathy. It's as if a stranger is staring at him, with no indication of her former affection.

'What? Did she just brush me off? Hah! She thinks so highly of herself now because she gained the Duchess Astrid status?'

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Author's note: See below Rachel's and Sebastian's banquet outfits. (all photos used are taken from Pinterest, all rights to the owner)