---- 291.


    CLASH OF KINGDOMS NARRATOR Valeria nced around nervously as they walked through the passage.


    She trusted her daughter, but the negative energy in the mist surrounding them made her hair stand on end.


    Aldrie squeezed her hand, sensing her unease, and quickened their pace.


    The end of this tunnel seemed close.


    Valeria imagined they might emerge at the battlefield, near the ruins of the Selenian gate.


    Though everything had been left in shambles after the explosion that destroyed the sealpletely, there shouldn''t be anything left o-Fight? She heard Sigrids sharp gasp of astonishment ahead of them.


    A bright light flooded their eyes, and her longshes fluttered as she struggled to believe what she was seeing.


    They had emerged onto an open in.


    Right now, they stood atop ahill covered in soft green grass, swaying wildflowers dancing with the wind, Where was this ce? And more importantly...


    who were all those armed people waiting for them? Aldric tensed.


    Was this an ambush after all? ---- His gaze locked onto Sigrid, his hold on Valeria''s waist tightening, already calcting the possibility of grabbing them and making a quick escape.


    Both sides stood frozen, staring at each other, unsure of what to do, until the sharp neigh of a horse shattered the silence.


    "Dont be afraid, they''re my people," Ss whispered to Sigrid, who was also in shock.


    All these soldiers...


    were they Elementals? Had Ss kept them hidden inside his prison all this time? Baltazar dismounted from his horse, his gaze fixed on the man standing just a few meters awaytinum hair, sharp features, gleaming armor, and an intimidating presence.


    There was no doubt.


    That was their King.


    He walked forward, followed closely by his general, who didn''t fully understand the situation but followed orders without question.


    When he reached a meter away, Baltazar bent down onto one knee before Ss.


    "Your Majesty, itis an honor to be in your presence.


    Your subjects await yourmand." At the sight of the Regentthe highest authority beneath the King kneeling, everyone immediately understood.


    The imposing man in ck armor was indeed their King.


    Like dominoes, one by one, the soldiers dropped to their knees.


    ---- The dukes and nobles dismounted from their horses and followed the Regent''s example.


    Sigrid didnt understand any of itthis was.


    too overwhelming.


    Aldric and Valeria were even more confused.


    stand up.


    Such formalities arent necessary," Ss said coldly.


    As always, his personality was rigid.


    These people had named him their King, just as the supernatural beings had once given him the title King of the Specters.


    He didnt care about those titles.


    He only wanted to be Ss Sigrids mate, "Your Majesty, Ihave the army ready.


    The civilians are safe, we" "Its not necessary.


    There will be no war.


    I have already settled the matter," Ss interrupted.


    Baltazar was caught off guard, daring to lift his gaze, quickly ncing at Sigrid.


    She was young and beautiful.


    Even in that radiant golden armor, she looked heroic.


    But something about her unsettled himshe didnt seem like an Elemental.


    Baltazar could feel the loathsome supernatural power seeping from her.


    She is my woman," Ss dered firmly, ignoring the irritated huff behind him, "she is the Selenian princess." Baltazar lips pressed into a thin line.