Dragged Into Another World By The Obsessive Villain

King Alaric Isyndor XIII sat on his throne with a smile plastered across his face that didn't meet his eyes. He was dressed in fine silks, emeralds glinting at his throat. Atop his glittering blonde hair, he wore a crown inlaid with all kinds of rare jewels. He looked almost nothing like Caspian, save for the shared sharpness in their features and the same piercing silver eyes. 

"Caspian," King Alaric greeted, his sanguine smile unwavering. "Welcome, brother. I see you've brought a… guest." His gaze flicked inquisitively to Elara, who curtsied immediately in response, thanking her lucky stars for watching and participating with that etiquette of the Regency-era video she'd found years ago.

"Your Majesty," Caspian replied, inclining his head just enough to be respectful but not so much that it looked subservient. "I trust you have been well."

"Of course, brother, though I thank you for the sentiment," the king replied. "Though I must say, I was surprised to hear you brought a woman with you. The rumors have been spreading through the capital like wildfire. I thought, surely, they must be mere rumors, considering you tend to err more to the side of caution given your… reputation." He leaned back, a smile tugging at the corner of his lips as if they shared a private joke.

Caspian's jaw clenched, but his expression remained perfectly neutral. "It's a testament to what a wonderous woman Elara is that she could capture the affections of a lacking man such as myself."

The king's smile faltered for a split second, his gaze watching Elara with incredible scrutiny before it widened, teeth flashing like a predator's. "Yes, of course. How wonderful you have found someone befitting of your status." Caspian stiffened at his words, but the king turned his attention to her. "Elara, is it? I hope you will take care of my younger brother well. His talents have always been best used in service of the crown, but I've long hoped he would settle down and find a woman of his own."

The words were said with such saccharine kindness that Elara's stomach twisted. He behaved exactly as he did in the novel—a master of veiled insults, smiling while twisting the knife. Though his words seemed kind enough on the surface, it was clear what he was implying: Caspian was Isyndor's dog, and Elara, a woman of possibly low origins completely untethered to this world, was the only one who could match Caspian's lowly origins because he could never be worthy of Lyanna Orinthal. She couldn't help but glance at Caspian, searching his face for a sign of how he was taking it.

But Elara only dipped her head respectfully. "After learning of Caspian's vast achievements during the war with Eldarwyn, I've admired him. I believe it is through the achievements of both brothers that Isyndor has come to enjoy such peace."

King Alaric stared down at her, seemingly thrown off, then he cleared his throat. "Indeed. What a quick-witted woman you've brought with you, brother."

"She's a wonder, to be sure."

"Your intended is quite right, we are ever fortunate to have such a dutiful Grand Duke," King Alaric said lightly. He rose from his throne, spreading his arms as if to embrace them both. "Come, let us not stand on ceremony. There is much to discuss, and I would hate to keep you from your duties any longer than necessary. Settle in, get comfortable. We'll talk tonight over dinner. The kitchens will prepare the largest of feasts for you and your intended. Lyanna would love to see you as well."

Caspian's smile was thin, as if he had tasted something bitter but was too well-mannered to spit it out. "How gracious of you, Alaric. It has been far too long since we shared a table," he replied smoothly.

"Far too long, indeed," King Alaric agreed, stepping down from the dais with a casual, predatory grace. He moved like a man who owned not only the room but the people in it, as though they were pieces on his personal game board. His robes whispered against the marble floor, the sound almost soothing if not for the unsettling gleam in his eyes. He approached Caspian first, clasping his brother's shoulder with a familiarity that seemed to ache with unspoken history. "I've missed these little reunions. You're always off brooding in Chirondale, hiding away your brilliance."

Caspian met his gaze unflinchingly, the corner of his mouth curving in a semblance of a smile. "Chirondale requires my attention," he said. "Even with the borders we've secured to keep the monsters out, some of them still like to gather around the borders in large numbers. It could be catastrophic for my people if the border falls and I'm not around to protect them."

King Alaric's laugh was a touch too loud, echoing across the throne room like a taunt. "Ah, yes, always the diligent steward. I can hardly fault you for it. You've turned that wild land into something of a jewel, haven't you?"

Elara's heart pounded in her chest. Here it was—the subtle dance of words she had read about, the dangerous undercurrent she had only imagined. She felt the weight of the room pressing down on her like she was a character in one of her Regency dramas but with far higher stakes. She forced herself to breathe, to keep her face composed as the king turned his sharp gaze back to her.

"And you, Elara," King Alaric said, his voice softer now, almost conspiratorial. He moved to stand before her slowly, like a wolf inspecting prey, his smile never wavered. "You must tell me, for I am so frightfully curious, how does a woman of such… remarkable perception find herself entwined with my elusive brother? It must be quite the story."

Elara felt the urge to shrink under his gaze but steeled herself, meeting his eyes directly despite the pounding of her pulse. "By now, I'm sure Your Majesty is well aware I'm what your people refer to as an Otherworlder. His Grace found me at the border of Chirondale, and he rushed in to save me before I could be killed by a horde of goblins. I was quite taken with him right away. The Grand Duke has a way of inspiring loyalty, Your Majesty. His loyalty to his people is really something. It's rare to meet someone so wholly dedicated to their people. I was moved by his devotion."

For a fleeting moment, King Alaric's expression hardened, but when Elara blinked, it was gone. "Ah, yes. Devotion," he echoed, his tone thick with something unspoken. "It's a quality that runs in the Isyndorian blood. For without utter devotion, there can be no respect. We are both devoted to the good of Isyndor. We would die for her if necessary, would we not, brother."

"I would give my life for the people of Isyndor," was all Caspian said by way of a reply.

"Of course, of course," King Alaric replied breezily. "And I do so enjoy seeing your passion for Isyndor, Caspian. But tonight, we will leave matters of state aside. Tonight, we celebrate." He turned to the haughty butler and the group of the servants standing by the door. "Make sure the finest wines are brought up from the cellars. I want the feast to be unforgettable."

"As you wish, Your Majesty," the butler replied, bowing low.

⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂⠁⠁⠂⠄⠄⠂☆

The moment the grand double doors shut behind them, the tension in Caspian's shoulders seemed to bleed away. He exhaled slowly, pinching the bridge of his nose between his thumb and forefinger. "You handled that well."

Elara managed a tight smile. "I've had some practice with difficult conversations." And wasn't that the truth? Years of maneuvering around her boss's microaggressions and her coworkers' subtle jabs had given her some experience, but at the same time, King Alaric was an entirely different beast.

The butler from earlier came from the throne room a few seconds later and gestured for them to follow him. "This way, Your Grace," he said, bowing his head. "I will take you both to your quarters. His Majesty has arranged for you to stay in the east wing."

Elara knew of that from the novel. The east wing was for the most esteemed guests in the palace. It also doubled to make it easier for the king and Lyanna to keep a particularly close eye on said guests. She followed in silence, stealing glances at Caspian's unreadable expression as they made their way down the winding marble halls.

The palace was a work of art. Lavish tapestries depicting heroic battles adorned the walls, and the ceiling stretched high above them, painted in golds and blues that shimmered in the afternoon light pouring through stained glass windows. It made The Azure Crown look quaint in comparison.

"Here we are," the butler announced, coming to a stop before a set of intricately carved doors. He pushed them open with a bow, revealing a suite so extravagant Elara had to remind herself not to gape.

The room was enormous. Plush carpets in deep reds and golds covered the floor, leading up to a four-poster bed draped in rich silks. The windows overlooked a sprawling garden, the sunlight filtering in and casting a warm, inviting glow on the gilded furniture. The air smelled faintly of lavender and jasmine like the entire room had been scented for their arrival. It was the kind of luxury she had only seen in period dramas, and even then, nothing quite did it justice.

The butler cleared his throat softly as if to remind them he was still present. "If there's anything you require, please do not hesitate to call for me. The dinner tonight will commence at sunset, but until then, you are free to rest or explore the palace grounds. His Majesty has ensured that your every comfort is seen to."

Caspian nodded his thanks, and when the butler was gone, silence fell between them, thick and heavy. He stepped over to the window, staring out at the gardens below. The golden light played over his features, making his silver irises turn to liquid.

"How are you feeling?" she asked hesitantly. "About all of this?"

His back was to her, so she couldn't see his face, but she could see his shoulders stiffen. "About as well as to be expected, I suppose. I've never been all too fond of this place. I'm even less fond of it now that I know the queen is plotting against me."

A pang of unease flooded through her at the mention of Lyanna. She would finally meet her tonight when dinner was served and her stomach was a labyrinth of knots. Part of her was excited at the prospect of seeing the heroine of the series she'd loved for four years with her own eyes. The other part of her was nervous at the inquisition Lyanna Orinthal would surely put her through.

Caspian turned then, meeting her eyes. His expression was more guarded than she had ever seen it, as though he was sealing himself off from whatever turmoil brewed beneath the surface. "For as long as I have known Lyanna, she was always suspecting something, Elara. It's the reason she was able to win over the competition and become queen despite the Orinthal house's recent reputation. With you here, I imagine she will have even more reason to."

"Makes sense. In the novel, Lyanna was always wary of anyone you brought close."

He crossed the room to her in a few long strides, reaching for her hand. The sudden contact startled her, but she didn't pull away. His grip was firm but not harsh, like he was trying to anchor himself. "You're about to step into a viper's nest. She will test you, push you, see if you bend or break. Elara, if you don't want to go in there, if you want to wait until Valtren's Bounty Hunt this weekend, I will ensure no one bothers you. I'll keep you hidden away until you're ready."

Elara squeezed his hand back, her resolve hardening. "I know her tactics, and I know what she's capable of. It's okay. I came here expecting all of this. I'm not scared. Nervous, yes, but not scared."

"It may not be my place to say this considering I'm the one who brought you here, but I'm worried about you. I know you know Lyanna's character. Most likely, you understand her better than me. But knowing is not the same as living it."