LightReader

Chapter 21 - chapter 21The Night He Claimed Her

Nikita's enchanting gaze and royal pleading were enough to leave even a mighty ruler like King Kyren with no way out—his deep sigh made that clear. Breaking the silence inside the chamber, Nikita finally voiced the hidden desire of her heart.

A Secret Wish to Go Outside

Rubbing her face gently against the king's well-built chest, Nikita whispered softly,

"Listen, Kyren… your vast palace, your six black wings, and your sky-touching grandeur—I love all of it. But tonight, under this moonlight, I feel terribly suffocated. Come on, let's secretly cross the palace boundary and go somewhere together, just the two of us."

King Kyren lifted Nikita's chin in surprise.

"Outside? At this hour? Don't you know how dangerous it is beyond the palace walls? And these wings of mine… it's impossible to stay hidden."

Nikita lightly pinched his stomach and laughed.

"Oh please, you're the king! Can't you use a little magic to change your form? Tonight, I just want you—without guards, without royal thunder—just my 'Kyren.' See that small river at the foot of the distant hills? Let's go there."

The King's Magical Consent

Defeated by Nikita's stubborn charm, the king smiled. His pale, cat-like eyes gleamed.

Transformation: In a blink, the king made his massive wings disappear into his body. His royal attire shifted into a simple black cloak.

Nikita's Attire: With a snap of his fingers, Nikita's thin shawl transformed into a beautiful silken dress, emitting a soft blue glow even in the darkness.

The Secret Path: Drawing a symbol in the air, the king opened a hidden door in the wall, leading straight into the dense forest behind the palace.

Deceiving the guards, they slipped out. Laughing with delight, Nikita grabbed the king's hand and ran along the forest path.

Eerie Excitement

Deep in the forest, owl hoots and cricket sounds startled Nikita now and then. But whenever the king's strong arm wrapped around her waist, all her fear vanished instantly.

The Locket's Signal

The locket around Nikita's neck glowed deep blue, as if it too was savoring this taste of freedom.

By the riverbank, the king seated Nikita on a stone. Gazing at the moon's reflection in the water, she was mesmerized. Hugging her from behind, the king whispered,

"You're quite something, Nikita. Tonight, you turned a king into a common thief and dragged him outside the palace. Now tell me—what reward will you give this 'old man'?"

Nikita laughed and turned toward him.

When King Kyren and Nikita stepped beyond the palace through the secret passage, the outside world felt completely different. The rigid rules and solemn atmosphere of the palace gave way to wild freedom.

King and Nikita in the Night Forest

Silver moonlight shimmered all around. Casting aside his royal gravity, King Kyren held Nikita's hand tightly. She wanted to run freely like a butterfly, her sky-blue hair fluttering in the cool night breeze.

The King's Disguise: Though his six black wings were hidden, a powerful aura radiated from him. He formed an invisible protective barrier so no wild beast or enemy could approach.

Nikita's Mischief: Suddenly stopping in front of him, Nikita teasingly touched his chin.

"What's wrong, Your Majesty? Are your legs shaking without the guards?"

The king smirked and pulled her against his chest. His pale eyes glowed in the dark.

"I'm not afraid, Nikita. I'm amazed—where does this girl find the courage to make even death dance like a puppet?"

A Magical Moment

At the hilltop overlooking the valley, the king presented her with an extraordinary gift.

The Moonlight Flower: Catching moonlight in his palm, he shaped it into a glowing blue flower and tucked it behind her ear.

The Locket's Response: The locket glowed brighter, as if conversing with the flower.

A Dark Turn

Suddenly, a chilling sound echoed from the forest below. Perhaps an ancient guardian or spirit sensed the king was disguised. Frightened, Nikita clung to his bare chest.

They soon entered a shadowy garden—beautiful yet lifeless.

An Unexpected Encounter

A hazy light appeared. Letting go of the king's hand, Nikita approached it. A small boy sat there, eyes hollow, clothes torn, cold air emanating from him.

"Who are you, little one? What are you doing here alone at night?" Nikita asked gently.

The boy didn't respond. As she stepped closer, his eyes turned red and a twisted smile formed.

The Terrifying Moment

In a flash, an invisible force split the boy in two. Nikita screamed. Blood splattered onto her face and dress.

Turning back in terror, she saw King Kyren—his eyes blood-red, his hidden wings raging with fury.

"That was no child," the king growled.

"It was the spirit of a witch's son. One touch and it would have drained your life."

The locket trembled, its blue light fading. When the king placed his hand on her forehead, she calmed slightly—but her body still shook.

The King's Burning Embrace

Pulling her tightly against his warm chest, he cradled her.

"Calm down. As long as I'm here, no dark force will touch you."

Her trembling eased as she listened to his heartbeat.

Magical Purification

Seeing blood on her, the king lifted her chin. Golden light flowed from his eyes. With a touch, all blood and filth vanished.

"I told you—darkness isn't for you. You are my locket, to be hidden from the world."

Nikita clung to him silently, her locket glowing softly again.

His Desperation

Unable to bear her sobs, the king held her tighter, kissing her forehead.

"I'm here. It's over."

He gently erased the horrific memories from her mind with his power. Exhausted, Nikita fell asleep in his arms.

Return to the Palace

Spreading his six black wings, the king carried her into the sky.

The wind, the clouds, his arms—everything soothed her. The locket pulsed in rhythm with his heart.

Three Months Later — The Royal Wedding

The palace glowed with light. Today was the wedding of King Kyren and Nikita.

Nikita in Red

Dressed in a royal red lehenga adorned with gold and diamonds, she looked ethereal. Her blue hair cascaded like waves beneath her veil. The blue locket shone brighter than ever.

The King's Admiration

Kyren entered, dressed in black and gold, stunned by her beauty.

"Three months ago, you cried at the sight of red blood. Today, in red attire, you steal my breath."

A New Vow

"From today, you are the queen of this empire," he said.

"These six wings exist only to protect you."

The Royal Procession

Thousands of lamps lit the corridors. Guests watched in awe as Nikita walked toward the throne.

Taking her hand, the king whispered,

"My empire is nothing compared to your smile."

Toward the Bridal Chamber

After the ceremony, Kyren lifted Nikita into his arms.

"Everyone's watching!" she gasped.

"Let them," he laughed. "I know how to carry my queen."

The bridal chamber was decorated in Korean tradition—soft mats, a low wooden table (soban), traditional snacks and drinks glowing under candlelight.

Resting her head on his chest, Nikita wondered—

Did that secret night outside the palace lead to this beautiful destiny?Nikita and King Kyren are seated facing each other. Nikita's red attire has now transformed into a traditional Korean Hanbok-style red bridal dress, with golden thread embroidery adorning its sleeves. In her hair, she wears an expensive jeweled Binyeo (traditional Korean hairpin).

1. Snacks on the Table

On the table are beautifully arranged colorful Songpyeon (rice cakes), Yakgwa (honey biscuits), and a pot of warm Omija tea. The snacks are arranged so artistically that they look like works of art.

2. Curious Relatives

Peeking from behind the door and near the windows are curious relatives and maids. According to Korean tradition, elders of the family secretly watch the bride and groom's first shared meal on their wedding night and take joy in it. They whisper among themselves,

"Look, look—how calm the king looks today!"

Nikita's Shyness and the King's Playfulness

Just as Nikita picked up a small sweet to eat, she noticed the shadow of one of the king's relatives by the window. Embarrassed, she lowered her hand.

Nikita (whispering):

"Kyren, everyone is watching us from outside! I can't eat like this."

King Kyren (smiling):

Adjusting his long robe, he moved closer to Nikita, quickly picked up a sweet, and held it to her lips.

"It's the relatives' job to watch, and it's my job to feed you. No one can ruin our nimita—our special moment."

Nikita finally gave in to his insistence. As she took the sweet into her mouth, the king gently pinched her cheek with his large hand. Outside, the relatives burst into laughter together, making Nikita blush even more.

The Mysterious Glow of the Locket

In that magical light, the blue locket around Nikita's neck and the candlelight on the table together created an enchanting atmosphere. Leaning close to her ear, King Kyren whispered,

"You know, Nikita, tonight in this red Hanbok, you look exactly like a Moonlight Flower."

Nikita smiled at him. Wrapped in Korean tradition and the king's love, she felt like a princess from a dream.

As Nikita shyly shared the traditional sweets with the king, Kyren suddenly held her hand. There was a new depth in his eyes.

King Kyren (in a low voice):

"Enough of royal rules and watchful relatives. Come—I want to show you something no one in this world has ever seen."

On the Palace Rooftop Under Moonlight

The king brought Nikita to the highest rooftop of the palace. Above them hung a massive full moon, and below, the entire city glittered with lamps. Absolute silence surrounded them, broken only by the soft whisper of the wind.

Nikita stared at the king in awe. She knew about his six black wings—she had seen them before—but tonight, something about him was different.

The Revelation of the King's White Wings

Suddenly, a blinding light burst from the king's back. Nikita covered her eyes in shock. When she looked again, she was stunned beyond words.

White Wings:

Instead of the familiar black wings, a pair of enormous, snow-white wings had emerged. A soft silvery glow radiated from them, casting a magical reflection over Nikita's red attire.

The King's Form:

With these white wings, Kyren no longer looked like a ruthless ruler, but like a heavenly guardian—an angelic protector.

Nikita (astonished):

"Kyren… your white wings! I never knew you had such power!"

King Kyren (smiling gently as he approached):

"Just as there is darkness within me, there is light as well. These white wings symbolize purity and absolute love. Today, you became my other half—so today, I reveal this form to you."

Flight into the Sky

The king wrapped Nikita in his white wings. The feathers felt soft as cotton. At their touch, all her fatigue and fear vanished instantly.

Lifting her into his arms, Kyren leapt into the sky. Against the full moon, he flew with Nikita—leaving behind the palace, the relatives, and all worldly rules.

Nikita's blue locket now merged with the glow of the king's wings, shining a breathtaking purple. Resting her head on his chest, she reached toward the stars. From this moment on, they were not just king and queen—they were part of an eternal cosmic story.

Suspended in the quiet sky among moon and stars, King Kyren suddenly hovered in place. His vast white wings fluttered gently, as if bearing witness to the moment.

The Magical Kiss

As Nikita gazed at the city lights glowing like fireflies below, the king pulled her closer. Her sky-blue hair blended with the whiteness of his wings.

Slowly, tenderly, Kyren leaned down and placed a deep, love-filled kiss upon her lips.

Though Nikita was startled for a moment, she soon wrapped her arms around his neck. That kiss spoke a thousand words—fearless, built on absolute trust.

Nikita's Enchanting Laughter

When the king pulled away, Nikita burst into laughter instead of hiding her face. Even the stars seemed to tremble at the sound.

Nikita (laughing):

"Your Majesty, you're not inexperienced at all! White wings, floating in the sky, and kissing— is this part of your secret magic?"

King Kyren laughed heartily, rubbing his nose against hers.

"This isn't magic, Nikita. It's my heart pulling me toward you. These wings beat only to hear your laughter."

The Locket's Brilliance

Touched by her laughter and his love, the blue locket shone so brightly it seemed to laugh with them. Its glow played with the light on his white wings in dazzling colors.

With a powerful flap, the king rose higher and settled with Nikita upon a floating cloud. She was still smiling, a tear of joy shimmering in her eyes. Dressed in her red Hanbok, she looked like the happiest princess of any fairytale.

Nikita's Blue Wings Awaken

As Kyren flew with her across the clouds, something unbelievable happened. A strange blue aura radiated from Nikita.

Laughing, she stepped slightly away from his chest. Suddenly, four radiant, translucent blue wings, shaped like butterfly wings, emerged from her back. Blue diamond-like particles shimmered from them.

The King's Shock:

Kyren stared in disbelief. He knew Nikita was no ordinary human—but wings of her own were beyond imagination.

Nikita's Power:

Her four blue wings blended with her sky-blue hair, making her look like a goddess from another realm. Red Hanbok and blue wings—an otherworldly contrast.

Nikita (smiling):

"What is it, Your Majesty? Do only you get wings? I never said I was just an ordinary girl. I hid this power for three months—waiting for this special night."

The Dance of the Skies

Kyren laughed even louder and flew closer. Now, both of them soared freely.

Placing one hand on her waist and holding her hand with the other, they began a magnificent dance in the sky. His massive white wings and her four playful blue wings moved as one.

King Kyren:

"You amaze me every moment. From today, the sky isn't just mine—it's ours. Your blue wings complete my white ones."

The Locket's Secret Revealed

The locket burned bright blue. It was revealed that the locket had been protecting Nikita's dormant wing power all along. Only when she felt the king's true love did her wings awaken.

Floating over the clouds, they rested their foreheads together, gazing into each other's eyes. The world slept below, while above unfolded a celebration of love between a king and a winged fairy.

The Blue Cherry Blossom Garden

After their flight, they descended into a hidden garden nestled within a mountain crevice, unseen by ordinary eyes.

Rows of cherry trees surrounded them—but the blossoms were not pink or white. They were deep blue, glowing softly under the moonlight.

Blue petals fell like rain, as if stars were dropping from the sky.

Nikita folded her wings and stood beneath the trees. Her red Hanbok against the blue blossoms made her look like a dream-queen.

A Loving Embrace

Kyren landed before her, blue petals settling in their hair and clothes. Pulling her close, he whispered,

"This blue cherry forest exists only for you, Nikita. Your eyes and these flowers share the same color."

The Final Moment

In the silent night, surrounded by blue blossoms, the king kissed her deeply once more. Nikita closed her eyes, sealing the moment in her heart.

After the kiss, he held her tightly. Resting her ear against his chest, she heard his racing heartbeat—matching her own.

Smiling, she murmured,

"Kyren, can I stay in this blue forest forever… under the shadow of your white wings?"

The king rested his chin gently on her head.

"Wherever you are, my kingdom begins there, my queen."

More Chapters