Slowly, the slender figure walked out of the darkness into the dim light, revealing her picturesque self.
Her icy blue hair was tied up in a tight ponytail, while her well trimmed bangs with two longer strands on each side perfectly framed her peerless face.
She was tall and slender but curvy with the right proportions. Her breasts weren't what you'd call small or average, they were big. But they fitted her perfectly with her matching backside that complimented her figure.
Unlike Koul's other wives that adorned themselves in simple but soft garments that highlighted their femininity, she was clad in combat-ready attire.
An icy blue gown with intricate designs, silky and elegant with a tight corset bodice that laced up the front. The dress had long, puffy sleeves that were fitted down to her wrist, and a high collar that opens at the chest, revealing a lacy inner layer and the top of her glossy cleavage.
The fabric was shiny and smooth, almost glowing in the light. A high slit was at one side, revealing a glimpse of her thigh and a white garter strap.
A glowing blue gem hung from the high collar that wrapped around her neck, and her long flowing hair matched the icy color of her outfit.
Even her sandals were ice blue. Their ropes snaking over her legs, strapped tightly.
Her eyes were cold, gleaming with the same icy blue but devoid of any emotion. Her face was stern, standing rigid as she gazed straight ahead.
By her waist was strapped a black sword, the only color differing in her ice queen appearance. She glowed in the dimness, appearing like an angel.
But was she?
Who's she? Koul thought, huffing softly as life drained from him. He couldn't lift his body nor tilt his head to look. Only her voice faintly drifted into his ears as his consciousness slipped away.
The girl standing behind Armin staggered backward, trembling at the sight of the woman that just came in. Cold sweat started beading her features, panic shooting through her and causing her to start biting her nails.
But she tried to maintain her composure.
The lady with the icy appearance stepped forward toward Armin. She lifted her hand, touching the hilt of her sword like she was about to draw it.
"You did say you'd kill him just now, did you not?" She asked quietly as if trying to confirm what her own ears had heard.
"No no, wait Arista!" Another voice rang from the darkness behind them. But unlike the first, it was warm and light.
Another girl emerged from the shadows. A bit short compared to the one with the icy appearance but not lacking in beauty.
Where the first one exuded a beauty of ice, she radiated warmth. She was more curvy, her skin light rather than pale.
Her light brown hair was short, swaying softly just below her neck. Compared to Arista who wore combat easy garments, she was adorned in clothings befitting of a queen.
A luxurious but simple gown that accentuated her shape. Nestling her head softly was a flowery garland like a crown. Her eyes beamed with life, her cheeks fluffy with a light blush.
Another one?
"You didn't hear it right, Arista," she continued, pointing softly. "He definitely did not say he would kill our husband," she protested confidently, drawing everyone's attention.
"I mean, no one would dare try to kill him," she shifted her gaze to Armin. "He's a king. Who in their right mind would? Killing him is the same as starting a war. No matter how foolish or loathed he may be, there are people who wouldn't let it go because it would be seen as cowardice from our side. And they wouldn't want the kingdom to look like that."
"Right? Omaya?" She turned to the darkness, asking the figure slowly emerging from it.
This one was taller than the second but not the first. Her poise was fitting, her aura not exactly cold or warm, just neutral.
Her black, silky hair with curtain bangs cascaded down her back, reaching the length of her waist. Just like the first, she was clad in easy garments that could be used in combat.
Just that hers were more fitting for long distant combat. A blue- grey flowing, semi pleated traditional skirt almost reaching her ankles. Tucked over a white traditional cloth with simple designs. The sleeves were long enough to cover her hands, cut just below the shoulders to add a stylish touch.
A blue grey belt cinched the waist tightly. She was busty like the other two and not in any way lacking in beauty.
She appeared a bit reserved, but warmer if conpared to the first.
Although Koul couldn't see them as they were behind him, he could faintly hear them.
Just how many are they? Huff~ Have they come to save me? Can they save me? I just… just—
Koul's consciousness slipped away totally, making him slump forward harder and making the guards exert more strength to keep him kneeling.
"No, you're the one that's wrong, Seira," the newly emerged lady said. "He did say he will kill our husband. You need to get your ears checked."
"Ahan?! Is that so?" The short one, known as Seira, tilted her head in question, her index finger pressing softly against her lips.
"Then its okay Arista," she turned to the first one. The icy looking lady known as Arista. "You can continue with whatever you were about to do as you did hear him right. My bad, tee-hee!" She gently knocked herself in the head.
Armin stood perplexed, lost in their grace and sweet fragrance that overtook the place for the moment till he broke away.
"Who are you guys?" He asked, scrutinizing them with lustful eyes. "More of Koul's slaves? How about you all come to me after I'm done with this bastard, huh? I'll definitely treat you all better and not let your beauties go to waste," he grinned with pride.
Arista maintained eye contact briefly with him before walking past him, ignoring him.
Armin's face heated up in embarrassment and anger. He turned swiftly, fuming.
"How dare?! You should be happy I decided to look your way and take you in. Granting freedom to ugly slaves like you won't earn me any benefits. I decided to take it upon myself to finally end this good for nothing king that even you all are ashamed to have and yet, this is how you look at me? With disdain as if I'm a mere fly? Even this scum you call king wouldn't dare gaze at me with such expression!"
He fumed, ranting nonstop.
Arista simply stood before him, gazing with quiet contempt. Although Armin had long since crossed his boundaries and deserved to be punished, Arista hadn't forgotten who he was.
A prince to a neighboring kingdom. Any wrong move would result in a war. She knew this, hence she had to act with a calm mind.
Not that she's ever acted with a hot head in any situation.
"What even is your kingdom compared to ours? What has having a scumbag like him contributed? Him, the people, all of you, are mere ants before us. And you said what? A war would start if I do you all a favor and end the plague of your country? Surely, you jest!"
Met with such vulgar insults, Arista calmly walked past Armin again. She walked to one of the guards standing behind Armin. The one whose arm had been cleaved the other day.
Although tall, the guard stood taller than her. She stood still before him like a statue, not a word, silent.
Confused by her actions, everyone could only stare in silent.
Then—
FIAM!
Her sword sliced at the air….. or not.
The head of Armin's guard came tumbling across the ground, but before it could roll further away, Arista stomped on it, seizing it in place beneath her foot.
"Continue," she egged in her cold voice that stirred an eerie chill within one's cord. "Insults are like music to my ears, they stir my core."
She smiled eerily, tilting her head to stare at Armin with eyes alight with fearless thrill.