Chapter 2

Chapter 2

Theron remained aloof, offering no defense on my behalf as Darius mocked me.

Seeing this, I stepped in front of Theron and spoke indignantly. "Prince Darius, as the firstborn heir, my husband carries the entire future of the dragon clan on his shoulders. A pretty face is easy to find, but bearing him a mighty heir is what truly matters."

I looked Darius up and down with deliberate disdain. "You are not as capable as my husband, nor will you ever sit on the throne. Naturally, you have no need to worry about heirs and can simply amuse yourself with petty playthings."

During the ancient war, both brothers had suffered injuries to their vital cores.

That was why Theron, as the crown prince, had grown desperate for offspring.

Darius had always deferred to Theron and cared little for power, which was why my previous sacrifice had meant nothing to him.

Infuriated by my public insult, Darius snapped, "You worthless human pet, how dare you speak to me with such insolence!"

He whipped out his spiked lash, aiming directly for my face.

I darted behind Theron, clutching his sleeve in apparent terror. "Husband, I am his elder sister-in-law, yet he treats me with such utter disrespect!"

Theron's cold expression cracked, irritation flashing in his eyes.

With a harsh shove, Theron threw me straight to the ground.

"Danica, you are merely a vessel sent to breed my heirs," he barked. "Do not think you can sow discord between me and my brother."

Encouraged by Theron's reaction, Darius grinned cruelly and raised his lash once more.

Just then, my sister wrapped her arms around Darius's waist. "My sister has always been foolish, and she truly deserves a beating for her arrogance today."

"However, conceiving an heir is urgent," she added softly. "Even with her fertile body, if she is badly injured, it might ruin Prince Theron's chances..."

She glanced from the furious Darius to the silent Theron.

Offspring was Theron's greatest obsession, and the thought of delay made him snap at his brother. "Enough, Darius! Show some restraint. She is still your sister-in-law."

Without glancing back at me, Theron flicked his sleeve and walked into the grand hall.

Darius cursed under his breath, threw down his whip, and hurried inside after him.

The mockery in my sister's eyes instantly vanished, replaced by sheer heartache for me.

I subtly signaled her not to help me up, pushing myself from the cold stone floor. "Sister, for our vengeance, we must both be ruthless."

She pulled her hand back and hurried into the hall to follow Darius.

As soon as I stepped inside, a thunderous roar boomed from the throne.

"Danica! You have committed a grave offense! Kneel!"

The Dragon Sovereign glared down at me with chilling authority, having clearly heard about our dispute.

Knowing he was the ultimate power in this realm, I swallowed my pride and knelt in submission.

Seeing my obedience, the Sovereign's expression softened slightly, though his tone remained harsh. "Do not think I am blind to your schemes. If you ever cause strife between my sons again, I will have you executed."

I was forced to kneel on the icy floor for six grueling hours before we were finally dismissed.

After that incident, Theron treated me with even greater coldness.

Yet driven by his desire for an heir, he still visited my bed every single night.

I endured his harsh demeanor with absolute docility, slowly winning a shred of his favor.

Meanwhile, my sister kept Darius completely wrapped around her little finger.

One evening, I whispered to Theron, "My Lord, I heard that the Jade Nectar Herb on Mount Desolation possesses miraculous power. If taken before conception, it guarantees the birth of a supreme Golden Dragon."