“No answer for me!”
Standing before the Lucienne family, I let my gaze fall on Camilla. The tremors in her hands and the pallor of her face were delightful. She could barely stand under the weight of my attention, though it was her growing belly that intrigued me. Her secret was no longer hers to keep, but why ruin the fun by exposing it outright
“I understand the healer has offered to check on your condition.” I said, my tone silky smooth. “But as your king. I wish to show my concern for you, young lady”
Camilla’s trembling intensified, her lips parted as if to speak, though no words came out. It was predictable. Before she could fall apart, Dominic stepped in, protecting her with his body.
“The Ravenhold flock has a great healer,” he said hurriedly, almost like a mutt hissing. “Camilla’s health is already well taken care of.”
Oh, how deliciously defensive he was. I suppressed a smirk, nodding as if his pathetic excuse had satisfied me.
“That’s great to hear,” I said, my gaze returning to Camilla’s stomach. I could see her pulse standing out in her throat, her fear almost tangible.
“But remember, my offer still holds”
Nathaniel interjected and it made my irritation boil over. That insolent attitude would one day be paid for with his head. A gutter rat
“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. Your grace will always be remembered by us.”
I waved my hand dismissively. “No big deal.”
The beautiful blonde stood rigidly in her place. I almost wanted to feel bad for her. She was so close to me but I couldn’t reach her. I laughed inwardly. I was a king, and who cared what I would do!
I will get what I want. So, I approached the woman and she gasped in surprise. I stretched out my hand to her.
“I am still honored by your kindness since the first day I came here, Luna, You welcomed me warmly and took care of a king’s needs.
The lie slipped easily from my lips as it always did. I let a smile touch my face.
“And I m deeply saddened that I didn’t take as much care of you as I should have done. Will you forgive me?”
Ruby looked at me through her lashes, and smiled:
“It’s my duty as a good house master, Your Highness. She took my hand and I had a sudden urge to pull that woman in and then lock her up in my room. “There is nothing to forgive. How about the banquet, Your Majesty?”
“Ah, right. We are almost lote.”
I gently pulled the woman by my side, my hands moving to her hips with ease. I ignored all the shock from the insignificant audience.
Turning towards the banquet hall and looking at it for a moment, I added casually, “It’s impressive, how much you care for your little sister–in–law, Dominic. I really do. I imagine a lot of people out there envy Camilla for having someone so caring
“Don’t you agree, Luna Ruby?” I asked sofily
The satisfaction of seeing the tension in Dominic’s jaw was enough to get me to the luncheon with a smirk on my lips. Meanwhile, my hand didn’t leave Ruby’s
The banquet hall was filled with the aroma of grilled meat and freshly baked bread, but the food did not appeal to me. My focus repeatedly shified to my latest attraction.
Ruby sat a few places to my left, her posture as rigid as it had been earlier but now more subdued. I appreciated her efforts to appear unaffected, desplie the occasional flicker of her eyes that showed her turmoil. How delightful it was to watch her act tough when I knew the depths of her despair. It made her all the more endearing
And I was her only hope. How sweet that was,
As the banquet passed, I leaned back in my chair, my gaze fixed on the gutter rat.
1/2
Chapter 21
“Tomorrow is my last day here” My voice broke the
“And my wishes remain unchanged.”
The room suddenly became silent. Nathaniel, ever the wimp, forced a smile that could not hide his fear.
“Your Highness,” he began, his voice trembling slightly, “although we appreciate your visit, this heirloom is a family treasure. I’m afraid we cannot part with it.”
I ulted my head, observing him as if he were an insect wriggling underfoot.
“I understand, my old friend. However, you know how much I need that stuff.”
The man swallowed and turned pale. “And I beg your mercy, Your Majesty. But we stand by our decision.”
Dominic, the fool, chose that moment to voice his outrage.
“We will not hand it over”
“Then I terminated the Ravenhold l’ack’s right of protection from the agreement,” 1 declared
He stood up
I up bravely. At his side, flanked by a pair of sisters. “This pack has stood strong without bowing to anyone, and will continue to do so.”
Ah, the courage of an insecure Alpha. I allowed myself to chuckle, letting that voice echo in the tense atmosphere,
“Strong“” I repeated with amusement. “Dominic, your strength‘ is admirable. It really is. But perhaps you misunderstood my offer.”
I leaned forward, my crimson eyes locking on those idiot eyes.
“Without my protection, the Ravenhold Herd will be in quite a precarious position. Did your father–in–law not tell you, Alpha Dominic?”
The entire gaze of the table’s occupants was fixed on Nathaniel I smiled. My quiet threat still hung in the air, and I enjoyed the way Dominic’s face contorted with anger. He slammed his fist down on the table, then pointed an index finger at me.
*You are nothing but a tyrant!” he roared.
His outburst of anger made me smile. Beta Leonidas was ready to give the man the death penalty but I held up my hand, telling him to sit again.
I feigned surprise, then made a sorrowful face to add a touch of melancholy to this current nauseating drama.
“How unkind of you to say such a thing. I prefer to think of myself as a necessary force for order.”
The room was silent except for the sound of Dominic’s heavy breathing. Ruby’s gaze darted between us.
“Now, now,” I said, accompanied by a soft tap on the table. “Let us not ruin a fine meal with something unpleasant. After all, tomorrow is another day. Maybe by then, you’ll understand.”
Dominic glared as me, his clenched, but he dared not challenge me further. Satisfied, turned my attention back to Ruby, my smile softening slightly.
“Do you have something to say. Luna? I can see your mental turmoil”
I didn’t expect that statement to be spilled over the dining table right now. In front of all these people.
*I am willing to give the heirloom to y
you,
Your Highness.”
