Chapter 79 Jalome Flower 

Chapter 79: Jalome Flower 

Killian’s POV 

Blood dripped from the execution post, pooling beneath the two freshly severed heads that lay motionless on the ground. Their lifeless eyes remained frozen in terror, a fitting end for vile traitors. The stench of death hung heavy in the air. Nathaniel and his wife had taken their final breaths, their sins finally catching up to them. 

This should have been the pinnacle of victory, the perfect conclusion to the trial that had sentenced all four of them to death. The two remaining traitors had been shackled and enslaved in the royal labor force, though Carrilla was given an exception due to her pregnancy. I had no desire to upset Ruby. She cared too much for the unborn child. 

I exhaled sharply. Sadly, she was still unwell. 

Just the thought of her lying helpless in bed made my blood boil. She should have been here, witnessing the downfall of those who had betrayed her. Instead, she was trapped within the walls of my castle, feverish and frail, her body ravaged by something beyond my control. I hated it. 

So, I was left with no choice but to summon the one person who might be able to help. Ruby’s friend and, unfortunately, a business associate of mine. 

Nora Lee. 

The Grand Witch stormed into my domain, her sharp emerald eyes already ablaze with fury before I could even utter a word. Her long black braid tumbled over her shoulder as she crossed her arms, the air around her thrumming with untamed magic. 

I pinched the bridge of my nose, bracing myself for the inevitable assault on my ears. 

“You bastard!” 

“You and Ruby owe me a damn explanation!” 

“But what pisses me off even more is that you waited this long to call me?!* 

I cut in, “Nora, could you mind your manners for just one second?” 

That only threw more fuel on the fire. She had the audacity to step closer, jabbing a finger at me. 

“Ruby is my friend. I just found out she’s sick, and you expect me to stay calm?” she all but shrieked. 

I leaned back against my desk, thoroughly unimpressed. “If I had known you’d be such a delight, I would’ve called you sooner.” 

“Oh, shut it, you insufferable tyrant. Stop wasting my time with your sarcasm and start explaining, Rudwick,” she snapped, her tone dripping with irritation. 

My jaw tightened. I didn’t appreciate the way she spoke to me, but I let it slide for now. I needed her. 

“She collapsed two days ago. Fever, weakness, vomiting. The healers here have been useless in treating her,” I told. 

Nora’s fingers twitched, as if she was barely restraining herself from slapping me. “And you didn’t think to contact me sooner because…?” 

“Because I had other matters to handle,” I replied flatly, watching as the executioners dragged the corpses away. “In case you hadn’t noticed, there’s a war, a trial, and an entire kingdom that needs my attention.” 

Nora scoffed. “Oh yes, poor you, trying to balance your oh–so–busy schedule while Ruby rots away with a fever. That must be so difficult.” 

My eyes narrowed, and the air around me darkened with a murderous aura. “Watch your tone, witch.” 

“Or what? You’ll kill me?” She stepped closer, utterly fearless. “Go ahead. Try it. See what happens.” 

“I didn’t summon you here to argue, Nora. You want to help her? Then do it.” 

I took a deep breath, forcing my anger down. Meanwhile, Nora held my gaze for a long moment before exhaling sharply. 

“Take me to her. Now.” 

At last, I led the witch to her dearest friend. 

The moment we arrived, Nora rushed to Ruby’s side. Up close, she looked even worse, her face deathly pale, her lips dry and cracked, and her breaths coming in shallow, ragged gasps. She barely reacted when I sat beside her, carefully brushing the damp strands of hair from her forehead. I hated seeing her like this. Something unsettling twisted in my chest. 

“Step back, Rudwick. And keep those hands of yours to yourself.” 

My teeth clenched. Elysian would have howled with laughter, seeing me forced into patience like some cave–dwelling monk. If it weren’t for Ruby, the only thing left of this woman would be a gravestone. Maybe. 

Nora knelt beside the bed, pressing her palm gently to Ruby’s forehead before murmuring an incantation under her breath. 

1/2 

Chapter 79: Jalome Flower 

Golden light flared between her fingers, pulsing as it seeped into Ruby’s skin. 

Ruby exhaled softly, her body loosening ever so slightly. 

“This isn’t just any ordinary fever,” Nora said. 

“I already figured that out. Anything useful to add?” I said dryly. 

She shot me a sharp look, deliberately withholding her answer as her hands moved over Ruby’s body, magic threading into 

her veins. 

“Ruby,” Nora whispered, her tone now softer, the golden glow never fading. “You idiot. You always push yourself too hard.” 

Ruby stirred, her lashes fluttering as she let out a weak chuckle. 

“Says the woman who once fainted after casting a storm spell for three days straight.” 

Nora let out a breathless laugh. “That was different. That was impressive.” 

“That was reckless,” Ruby corrected weakly. 

I clicked my tongue. “Are you two done reminiscing?” 

“Shut up, Killian!” they both snapped in unison. 

I pinched the bridge of my nose. “For Hell’s sake. Unbelievable.” 

After a few minutes, color slowly returned to Ruby’s face. She still looked exhausted, but at least she no longer appeared to be knocking on death’s door. Finally, Nora pulled away, rolling her shoulders. 

“That’s enough for now,” she said. “But she needs Jalome flowers. They’re one of the best for cellular recovery.” 

“Jalome flowers?” I echoed. 

Nora smirked, tilting her chin up in challenge. “Rare, hard to find, and they only grow in the coldest regions of the North. Think you can handle it, oh great and mighty King?” 

“Are you questioning my abilities, woman?” 

“I’m questioning whether you care enough to make the effort.” 

A low growl rumbled in my chest. “You insolent Grand Witch, I’ll get those flowers–and if necessary, I’ll shove them down your throat.” 

Despite looking half–dead, Ruby let out a weak laugh. “I never thought I’d live to see the day you two bicker like children.” 

Nora huffed, standing up. “I’ll stay and watch over her. You go get the flowers.” 

I folded my arms, laughing mockingly. “I don’t take orders from witches.” 

“Then consider it a suggestion from someone who actually gives a damn about Ruby.” 

We locked eyes, a silent battle of wills raging between us. It took every ounce of restraint I had not to string her up on the very execution post still drenched in blood outside. 

At last, I conceded. 

I stepped closer to Ruby, swatting away Nora’s hand as she tried to slap me. 

“I’ll be back soon,” I said gently, brushing my fingers over Ruby’s cheek. 

She gave me a drowsy, gentle smile. “I’ll be waiting.” 

Something in me burned at those words. Then she shifted her gaze between me and Nora. 

“Now get out. Both of you. You’re giving me a headache,” she’s grumbled. 

Nora whistled, tossing her hair over her shoulder. 

“Gladly.” 

I sighed, glancing at Ruby one last time before turning away. “I expect you to still be in one piece when I return.” 

She only hummed in response, already drifting off to sleep as I walked away. Well, I’ll get those damn flowers. Even .. to tear this little world apart to do it. 

ave 

2/2