Chapter 86: Meet the Evil Woman
Chapter 86: Meet the Evil Woman
Ruby’s POV
“Why hasn’t he returned yet?”
My anxiety grew even stronger when I heard that Killian’s troops had returned early since yesterday. Yet, their king still hadn‘
t shown his face. I knew that worrying about a tyrant with extraordinary power sounded ridiculous. But not to me.
I was worried about him. It didn’t matter that our relationship was merely contractual,
Leia’s voice rang in my head, “Can you calm down a little bit? I’m starting to get dizzy here!”
“Don’t bother me! I have something to worry about!”
“That’s exactly what I’m saying.” Leia’s voice rose in frustration. “That man is surely fine. We’d be better off enjoying the beauty treatment Beatrice offered us.”
“You’re not helping at all, Leia.”
“Exactly.”
I let out a breath, trying to stay patient with my wolf. Ignoring all her chatter, I quickened my pace. Here I was, searching for Leonidas for over twenty minutes, and when I finally found him in the soldiers‘ barracks, he stood among his men, arms crossed, looking as arrogant as ever. Amara trailed behind me, her breath coming in short gasps as she struggled to keep up. I needed answers.
“Ah, Luna Ruby.”
Leonidas greeted me with a teasing smirk, his sharp eyes gleaming with mischief. “To what do I owe this surprise visit? Have you missed me?”
I rolled my eyes, ignoring his playful tone. “Where is he, your king? He hasn’t returned, and I want to know why.”
Leonidas chuckled, shaking his head. “So impatient. But don’t worry, Your Highness, your beloved tyrant will be back soon. His business took longer than expected, but he’ll return.”
His words were meant to reassure me, yet instead, they only made me more uneasy.
“What business?”
Leonidas raised an eyebrow and shrugged. “You know him. If he wants you to know, he’ll tell you himself.”
I sighed, crossing my arms over my chest.
“That’s the problem. He hasn’t told me anything until now,” I snapped.
Leonidas laughed, leaning slightly closer to me. “You know, you’ve changed, Luna. A few weeks ago, you said your relationship was just a contract. But look at you now.”
His eyes playfully trailed over me from head to toe.
“Storming into the barracks, demanding answers. Should I let Killian know that you miss him so much, Luna Ruby?”
Heat rushed to my face. “I–I was just asking! Stop twisting things around!”
Leonidas only grinned, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
“Of course, dear Luna. Just asking,” he replied shamelessly.
This is why meeting this one–eyed Beta was always my last resort. Leonidas had a way of lighting the fuse of my emotions.
I wondered what the punishment would be for someone who killed a royal Beta. Feeling restless, I decided to change the topic before he could tease me any further.
“What about the slaves? Where were they taken?”
Leonidas straightened up, his cheerful expression dimming slightly. “They were relocated to a special vil‘ rehabilitation. Many of them will be employed to rebuild what was destroyed in their lives.”
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I frowned in confusion. That seemed surprisingly generous for a kingdom ruled by a dictator. For a moment, I suspected it
might be a trick. But Leonidas wouldn’t dare lie to me, knowing that I would surely ask Killian.
“Some will work in noble households, while others will be given different responsibilities,” he added.
My mind immediately went to one person. I hesitated before asking, “And Dominic? Where is he?”
“Did you just express concern for the man who Successfully unlocked!
Startled by his question, I quickly shook my head.
“Of course not! I’m just curious, Leonidas.”
He gave me a strange look before replying. “That man is where he belongs. He will serve as a royal slave, stationed at the
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Chapter 86: Meet the Evil Woman
outskirts of the palace, performing cleaning duties. That’s all he can do for now.”
“Was that a direct order from Killian?”
Leonidas raised an eyebrow. “Yeah. He always likes to keep his new toys close.”
I grimaced. I didn’t want to think about it, let alone try to understand Killian’s intentions. He was probably going this far because Dominic had always been insolent and even dared to spy on his kingdom. Killian was still furious.
Leonidas studied me for a moment before shaking his head.
“You’re too kind sometimes, Luna.”
I wasn’t sure if that was a compliment or an insult. I shrugged indifferently and pulled myself away.
“Curiosity doesn’t mean I care,” I said.
“I think it still means something, Luna.”
“Assume whatever you want, Leonidas.”
On the way back to the palace, I let out a sigh, feeling more exhausted than I should.
I thought I might need a bath later.
“Amara, prepare my clothes for a bath tonight,” I ordered gently..
“Of course, Luna,” she responded enthusiastically. “You deserve some relaxation after dealing with that Beta. He seems to enjoy provoking you!”
I scoffed. “Please, I don’t understand why he insists on making me the target of his jokes either.”
“Does he like you?” Amara asked innocently.
“OF COURSE NOT! Don’t make weird speculations, Amara!”
I shuddered at the mere thought of it becoming a reality. Thankfully, it wasn’t. From what I had heard, that man was a flirt and a notorious playboy despite his strict military demeanor.
Pressing the bridge of my nose, I hoped that a warm bath would soothe my tense nerves. But before that, I needed some fresh air. The palace could feel suffocating at times. So, I parted ways with Amara and made my way toward my favorite garden for a stroll.
As I stepped into the area, I was immediately greeted by a breathtaking display of vibrant colors. My lips curled into a smile of delight.
But the peace didn’t last long.
“Oh, so this is the king’s new pet,” a voice sneered.
I turned to see a woman standing on the pathway, her arms crossed, her gaze dripping with disgust. I had never seen her before, but something about her expression told me she had been waiting for this encounter.
“Pardon me,” I responded as politely as possible, refusing to be provoked by her insult. “I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m still new here.”
She smirked, tilting her head. “Oh, we haven’t. But I’ve heard all about you. I’m Daphne. Killian’s cousin.”
Killian’s cousin? Seriously?
That was strange. That man was older than my ancestors themselves. If he had a cousin, shouldn’t they already be nothing but a headstone by now?
I stiffened as the woman, Daphne stepped closer, her eyes filled with barely concealed contempt. “What’s your secret to catching Killian’s attention? Did you use magic? A lowly creature,” she spat.
I narrowed my eyes. “Excuse me?”
*
my dear cousin. “You heard me,” she said, flicking her hair over her shoulder. “I dared to return here after being exiled, al. You may have fooled him, but not me. You’re just another power–hungry woman, clinging to him like a leech!” Anger burned beneath my skin, and my tone instantly turned cold. “I have no interest in power, Lady Daphne. And really, is this how a cousin of the King should behave? You seem to lack any manners.”
That immediately shattered her facade. Her face flushed red like molten lava, and her eyebrows shot up in rage.
“Watch your mouth, you miserable bitch!”
A hand rose in the air, only to be caught by another one much larger. My eyes widened as I saw the figure standing right behind Daphne.
“You seem awfully eager to throw your life away, Daphne.”
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