Chapter 122: Beta–Carried Bait
Chapter 122: Beta–Carried Bait
Killian’s POV
Work had always been my greatest distraction. My desk was cluttered with security reports, diplomatic letters, and financial records. The scent of parchment and ink surrounded me, and the rhythmic scratching of my pen was the only sound accompanying me.
The medication prescribed by the doctor was effective enough. Perhaps it was the dosage. Even so, my bad habits remained unchanged. Drowning myself in work was the only way to keep my thoughts from wandering into memories I had no desire to relive.
The door creaked open without much of a knock. Only one person dared to do that.
“Oi, Your Majesty, you look like someone who just crawled out of the grave.” Leonidas‘ usual smug tone filled the air as he strolled in, completely unfazed by the clear disapproval in my eyes. “You know, I always thought a king was supposed to look regal. Not like some workaholic drowning in paperwork.”
I sighed, rubbing my temple. “If you’re here to annoy me, Leon, get in line.”
“Now, now. Is that any way to greet the Beta you trust?” He dropped into the chair across from me, making himself comfortable. “I bring you an update.”
“Then get to the point,” I signed the next document with unnecessary force.
“I just got back from the Bloodmoon Pack. Delivered the gift you requested.”
My hand froze for a moment before I resumed writing. “And?”
“And nothing. It’s been delivered. You’re welcome.” He shrugged. “Aren’t you even curious about his reaction?”
I refused to let the conversation drift toward him. “If you’re done, get out of here, Beta.”
“You’re just as cruel to me as ever. What did I ever do to deserve this?!”
“Are you trying to start drama here? No one’s buying it.”
“So heartless. I’m seriously frustrated, okay? My own cousin and king is treating me like a stepchild!” he whined.
I felt a migraine creeping in. In the end, I snapped at that foolish Beta, and, as a result, he plunged straight into his usual cheerful mood. I couldn’t understand how he could shift between emotions so easily, ignoring my irritation as if it didn’t
exist.
And then I had no idea why I still tolerated him as a work partner. Sometimes, he made things entertaining. But most of the time, he didn’t. The office always felt more alive when this one–eyed Beta was around.
Right in the middle of his chatter, the door swung open again. Sean entered, carrying a tray with tea, biscuits, and an accompaniment that didn’t quite belong: my medicine.
He bowed respectfully. “Your Majesty, it’s time.”
“Thank you, Sean.”
I ate two biscuits before finally deciding to take the medicine. My nose scrunched at the bitter taste and the strange mix of herbal ingredients. As I lifted my gaze, I was met with an unusual sight.
Leaning back, I observed as Sean carefully placed a napkin on the side table. He avoided looking at Leonidas, his movements stiff, something I did not fail to notice.
Leonidas, on the other hand, had gone eerily quiet. When I glanced at him, he was watching Sean with an intense stare. Sean poured the tea and placed another biscuit beside it, still pretending Leonidas wasn’t in the room.
I picked up the cup and took a sip of my tea. “What did you do to my butler?”
Leonidas feigned innocence. “Me? Nothing.”
“Liar.” I narrowed my eyes. “Sean, has my Beta been harassing you?”
Sean cleared his throat, still refusing to meet Leonidas’s gaze. “No, Your Majesty. I would never consider Master Leonidas a nuisance.”
I was far from convinced. “That’s the most diplomatic answer I’ve ever heard.”
“Because it’s the truth, Your Majesty. Don’t accuse me without evidence!” Leonidas complained.
“It’s your behavior that always makes me suspicious,” I said, motioning with my thumb toward Sean, who stood beside me.” Look at his expression and his response the moment you walked in. As far as I recall, this has never happened before.”
The younger man took the first step to explain, while Leonidas kept his mouth shut so tightly that I almost wanted to strangle him.
“Your Majesty, I appreciat
your concern. But truly, everything is fine,” he explained.
Chapter 122: Beta–Carried Bait
I studied him skeptically for a moment. “I appreciate your answer. But please, if anything happens, let me know.”
“Of course. I’ll take my leave now, Your Majesty.”
Sean turned to leave, offering a slight bow. I nodded, but my attention remained fixed on Leonidas. The moment the door closed behind Sean, I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes.
“One word, Leonidas?”
Leonidas blinked. “What?”
“You know exactly what. And I’m not blind, no matter how much you try to deny it. You were looking at him like a wolf stalking its prey.”
Leonidas scoffed, though the suspicious red tint creeping up his cheeks betrayed him. “Killian. I think you’re the one imagining things.”
“Oh, really? Because from where I’m sitting, you look like a guilty little puppy.” I smirked.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” He turned his head slightly, his blush deepening. “Get back to work.”
I leaned forward. “Beta, we’ve lived together as cousins and comrades for a long time. Do you really think you can get away with your little lies?”
“Your Majesty, I am me! Nothing happened,” he said a little too quickly, shifting in his seat.
“I think you need a mirror, Beta. Look at yourself, you’re blushing.”
“I am not!”
“You are.”
Leonidas ‘suddenly stood up, visibly flustered. “Well, would you look at the time? I have Beta duties. Important things.”
I chuckled. “You’re running away.”
“I have far more important matters to attend to than entertaining your ridiculous fantasies. Besides, I have some interesting news something you might like, but also hate.”
1 tilted my head. “Oh?”
Leonidas lifted his chin smugly. It failed to have its usual irritating effect, mostly because the man was still blushing over a certain butler.
“Let’s just say… things are about to get very complicated for you.”
“You’re not planning to tell me yet, are you, you damn Beta?” I gritted my teeth.
He flashed a triumphant thumbs–up. “Exactly.”
And with that, he slipped out, leaving me with an annoying sense of curiosity that I knew would come back to haunt me later.
“Bastard.”