Chapter 142: Chasing Her – A Greedy Tyrant 

Chapter 142: Chasing Her – A Greedy Tyrant 

Killian’s POV 

“Your Majesty, it’s time.” 

Sean stood not far from me, holding a glass of water in one hand and a small silver vial of medicine in the other. His tone was gentle, but I could already hear the judgment laced beneath it. I didn’t move from the window. Sometimes, Sean could be far sterner than Beatrice. I appreciated that kind of concern, but I never quite geused to being cared for. 

I only lived for myself, without anyone else. Although Leonidas had managed to break through, becoming the only one I allowed to step deeper into my personal life. The last, by a woman I still love to this day. Sean might become another. But! couldn’t stand it when care came in the form of a mother bear. 

“I’ll take it later,” I said, watching the clouds shift above the mountains in the distance. “I have somewhere to be.” 

Sean sighed. “And your appointment with Dr. Lira?” 

“Postpone it.” 

“You’ve already postponed it twice this month.” 

“I don’t care.” 

He set the glass and the vial down a bit forcefully. 

“Killian-” 

I turned around, throwing him a sharp look. “Careful, boy.” 

Sean was completely unfazed by my harshness. He straightened his back and stepped closer to me. 

“Apologies, Your Majesty. But Leonidas and I are done with this dance,” he said, grounding himself. “You say you want to heal, but all you do is brood, push people away, and ignore everyone who’s trying to help.” 

“I don’t have time for a therapy lecture.” 

“You’ve had time to stare at the wall for the past three hours, but not enough to stop yourself from spiraling again?” he shot back. 

I clenched my jaw. “I have something more important today.” 

“And what, exactly, is more important than not falling into another episode of insomnia and regret?” 

“Rosalyn.” 

That gave him pause. Sean crossed his arms, his eyes scanning me like he was assessing a threat. “So, what is this about?” 

“I want to see her later. Things that need to be resolved,” I replied, snuffing out the tip of my cigar in the ashtray. “Can’t it wait just one day? You could reschedule with her, right? She’d understand, Your Majesty,” he said, half–weary. “No. The sooner I do it, the better,” I snapped. 

Sean didn’t move, placing the meds on the nightstand. “I don’t need to understand to see that you look like hell, haven’t eaten since yesterday, and you’re lying to every doctor who walks into this room.” 

“But you’re going to see another man’s former mate. How could that possibly be good for your emotional stability?” he added, more sharply. 

Sometimes I needed something to hit me in the head to wake up. But that didn’t mean I wasn’t stubborn. I understood Sean meant well and wanted me to heal faster. It’s just that, in my eyes right now, it didn’t feel that way. What I wanted- ‘what I needed–was to see Rosalyn as soon as possible. 

I stepped closer, jaw clenched. “You’re forgetting yourself, Sean.” 

“And you’re forgetting that I’m not just your servant. I’m your friend. Whether you like it or not.” 

A sudden knock interrupted us. Leonidas leaned against the doorframe, grinning like he’d been listening the whole time. “Do you two always have this much fun before noon?” he teased. 

Sean turned, his face briefly softening when he saw his mate. “He’s impossible. Please tell your king to stop acting like a tantrum–throwing child.” 

Successfully unlocked! 

Leonidas let out a booming laugh. He threw up in anus sueuer, acknowledging that he’d be ignored just as thoroughly as Sean. 

“So, business as usual,” Leonidas said as he walked in. “Sean, darling, why not let the king destroy himself in peace just this once?” 

Chapter 142 Chasing Her A Greedy Tyrant 

Sean glared at him, clearly ready to kick him out. Leonidas, unfazed by his mate’s seething stare, slid an arm around his waist and whispered something that made Sean’s expression shift–half annoyed, half resigned. 

“You can’t charm your way out of every argument,” Sean muttered. 

“True,” Leonidas said with a wink. “But I can seduce you into giving me a ten–minute break.” 

Sean rolled his eyes and handed over the glass with a sulk. He glanced at me, muttering something about a pair of annoying idiot cousins and a slew of other frustrated grumbles. 

“Alright. But if I hear you skip your meds again, Your Majesty, I’ll personally lock youth our infirmary,” he threatened. 

I sighed, knowing there would be no more excuses left to toss the medicine out the window. After downing it in one gulp, I quickly reached for my coat. 

“Then I’m off. Don’t destroy my palace with all your antics, Leonidas,” I warned. 

Leonidas burst into roaring laughter at the hidden meaning in my words, while Sean turned as red as a ripe Fuji apple. Leonidas pressed a kiss to Sean’s cheek and yelled at me to get going already. 

The portal glowed with a bluish hue. It had been a long time since I last used it. Just looking at it reminded me of her. She was the one who gave me permission to take it, to use it however I liked. It was one of the best memories I had of her–of us–back when we first met. 

Shaking the thought from my head, I stepped in, leaving the comfort of my room behind. 

The café was nearly empty when I arrived. The atmosphere was quieter than usual, despite the day already moving past morning. I chose the farthest table with a view of the fountain outside. My fingers tapped restlessly on the table as I waited for the other guest to arrive. 

I barely noticed the waiter asking for my order. I was completely caught in a wave of anxious anticipation. This was the first time we’d meet properly, outside of everything that had happened. This was what I had been waiting for. The outcome might have disappointed me, but at least half of my hope had come true. 

I had never stopped waiting for her to reincarnate into this world. In fact, time no longer held meaning for me. 

When Rosalyn walked in, it felt like I was taking my first breath after drowning for so long. She looked so exhausted that it made me anxious. I wanted nothing more than to wrap her in a hug. Her eyelids hung low with a weary gaze, and her shoulders were tenser than I remembered. 

She wore an ivory–white coat, her hair left down to brush her back, and those hazel eyes that still held a flicker of life. My heart ached seeing her like this. She must’ve read the letter Mikael sent her. 

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” she said. 

I was taken aback by that first greeting. She sat across from me without saying another word. 

“It’s totally fine. I just got here early, it doesn’t mean you were late,” I replied simply. 

The café server came by with the espresso I had ordered, and Rosalyn ordered hers afterward. Steam rose from the coffee into the air. I had lost all interest in touching my espresso now that she was here. Slowly, we looked at each other. 

“I didn’t bring the kids,” she said at last, her voice tight. 

“I know. Thank you for coming.” 

I gave her a small smile. I hoped it didn’t scare her like it once had, back when I visited her pack. Then, Ruby placed the letter between us. Her expression was no longer as harsh as I remembered. 

“I’ve read it.” 

I nodded, glancing at the letter. “I’m glad you were willing to. He gave it to me through my people. I’m sorry it took this long to deliver. Mikael warned me not to give it to you during the one–year mourning period.” 

Ruby tensed. She swallowed hard, then shook her head. A dry chuckle escaped her lips as she muttered a few annoyed words about her mate. She looked like she had truly loved him. A sharp pang pierced my chest. 

“I really don’t understand how my mate thinks,” Ruby said, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Of course, he always cared more about my feelings than I ever could for myself.” 

She offered a faint smile to the server who arrived with her drink. 

“I’m sorry for my rudeness yesterday. It must be a heavy burden to take responsibility from someone who didn’t like you,” 

she remarked. 

The corner of my lips lifted, amused. “His dislike for me was never meant to harm. And you don’t owe me an apology.” Ruby’s gaze held mine for a moment. I caught a glimpse of her eyes, no longer that deep ocean blue, shimmering with something nostalgic. I let her look. Despite the tension in the air, I was cherishing this moment together. I missed her so 

144 -huninally hurt. 

Chapter 142 Chasing Her–A Greedy Tyrant 

“I hated you at first. But it didn’t last long,” she admitted suddenly. 

I stared down at the dark surface of the espresso in my hand. “You had every right to, even until the end of time, Ruby.” 

“I have my reasons why not, Killian.” 

I nearly flinched in surprise when Ruby spoke my first name. Something I hadn’t heard from her in so long. It felt like a piece of my old home had welcomed me back. 

“I got the truth from Leonidas. I grieve for what happened to you,” she said, calmer now. “Then, according to the letter I read, Mikael didn’t want any of this. Because holding on to hatred only brings more pain 

I didn’t know what to say. Her words cut deeper than any sword. It was heartbreaking to recall the reason we were torn apart–my unforgivable mistake. 

“I’m not here to reopen anything,” I said, my mouth suddenly dry and bitter. “I know what I destroyed. I know what I’ve lost. But Mikael asked me to protect you… and the children.” 

“And I mean what I’m doing,” I continued. “Not out of duty or any sense of honor, Ruby.” 

Ruby looked at me for a long moment. “And after that?” 

“What?” 

“After the debt is repaid. Then what? You’re not going to guard us forever, Killian.” 

“I’m not thinking that far ahead. All I want is for you to be safe in every way. Especially the children.” 

She exhaled. “I don’t want anything from you. Not your money, power, or protection. I can still handle those things on my own. But if you truly meant what you said to the girls and the youngest, then I’ll allow it. You can try.” 

Hope flared in my chest, only to be dimmed by her final words, crushing any imagined future I dared to dream. “For Mikael,” she added. 

I nodded with a neutral expression. Of course. That was the only reason. I had already prepared myself for the worst. At the very least, I should be grateful–because it meant she was still willing to let me try. Even if there was no room left for me in her heart. 

“I’ll take whatever you’re willing to give,” I said quietly. “Even if it’s just a few conversations. I’ll treasure every second of them.” 

“Don’t come near my house without asking. Don’t overstep your boundaries. And never lie to my children.” 

“I won’t,” I replied firmly. 

She stood after taking the last sip of her drink. 

“One more thing. There’s no need to talk about the past. That part is over, Killian.” 

For a moment, we locked eyes as she slung her bag over her shoulder. The old pain stirred between us like ashes from a fire that had never truly gone out. 

“I have to go. See you around.” 

I nodded again, unable to trust my voice. She gently touched the table where the letter had rested, then picked it up and slipped it back into her bag. 

“Take care of your sanity, Killian.” 

And then she was gone, disappearing from my view. I remained seated, completely still. The space across from me felt as if it still held her shape… and her voice. 

For the first time in years, I had a purpose that wasn’t soaked in regret. 

But was it ever enough for a greedy tyrant like me? 

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