Ruby’s POV
(+50)
Beatrice bowed politely before excusing herself, leaving me alone with the master of this domain in the grand music room.
My body remained still as his overwhelming aura filled the space. Then, his fingers brushed against the piano keys beside me, pressing a soft note. My wolf whimpered in the back of my mind.
“Such a shame I wasn’t the first to witness your performance, darling,” his baritone voice sent a shiver down my spine, his breath warm against my cheek before he pressed a kiss there.
I opened my eyes and turned to face him. “I thought you wouldn’t come to see me.”
“Why would you think that?”
“Two days, Your Majesty. You left me without a word since the day you brought me back to my chambers.”
Frustration surged within me. I took a deep breath, finally gathering the courage to meet his gaze again. “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to be rude. I’m just feeling sensitive right now.”
“I understand.”
Effortlessly, he wrapped me in his arms as I remained seated at the piano, pressing a kiss to the top of my head.
“Your anger is valid,” he murmured.
“Then, would you care to explain why you left this time?”
When I looked up, I met his crimson gaze, which softened slightly for me. “In short, I was dealing with Lucius’s allies. A nuisance, but nothing I can’t handle.”
“Why would they dare challenge you? Just how many allies does Lucius have?”
A sense of unease settled within me at the mention of Lucius. I had heard little about the Northern Kingdom–only whispers of its king, a madman. He was known for collecting slaves and frequently misbehaving in public. Compared to Killian, the difference was stark.
Killian, at the very least, still had some redeeming qualities.
At least, according to my judgment for now.
“They side with Lucius because of their shared hatred for me,” Killian responded coolly, threading his fingers through my hair with surprising gentleness. “I don’t blame them, considering my history of sins. You know who I truly am, Ruby.”
“That last part is somewhat true. But—”
“Can we not talk about them anymore? They are insignificant.”
His request, which felt more like a command, made me relent. My gaze drifted to his clothing–stained with patches of blood.
A sharp pang of worry twisted in my chest.
“Are you hurt?” I asked, alarmed.
My hand instinctively reached out, as if to check for hidden wounds.
1/4
07:32 Sat, 26 Apr m S.
Chapter 75
Killian smirked, catching my wrist and bringing it to his lips.
“Your paranoia is truly admirable, little wolf.”
I bit my lip, my face burning. Any lingering resentment toward him quickly melted away. I was about to grus kaw away. only for him to stop me. He held me in place, tilting his head slightly as he observed me. His gaze Sidered to my toe ook then down to my hands. Slowly, the smugness in his expression faded.
“Do you not like the jewelry?” he questioned, his tone void of emotion. “I don’t see you wearing way of it
Coldness crept through my bones. My stomach twisted in fear. I never imagined that he would notice, let alone be willing to ask such a question.
“No! I mean, I like them. I love them,” I hurriedly explained, shaking my head. “I just… I’m not sure which one to wear They’re all beautiful.”
His gaze darkened in a way that would make even the most insane person tremble in terror. I wished I could then back face At this moment, Killian was no longer just a tyrant who enjoyed playing with words.
“You have to wear it,” he growled dangerously, his grip tightening around my neck until a strangled sound excped my lips. T chose it for you, Ruby. Specifically.”
I shivered and quickly nodded. “I–I swear I’ll wear it.”
“That’s what I wanted to hear from you, my dear.”
Slowly, the invisible reins around my chest loosened as Killian pulled back and extended his hand ‘Come. Let’s have lancia I’m sure you’ve forgotten to take care of yourself again.”
“R–right. I haven’t had much of an appetite earlier,” I stammered, following him with my head still bowed in fear.
“Do we need to take you to a healer, Ruby?”
I caught the faint note of concern in Killian’s signature baritone. It soothed my shaken soul, even if just a little. Even Leia had withdrawn into herself.
“No need, Killian. I’m fine.”
He tightened his grip. “If you say so.”
Her drastic mood swings made me shiver. I restrained myself from lying rigid on the floor. This would be my first lesson if I didn’t stroke his ego.
Fortunately, lunch with Killian was always quite a nice experience. He fostered an atmosphere of quiet reverence. “It’s about appreciating the food and the chef who worked hard for it,” he often said.
It was still hard to believe such considerate words came from the same man who had just been furious moments ago. The upside was that Killian never allowed anyone to interfere. It was always just the two of us, sitting in an opulent dining hall, surrounded by plates of food that seemed far too extravagant for a simple meal. I was immensely grateful for that. I wasn’t ready to meet the official members of the royal family. The burden I carried here was already humiliating enough.
Midway through the meal, I set my fork down and looked at him. “I sent a letter to Jake Smith”
Killian’s movements slowed as he raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Did you?”
“Yes,” I affirmed, slicing into my succulent steak. “He has the right to know about Camilla, though the news has probably spread by now.”
Killian leaned back in his chair, swirling the wine in his glass. “You’re too kind.”
07.32 Sat, 26 Apr
Chapter 75
Л
I bit my lip, my eyes now fixed on the piece of meat, though my thoughts had drifted far from here. “I’m a mother, Killian. I understand Beta Smith’s position all too well. If Camilla tries anything, he will know what’s coming
The man lounged in his high–backed chair, a smirk curving on his lips. “You have an incredible sense of empathy. That could be your downfall in the future. But I understand why you did it.”
“So, you’re not upset about it?” I asked, half–surprised.
“No.”
Before I could respond, Killian reached into his pocket and pulled out an intricately designed small box. Then, he pushed it toward me.
“Open it.”
I was mesmerized. My eyes flickered between the square box and Killian. He gave me a small nod as a signal. Not wanting to keep him waiting, I picked it up and carefully lifted the lid.
My breath caught instantly.
Inside lay a ring. The metal was a deep silver, adorned with intricate engravings of ancient runes, and at its center was a rare, multicolored gemstone that seemed to shift hues under the sunlight.
My lips parted in astonishment. “This is…”
“Exactly as you see it. I thought it would look exquisite on your finger,” Killian smoothly interjected. “It’s made from the Sacred Lands. Difficult to obtain, but nothing is too difficult when it comes to you.”
I stared at him as if he had grown two heads. Maybe, to some who had long abandoned old traditions, giving a ring as a gift to the opposite sex meant nothing without explicitly stated intentions. But I was an exception.
My heart pounded wildly. “Killian, I—“
“Wear it. Consider it my way of making amends for my poor behavior these past two days,” he commanded gently.
With slightly trembling fingers, I slipped the ring onto my finger. It fit perfectly.
Killian watched me in satisfaction before reaching for my hand and pressing a kiss to my knuckles.
“Beautiful, love. Like you.”
After dessert, Killian leaned back in his chair, his expression turning serious.
“The trial will be held in three days.”
I tensed, my fingers tightening slightly around my wine glass. “That soon?”
He nodded, a sour frown on his face. “I assume you already sensed that from Leonidas. Besides, I’m getting bored of tormenting them.”
I downed the wine in one gulp, the rich, intoxicating flavor melting on my tongue.
“Indeed.”
He hummed. “Do you want to see them before the trial?”
Long before Killian made the offer, his Beta had already done so. I had spent years surrounded by deceivers and a husband who betrayed me. Did I want to see them again before their fate was decided?
07:32 581, 26 Apr
讀
Chapter 75
“Yes,” I answered, even surprising myself. “I want to see them.”
༥ 97%°
+50)
Killian’s lips curled into a cruel smirk. “Then let’s pay them a visit.”
Escorted by Beta Leonidas and several guards, we descended into the depths of the dungeon. The air was damp, heavy with the stench of blood.
My heart pounded as we reached the cells, torches flickering against the cold, moss–covered stone walls. This wasn’t my first time stepping into the dungeon. And yet, the horror and dread never faded.
And then my gaze fell upon Nathaniel, his beloved wife, and Camilla.
The purity they once carried had vanished, replaced by tattered clothing, unkempt hair, and bodies covered in grime and wounds. The only one who remained somewhat clean was Camilla, as a pregnant prisoner.
Meanwhile, across the special cell, lay the once–mighty Alpha, now helpless, Dominic Foster.
Camilla was the first to notice my presence. She lunged toward the iron bars, clutching them with trembling hands, a pitiful wail escaping her lips.
“Ruby! Please, help me! Save us all!”
“I’ll do anything as long as I get out of here! I’m begging you!”
I stared at her, the woman who had taken everything from me and felt… nothing.
The clanking of chains echoed along the stone walls. Nathaniel glared at me, his eyes burning with seething hatred.
“I should have killed you from the start! You’re a parasite, just like your parents were!”
I gritted my teeth, my fingers curling into fists. The searing heat of fury threatened to reach its peak. So that’s how it turned out. He eventually exposing his little corruption that I wasn’t his daughter and his cruel intentions towards me.
Suddenly, two hands settled on my shoulders, squeezing gently, accompanied by a devil’s whisper.
“Take your time with your enemies.”
A possessive kiss landed behind my ear.
“And let them know who the true victor is in this deadly game, darling.”
田
