Chapter 96: Beta’s Warm Heart
Chapter 96: Beta’s Warm Heart
Ruby’s POV
This lake is breathtaking; a sapphire mirror reflecting the golden hues of the bright morning sun. It would have been a perfect night if only my heart weren’t so heavy. I wrapped my arms around myself as the cool breeze swept through my hair.
I had barely spoken since Leonidas brought me here, but he never forced me to talk either. That was something I appreciated about him. Unlike Killian, who demanded and took, Leonidas simply waited for the speaker to come forward.
“Take this.”
Leonidas handed me his handkerchief. I glanced at the white fabric, embroidered with his real name’s initials in deep purple. My tears were still falling. I sobbed, took the handkerchief, and murmured a quiet thank you.
I wiped my tears, trying to regain control over myself.
“Take your time. The morning is still young; there’s no need to rush,” he said.
I pressed my lips together and lowered my gaze. And so, I sat there, wrapped in the bubble of my own thoughts. I didn’t trust Leonidas. Even if I did, it was only forty percent. After all, he was the Beta of the King who had driven me into this despair. Leonidas would undoubtedly report everything I said to him. How wonderful.
And yet, when someone is grieving, what they need is simply someone to sit beside them. It’s as simple as that.
“Apologies for letting you see me like this, Beta,” I murmured weakly.
Leonidas dismissed it with indifference. “Crying only means your emotions are still intact, Luna.”
I fell silent at his words. The corner of my lips tugged into a brief smile.
“I thought you’d be impatiently waiting for my answer,” I said innocently, folding the handkerchief. “So you can go running to your king?”
“Oh dear, your accusation wounds my fragile heart.” His voice was deliberately teasing, but his eyes said he cared. “So, are you planning to stay silent all night, Luna?”
I let out a long sigh. “I don’t even know where to start.”
“You know Killian. Speak the truth–clearly and directly–so your king doesn’t misunderstand,” he explained, tossing a pebble into the lake, causing ripples to form on its surface.
I laughed, though only in my heart. “Compared to you, Leonidas, I am nothing. Killian probably thinks I’m betraying him as we speak.”
“Must you think that far?” His voice was firm, each word emphasized. “If you’re still blind to it, let me spell it out for you. He trusts you deeply.”
I bit my lip, staring down at the crystal–clear water. Somehow, that only made the pain in my chest grow heavier.
“Don’t joke about this, Leonidas. It won’t work on me.”
“I’m not interested in being a jester this time either, Ruby. So, tell me basically, the man is accusing you of hiding something, isn’t he?” His tone wasn’t accusatory, just curious.
I doubted, letting out a quiet sob. “Not in the way he thinks.”
Leonidas studied me with one sharp eye for a long moment before responding. “Honestly, I’m curious too. You haven’t been yourself since we returned from the magic tower. But my concern is are you well? You look pale sometimes, Luna.” My entire body tensed at his words. My fingers turned cold. “I’m fine, Leonidas. Just a little tired.”
“Your talent for honesty is truly remarkable, Ruby Lucienne,” he clicked his tongue in disapproval.
I looked at him–the man who had always been loyal to Killian yet had never treated me cruelly. He was my friend. At least, as much of a friend as I could have in this place.
“Have you ever felt like you’re standing at the edge of a cliff, and you know that if you jump, there’s no way bac
His expression shifted, the usual brightness dimming into something more pensive.
“Many times.”
“That’s how I feel,” I whispered, more to myself than to him. “And I don’t know if I should jump. And yet… so many hearts hold a special kind of hatred for me.”
Leonidas didn’t rush to speak. He took a breati
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“I think I know why Irwin despises you.”
I scoffed, unsurprised by the sudden shift in topic. “I assume it’s simply because I exist.”
“And because you’re too close to Killian.”
I sneered. “That’s hardly a secret.”
Chapter 40 brig’s Van Heart
“But you’re more than that, Ruby His gaze locked onto mine. “You are a threat.”
“A threat? To whom?” I repeated in disbelief.
To those who have spent years securing Killian’s favor. To those who have built their power within his court, believing themselves untouchable. And then you came along”
1 have nothing that could control Killian. Why does it always feel like I’m the easiest target here?!” I exclaimed, my voice laced with panic.
“I know” Leonidas said, his face carefully composed. “But that doesn’t change the fact that they think you do. Be careful, Ruby. Not everyone is as open–minded as I am.”
I looked away, my stomach twisting into knots. “I never wanted to be anyone’s enemy.”
“And yet, here you are,” he said dryly.
A small, bitter laugh escaped my lips. “Yes… unfortunately, I am.”
I was grateful that Leonidas gave me time to think instead of forcing his own opinions on me. He sighed, then placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder.
“More importantly, you are not alone. You have my voice behind you.”
I looked up at him, warmth creeping into my chest at the sincerity I found in his gaze.
“Thank you, Leonidas,”
A mischievous glint returned to his eyes. “Come on. I need to get you back before someone particularly a certain tyrant that decides I’ve kidnapped you,”
And then, Leonidas intended to escort me to the library. I wanted to go there to soothe my soul, even if only for a moment. His presence had become a strange source of comfort. However, as we made our way there, I suddenly heard a voice.
“Luna!”
Amara rushed toward us, clutching a bottle tightly in her hand. In her haste, she stumbled slightly, and as Leonidas turned to steady her, the contents of the bottle splashed onto his sleeve.
I froze in place,
Leonidas lifted his arm, frowning as he examined the black stain. His fingers reached for the bottle, snatching it from Amara’s grasp. He turned it between his fingers, inspecting the liquid inside. His jaw clenched tightly.
“What is this?”
Panic struck me like a bolt of lightning. My heart pounded as I scrambled for the right words to explain the situation.
Leonidas turned to me slowly, his piercing gaze locking onto mine.
“Ruby,”
I swallowed hard. His lips curled into something as cold as death itself before he raised the bottle to his mouth. My breath hitched as he pressed a kiss to the rim of the glass and demanded:
“Tell me what exactly am I holding right now?”
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